Publication
CHURCH WEEKLY
BEHOLD HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY (PSALM 133)
Dear Members in Christ,
Behold how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133)
The month of June has been a busy month for many of us in Calvary Jaya. After the week’s Family Bible Camp in Ipoh, we return to prepare for the reception of the Pandanite campers, and then the subsequent Annual Congregational Meeting. One remarkable event this month is the combined meeting on the 11th of June 2023. It is remarkable because it is probably the only occasion when we have an idea of the full seating capacity of the Calvary Jaya new sanctuary. The attendance recorded by the ushers was 301 persons, but an estimate of the full seating capacity by other observers put it at around 320 persons. This occasion is remarkable because believers from three congregations assembled to worship on this Sunday morning the 11th of June 2023. Rev. (Dr) Quek Suan Yew from Calvary Pandan Bible-Presbyterian Church (BPC) preached the sermon entitled, “Brethren dwelling in unity” from the text of a hundred and thirty-third Psalm.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there, the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalm 133:1-3
It is good to see the unity of the people in the worship of God. The time was opportune for God’s people, for this was the weekend before the Calvary Pandan BPC and the Truth BPC Family Bible Camps. Those campers who had made their way to KL early came to Calvary Jaya to worship with us. It is especially heartwarming to see like-minded believers coming together in worship. During the post-service fellowship and the lunch that followed, we see many acquaintances renewed, and old friends catching up on lost time. A wonderful and memorable time for the gathering of God’s people, but can we learn from such occasions? As we shall see, there is much to learn from the gathering of God’s people.
A. Unity of God’s people in worship
Firstly, it is indeed beautiful and pleasant to see God’s people united in faith and belief. We were all reminded by the morning sermon of the imputed holiness that binds us all together. We are united in holiness because of what the Lord Jesus has done for us on the cross of Calvary. What else can we learn from this weekend together? For one thing, I was glad to see the people of Calvary Jaya working in unison to accommodate the sudden influx of visitors in one weekend.
The day before the Lord’s Day, some of the youths have put their hand to the plow so to speak, to move additional chairs for the sanctuary. Plans had to be made to accommodate additional seating both at the main sanctuary and the gallery, and additional chairs had to be brought from the fellowship hall to the sanctuary. Thank God for the labor of love for those who helped in expanding the seating capacity.
Thank God also for the joy of chairing the worship service. As I led in the opening Hymn “Give Thanks to God Most High” I lifted my eyes and saw the main sanctuary filled, even to the aisle, and the gallery too was brimming with children and parents. As the congregation stood up to sing the opening hymn, we heard voices in unison singing,
Give thanks to God Most High, the Mighty King of Kings,
His mercy like the sky, Rich showers of blessings bring.
The combined voices of all 300+ worshippers filled the hall with praise and blessing for the Lord Jesus Christ, our King of kings. As Augustine had declared, worship is the greatest of virtues. The sight of God’s people united in the worship of the Almighty God is uplifting. Brothers and sisters, this is truly a foretaste of the eternal worship that awaits all who trust in the Lord Jesus. Let us treasure our unity in holiness and the worship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
B. The pleasantness of the unity of God’s people in service
What else can we learn from the combined worship service on the 11th of June? One important lesson we have learned is that besides prayer, God’s work also requires human responsibility. This may involve the work of diligent preparation and planning for the reception of the visitors. To accommodate the sudden increase in number of worshippers, much preparatory work had to be done in the preceding weeks.
Greeters and ushers did their part to optimize the seating plan. Ushers overseeing the parking area also had to ensure that drivers were given appropriate guidance. But that is not all, because we do not always receive such numbers for the fellowship lunch, so a system had to be devised for lunch orders. Thank God, many were involved voluntarily, serving joyfully. We thank God for willing hands and willing hearts in the distribution of the coupons and the serving of the meals. Even the Sunday School teachers and helpers had to be forewarned to cope with the additional numbers. Many of the visitors came as families with their children of all ages. At the end of the day, praise and thank God for the work done.
When God deems it necessary, He will move His people to serve and to do His bidding. As I prayed and meditated over the event, I saw the church working as one, moving and living as a body to serve God’s purpose. God can breathe life into His church at His choosing and for His pleasure. We are reminded by the sermon that our unity in the Lord our God is life-giving.
“As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalm 133:3
May we live and serve our Lord faithfully, for the life that He has bestowed upon us. To God be the glory. Amen.
In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor