Taking Guard Duty Seriously

“Their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen; all the service connected with these. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the chiefs of the Levites, and to have oversight of those who kept guard over the sanctuary…

“Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death.” Numbers 3:31-32,38

“Above all else, guard your heart,
  for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:23-26

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Early law delineated the responsibilities of the priests, whose role was to guard and implement all that was sacred for the people of Israel. As the Lord instructed them through Moses, He had Moses consecrate them to perform specific duties and set boundaries that assured their own readiness for Him and exemplified His holiness before them. The guarding of their own hearts and practices was a constant call that required persistent vigilance. Only then could they keep and lead God’s people in reverent, worshipful living. (Exodus 19:9-20)

As God’s chosen people and royal priesthood, we are to guard all that is entrusted to us for the Lord’s use and honor. Considering the instruments of worship assigned to the early priests, we must revere the very presence and Name of God and pray for His church at home and abroad. We are to protect the Body as we can through upbuilding, quelling gossip, and contributing resources and talent. Our place and time of worship, the regular habit of communion, the light of His word, and our divine image-bearing bodies as living sacrifices- all are our responsibility to keep and protect with care. (Romans 12:1,4-8; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Peter 2:9; 4:10-11)

How aware are we of the condition of our hearts and spiritual lives? Do we regularly assess where we have grown lukewarm, or cold, in our pursuit of and love for Christ? What pests have we allowed to eat into our time with, devotion to, and attention on Him, and what will we do about them? When and how ruthlessly will we deal with ongoing sin or apathy toward the Lord?

How can we practically and more effectively guard our church, the high and holy name of Jesus, our spiritual leaders, and fellow believers? Where do we need to insist on purity, godly choices, and language that honors the Lord? What can we contribute- by way of encouragement, prayer, or filling practical needs- that will fortify the Body? Attentive tending to guard duty blesses God.

Lord, help me, as Your grace-bought priest, vigilantly guard my heart and habits, and Your name and church, to Your honor and glory.