I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
After first introduction with someone, a common question follows…
“So, what do you do?”
As if the answer has the power to determine my value, I might cringe, scramble to work something worthy into my response. I mean, what if what I do doesn’t result in a paycheck? Or what if it does, but it’s a pitiful rate? What if the work I do is disregarded or unimpressive in the eyes of the world? What if I’m a domestic engineer, forever managing all the things that a house -and its messy inhabitants- require?
Nothing worth posting on social media.
Psalm 84:10 suggests there was something less admirable or lowly about being a doorkeeper for the temple.
“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than…”
Otherwise the Psalmist might have said, “I’d rather give up my highly esteemed position as doorkeeper than hang with evil sorts in spacious places.”
The intent of this devotion is not to offer an exhaustive study on the responsibility of being a doorkeeper as referenced in scripture. I happily leave that to others. But no matter the value of being a doorkeeper, I see great honor in it. Because as a Believer, I’m standing beside the doorway that leads to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NIV)
From my perspective, there’s no higher honor.
The alternative is to be among the disobedient and reckless. Indulging in things of the flesh. Inadvertently luring others away from the Door that leads to life to join in selfish revelry, to enter through the door of wrongdoing, far from freedom in Christ.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
Sounds to me like a doorkeeper has an awesome, sacred job. She shows people the entrance to the Holy of Holies. The presence of almighty God.
So, yes, I’d rather be a doorkeeper and direct people to the one and only door that leads to life.
And… To him who knocks the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7
How content are you to be a doorkeeper in the house of God?
So many are lost and wandering from door to door. Is the place you stand showing others the one right Way into God’s presence?
Mary
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