SEARCHLIGHT
What are you willing to do for God? Do you need to be in charge or require a title before you begin serving? Are you willing to get your hands dirty for Jesus?
SCRIPTURE
“ALTOGETHER, THOSE CHOSEN TO BE GATEKEEPERS AT THE THRESHOLDS NUMBERED 212. THEY WERE REGISTERED BY GENEALOGY IN THEIR VILLAGES. THE GATEKEEPERS HAD BEEN ASSIGNED TO THEIR POSITIONS OF TRUST BY DAVID AND SAMUEL THE SEER.” 1 Chronicles 9:22 NIV
“THESE DIVISIONS OF THE GATEKEEPERS, THROUGH THEIR LEADERS, HAD DUTIES FOR MINISTERING IN THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD, JUST AS THEIR RELATIVES HAD.” 1 Chronicles 26:12 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
It happened during the American Revolution. A man dressed in civilian clothes rode by some soldiers who were repairing a defensive barrier. The soldier in charge was shouting instructions but made no attempt to actively get involved to help. The rider asked why. With great dignity and lack of humility, the soldier retorted, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The inquiring stranger dismounted, apologized to the corporal and proceeded to assist the tired soldiers. When the job was completed, he turned to the corporal and said, “ Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your Commander-in-Chief and I will come and help you again.” The man who appeared to be a civilian was George Washington. The Commander-in-Chief still continued to be a soldier, even though he possessed the title. He did not have to be in charge. Neither did he shy away from getting his hands dirty.
Why is it that many Christians express interest in serving the Lord but end up advising, criticizing, or marginalizing? God intends for all believers to become involved in His work on earth regardless of the title given, the position held, or how challenging the task is. Believers are called by God to serve and work together so the Gospel will be proclaimed.
Would you CONSIDER BECOMING A GATEKEEPER? In 1 Chronicles 9:17-34, and 26:1-19, you can read about the important ministry of gatekeeping. In the Scripture texts above, they indicate that the gatekeeper was chosen and then assigned to a position of trust. To be a gatekeeper meant that God had directly guided someone to choose him because he was trustworthy. In addition, whatever the gatekeeper’s duties, they were considered ministry. If it was cleaning the tabernacle, it was considered working for the Lord. What an honor! He had become involved in work that would reap eternal rewards. Please note that verse 12 proves that the gatekeeper ministry was so rewarding, that many family members were involved.
Becoming a gatekeeper meant that you had accepted the call of God to serve and minister. There were a variety of tasks that a gatekeeper might do. He may be responsible for guarding the entrance to the tabernacle, overseeing the treasury, locking doors at night, singing and playing music, taking care of equipment, or preparing items needed for upcoming worship services. A gatekeeper was a person who considered it a high calling and great privilege to work for God. He knew he was doing something that was spiritual and eternal.
God loves a gatekeeper. Why? Because that person has decided to accept a divine call to do God’s work. There is great reward from becoming one. You will experience God’s presence and blessing in profound ways, just as Phinehas did. The Bible says that God was with him. That meant that he was close to God (1 Chronicle 9:20). Wouldn’t you like to experience God’s powerful presence in fresh ways? Before Samuel became a great prophet, who was so greatly used by God, he was a gatekeeper (1 Samuel 3:15). Isn’t it time for you to serve rather than advise, criticize or marginalize? Isn’t this the moment for you to lead without being recognized by name or given a title?
Niccolo Paganini was a violin virtuoso and composer who lived from 1782 to 1840. He is attributed as being a major contributor to the modern-day violin technique. When he died, he willed his violin to Genoa, the city of his birth. However, he made the condition that it was never to be played again. Someone observed; “It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless, except as a relic. The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning” (Bits and Pieces, June 25, 1992).
When you become a gatekeeper, you are in store for great satisfaction (1 Chron. 26:5). You will be doing divine service. Your faith in God will develop your faithfulness to God and others. Your trust in God will develop your trustworthiness. Your life will be filled with meaning.
SOMETHING TO DO
- What steps can you take to become involved in ministry at your church?
- If you are involved in ministry, take a quiet moment by yourself to reflect on what blessings you have received from God by becoming His gatekeeper. There are many!
- If you are a parent or a grandparent, how well are you doing as the spiritual gatekeeper of your family? God certainly wants you to guard the door of your home from unhealthy and ungodly activity, or so-called friends from entering your home.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I have considered becoming a gatekeeper for You, as I have read this devotional. I believe You are speaking to me. Direct my next steps. Show me whom to connect with so that I can become someone who will be greatly used for Your honor and glory. It matters not what You assign me. I just want to work for You! AMEN!