Suit Up And Show Up
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133
INSIGHT
"Suit up and show up." It's a charge I often give to the students and student-athletes whom I work with each day. While on the front end, I use it to motivate the individual to personal respect and preparedness, it might just be what's on the unspoken side that holds the real power. What I'm driving at is the power of community.
If I want my kids to reach their best work, I know they need to position themselves to gain from the like-minded others around them. I want them to suit up and show up because that gives each of them a fighting chance to get all they need.
As humans, we can be impressive, but we are decidedly imperfect. What we can accomplish on our own is finite. Many of us nail it when it comes to individual rituals such as prayer and studying God's Word. Without loving others, though, little is gained. Don't be misled: spiritual disciplines are necessary for growth and the fact that others need you and your gifts too. Remember, "suit up and show up." Bringing God's Kingdom to the world around us cannot happen in a vacuum. We need a more significant source.
Today's passage illustrates the incredible effects when people come together in unity. This particular song of ascents compares living together in unity to the blessings of oil and water. First, it recognizes a copious pouring of oil as a consecration element or a ritual to prepare someone for Godly service. It is plentiful enough to not only cover the head but flow down to the robes. We then see the dew of Mt. Hermon as what would have to be a monstrous rush of water. To reach the distant Mt. Zion, it's miraculous. It is a life-giving act of God. What links the two illustrations, though, is the shocking abundance. Think of the volume of each liquid described. It is extravagant! The Psalmist wants others to see unity among God's people as an overflowing, abundant source of sanctification and life.
Consider how the Gospel of John tells us God has given us Jesus Christ so that we might have everlasting life. As much as we relish the idea of a "personal savior," Christ came to save the world. He wants us all to live among Him in His Kingdom. For that to happen, love must take place inside the community. Think of that person to whom you could give a meaningful call to see how they are doing. How might it affect them? Think of how you could use your passion to teach another. Where could you lean in?
When we truly take the time to care for others and know them closely, God's mercies flow down from on high. Our Lord redeems us with unshakable sanctity. He empowers each of us to contribute a purposeful gift that matters. When we let go of burdens and assume a posture of receiving, allowing others to minister to us, we experience the blessings of life. That is the power of community.
REFLECTION
Where might you make yourself available to others to experience redemption and growth in God?
What would it look like to be vulnerable to receive the ministry of those around you?
PRAYER
Father, I praise the way You work through me and those around me to give us a chance to have a purpose, a chance to matter. Though I don't always appreciate or see this truth, Your redeeming love is always available. For that, I am grateful! Thank you for involving us all as stakeholders in Your Kingdom. Lord, please grant me the courage to let go of my burdens so that I can give them to You. Afford me the wisdom and the drive to act locally and personally to help bring Your Kingdom here. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Port City writer Adam King wrote today's devotional.
