How can we apply the harmony of Aaron's anointing to church relationships? The Picture in Psalm 133:2 “ It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on Aaron’s beard, running down upon the collar of his robes.” (Psalm 133:2) Oil of Consecration: Why Aaron? • Aaron’s anointing signified his consecration as high priest (Exodus 29:7). • The oil was compounded according to God’s exact recipe (Exodus 30:23-25), set apart as holy. • In the psalm, that sacred, fragrant oil becomes a visual of how God views believers living in unity—set apart, pleasing, distinct. Overflowing Downward: A Pattern for Leadership • The oil starts at the head and flows to the robes—unity begins with leaders who are personally saturated with God’s presence. • When pastors, elders, teachers, and ministry heads walk in humility and mutual honor, the “oil” naturally reaches the whole body (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Just as Aaron could not stop the oil once poured, spiritual leaders cannot hoard grace; it must flow. Fragrance and Healing: How Unity Feels • Anointing oil carried a distinctive aroma. Unity carries a spiritual “fragrance” others notice (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). • Olive oil in biblical times soothed wounds; relational harmony has a healing effect on past hurts within the congregation (Colossians 3:13-14). • The flow down the beard and robes pictures abundance—there is more than enough grace for every member. Guarding the Flow: Practical Steps for the Church – Speak truth in love; refuse gossip (Ephesians 4:25-29). – Pursue reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). – Celebrate diverse gifts while honoring one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). – Pray regularly for leaders, asking God to keep them yielded so the “oil” keeps moving (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Serve side-by-side; shared ministry tightens bonds (Philippians 1:27). – Practice hospitality; unity grows around tables as well as pews (Romans 12:10-13). Linked Scriptures That Echo the Lesson • Ephesians 4:1-3 – “Walk in a manner worthy… bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” • John 17:22-23 – Jesus ties our oneness to the world’s ability to believe. • Psalm 133:3 – Unity invites God’s commanded blessing; it is not merely pleasant, it is powerful. • Hebrews 13:15-16 – Shared praise and practical good works are sacrifices God treasures. Living it Out Together Unity isn’t a program; it is the overflow of lives yielded to the same Lord. When each believer stays under the anointing—honoring Christ, honoring leaders, honoring one another—the fragrance of Aaron’s oil fills the church. The result is a community where God delights to “command the blessing—life forevermore.” |
    |