Author: astherainandsnow

“The Spirit of God came upon Azariah, and he went out to meet Asa and said, ‘Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, a teaching priest and law, but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city… But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’

“As soon as Asa heard these words,.. he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land… and from the cities that he had taken.., and he repaired the altar of the Lord… He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those… residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord was with him… They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-9,11-15

The effect of God’s Spirit moving is evident through the power of the prophet’s word to Asa and his immediate resultant bold reforms. Exemplary in their thoroughness and the courage with which they were executed, the steps taken by the king redirected the passion and priorities of God’s people. Only a steadfast, wholly true heart would beat with such compulsion and take such bold and effective action.

First, Asa received the prophet’s words with eager resolve to seek the Lord and courageously endeavor to work for Him. He wasted no time. How quickly do we obey when the Lord’s word strikes?

Next, he removed the detestable idols from the cities and land. What little gods have we allowed to stain our affections, entertainment, language? What needs extricating in order for us to be pure in mind and practice?

Then, Asa repaired the altar, attracting others to the Lord. What has interrupted or broken regular, consistent fellowship with the Lord? How will we adjust time, place, schedule, to prioritize unfettered worship and winsomely invite others?

With those steps taken, there was great rejoicing, with sacrifice, song, and surrender. What personal reforms has the Spirit identified that will enable robust celebration of the Lord and His goodness? What steps will I take first? What will I offer Him today of resources and praise?

Father, reform my heart and whole desire to purity and generosity toward You, so You are honored and magnified.

“On the first day of the week,.. they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but… not the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed.., two men stood by in dazzling apparel… [and] said, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen… And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told these things to the eleven and the rest… Peter ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling…

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus… said, ‘Peace to you!’ But they were startled… He said, ‘Why are you troubled..? See my hands and my feet… Touch me, and see…’ They disbelieved for joy and were marveling…

“Then he said, ‘These are my words I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me… must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,.. ‘That the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name…’

“Lifting up his hands he blessed them. He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” Luke 24:1-6,8-9,12,36-39,41,44-47,50-53

Following Jesus during his earthly ministry in the tangle of teaching and travel, the disciples’ focus was horizontal. Although Jesus often spoke of His death and resurrection, they were caught up in the challenges of every day life on the dusty earth they walked with Him. When He was lifted on the cross, their eyes squinted upward as emotions wrangled, yet they did not understand how His words would be fulfilled. His resurrection brought new marveling, and His ascension, an even higher blessing. Now they would increasingly and finally grasp how He had and would fulfill scriptures. Hope filled them with joy and blessing.

During the daily drudge of this world’s sojourn, we can forget to look up and marvel at the Lord lifted high. Truly, His body was raised from death and carried up to heaven, and the meaning for us in both of those lifts is life-giving. His resurrection assures victory over sin’s penalty and power, His ascension promises ongoing intercession and hope of heaven. (Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:31-34; Revelation 4:2-11)

How can the raising of Christ raise our spirits today? Raise our sense of calling and heavenly purpose because He died and rose for us? Raise us from anxiety, fear, intimidation because He overcame defeat, destruction, and death? Raise us from shame and self-deprecation because His rising is a pledge to put to death forever our sins’ consequences? Raise our hope and anticipation because He makes a glorious way for eternal significance?

Jesus was raised from death and to heaven to fulfill His word for us and to His Father’s glory. How will we apply the meaning to our besetting follies and doldrums, so we marvel and bless His name?

“Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And heav’n and nature sing.

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, lift my sights and spirits to behold and be like You, so you are exalted.

“When the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him… He took bread,.. broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup.., saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood…’

“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers…’

“The men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you,.. that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.’ And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest… Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and went home marveling at what had happened…

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law… and Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘It is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.'”  Luke 22:14,19-20,31-32; 23:46-49; 24:5-9,12,44-47

While He lived among them, Jesus taught His disciples and repeatedly warned them of His upcoming death and resurrection. The consistent message dripped on their curious, eager hearts, but was not fully absorbed until He had died and been raised. The lessons of preparation for understanding and accepting His death became lessons of applying it, what to do with His victory won. (Luke 23:46-49)

All through life we take in lessons, some specifically conveyed and others gleaned from experience. There are situations we’re so in the moment that we fail to recall what we know we know, yet looking back, see how the lesson applied, or could have been. The scriptures are full of warnings and direction that, the more familiar we are with them, are a help and hope in present living. The Spirit calls them to mind to effect immediate decisions and responses. (John 14:26)

In a time of tension between promises fulfilled and those to anticipate, how should we then live? At Christmastime, we look back on the gift that was Jesus to the world, and we look forward to His coming again. Our challenge is to live out and proclaim the message of His life and salvation with hope of His future return. The lessons He’s taught us all along can be applied now and believed in days to come.

What lessons has the Lord taught over the recent past? What have we learned about suffering, the wickedness of the world, the blessing of mutual encouragement, our mandate as His children? How deliberate are we to put His word to action? Christ gives both perspective and power as we trust and obey.

Lord, keep me alert to all You’ve taught and are teaching, that I might always, aware of Your sovereign, good activity, live boldly to Your praise.

“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

“He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!’  And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this…

“’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’  Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me…’

“And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.'” Luke 9:22; 22:19-23,31-34,39-40,45-46

Jesus had repeatedly told his disciples about His impending death and resurrection. Every announcement of doom was attached to the announcement of glorious result, and so with warning of the temptation they would face. He was clear in stating that Satan had his eye on Peter, but that He had even bigger plans than Peter’s failures. This disciple had heavenly purpose, and there would be help from on high.

Such is the mercy of God. He tells it like it is: we are sinful, and in the flesh very weak. We will be prickled with temptation from the enemy, but He has bigger plans for us that include victory and spiritual fruit. We are not alone in temptation, and have a great High Priest who has gone before us ever interceding on our behalf. His Spirit convicts of sin. When we do fall, His resurrection victory is applied and He restores and redeems. (Luke 22:56-62; John 16:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-4)

How well do we know the Lord’s warnings? How has Christ’s example and encouragement fortified our resolve to heed them? Before meeting temptation, are we committed to taking His way out? What are we doing to redeem our errors and honor Him?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.’ ” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Father, help me take Your warnings seriously and learn from Your glorious intervention, to Your praise.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord… Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?  Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

“Thus says the Lord: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.” Haggai 1:2,4-11

God’s call through His prophet Haggai was a repeated plea to His people to carefully observe what was going on around them, and think about what they were doing and not doing, and why. In what conditions were they living, and how did their actions have bearing? What motivated their actions? Where was the Lord fitting in, or was He? Could it be that they had pushed Him aside, and gone after what pleased them instead of Him? Considering their ways could get to honest assessment and reasons, and expose their hearts. He intended to stir them in holy redirection.

When man stays busy working and building and maintaining, sowing and earning and imbibing, circumstances and consequences can be overlooked. In the midst of immediate and urgent, flesh kicks in and heavenly perspective can be lost. We may not see that time and energy spent has been inefficient or wasted and laboring has been in vain. Convoluted by misplaced affections and misdirected priorities, we spend ourselves for what doesn’t last at the expense of what does. (Matthew 16:26)

Do we recognize what drives us? Do we agree with the Lord on what’s important? The Lord entrusts us with agency and resources to plan our days and investments, and grants wisdom to set and keep His priorities. (Isaiah 33:6)

Whose house are we building? Is it our first daily passion to build career, reputation, financial coffers, even family? Is our chief aim to succeed, get ahead, improve, achieve goals, make a difference, or a name? When we feel we’re striving against the wind, or the sky is brass, are we humble enough to admit our errors in judgment? (Deuteronomy 28:15,20-23; Ecclesiastes 4:4)

What will we expend of time, resources, and prayer, to build the Lord’s house instead? How can we better prioritize His mission, commands, and honor? Seeking Him, pursuing His plans, and giving our best to build His kingdom bears eternal fruit and never disappoints. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38)

Lord, may I keep You my chief desire and priority, Your ways and praise my highest aim.

“Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

“Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses. And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to… the tent of meeting of God… to the bronze altar before the Lord,.. and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.^‘ And Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great^‘ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.^‘ So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.” 2 Chronicles 1:1-3a,6-13

David, the king after God’s heart, had prepared his son Solomon for the privilege and responsibility of leading God’s people. He had set an example of humility, even in sin, and steadfast faith, and prayed over his successor before he died. Immediately in taking the throne, Solomon staked his claim on the Lord in worship, sacrifice, and wisdom to lead. He knew this was the way to establish a reign where the Lord was true King. (1 Kings 2:2-4; 2 Chronicles 2:5-6; 6:13b-16,18-20; Psalm 32:3-7; Acts 13:22)

Setting out in any endeavor takes gumption. When we are self–driven, we make plans, muster up know-how and strength, and get to work. When we see every assignment as from and for our heavenly Master, we establish our thoughts and strategies in Him, and proceed in faith, knowing that He will make our way straight and provide what is needed. The distinction is whom we serve and seek to honor. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Colossians 3:23-24)

Where do I stake my claim in every effort? At the start of a day, or assignment, or personal project, what is my first priority? Is my intention just to complete it, to be applauded, or to be able to boast? Or have I so established by motivations in Christ that I seek to serve and honor Him in every endeavor? How can I, with practical skill and excellence, honor the Lord and further His intentions?

Lord, may my every determination be for You and Your glory.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.” 2 Peter 1:3-12

Peter knew well the excitement and failures of faith. From his early days of following Jesus he’d tasted its power, but also fallen hard by untrained impulses. Over decades of maturing since Jesus ascended, he’d tested and proved the ‘all things’ given by the Lord Jesus and borne much spiritual fruit in himself and in ministry. (Matthew 16:15-23; 17:1-6; 26:31-35,69-75; Acts 4:8-13,18-20)

So much is ours when we come to Christ. Immediately the Holy Spirit and His wealth of wisdom and power are deposited, awaiting our understanding and employment. A heavenly calling and election, access to the divine nature, all things pertaining to life and godliness, knowledge of the Almighty, precious and very great promises. Can we fathom it? If we focused on these aspects of God’s indescribable gift in Christ rather than our inadequacies, fears, or doubts, we would freely, zealously endeavor to put them to effective use. We own eternal treasure, yet often life as drifting, anemic paupers. (2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 1:3-14)

One hindrance to tapping into our riches in Christ is ignorance of what has been deposited. Once saved, we fail to explore God’s word to comprehend all that is ours immediately and forever in Christ. We slog along with no victory, no divine intimacy, when He’s promised both. When will we probe the scriptures, and in faith take hold and use these gifts until they become familiar? (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Another reason we fail to invest what our Lord has given is preoccupation with self: I can’t; I’m inadequate; What would I have to give up?; I can’t make a difference; I was just born this way; I don’t have time or desire. Self-doubt and attending excuses stem from being self-absorbed. When will we turn from me to the Lord’s ability and sufficiency, and put to work the divine deposit He made in me for His purposes? (Matthew 25:14-29; Luke 12:47-48)

Lord, captivate me with Your generosity, and help me put to effective use all You’ve graciously bestowed, to Your ends and glory.

“False prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep…

“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

“Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones… But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed.., suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed… Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray…

“These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm… Speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” 2 Peter 2:1-3,9-10,12-15a,17-19

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 2:15-16; 3:9

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

So many words of scripture are intended for the weary soul. Man strives and struggles and slogs and suffers, and often does not recognize the source of his slavery to misery. Tainted flesh untethered by the Spirit always gravitates to sin. Once so inclined, gravitation becomes captivation that cannot be shaken alone. Jesus came to overcome sin and death so we can overcome what stands against God.

Deceptive and numerous are the heresies and empty promises of worldly pleasure vendors. They entice and exploit with incessant allures, and we can feel overcome, weakened to the point of exasperation, exhaustion, and failure. God’s warnings expose their vapid enticements and bid us not to be overcome, but in Christ to overcome. (Philippians 4:13; Titus 2:11-12)

What desires or habits enslave us? Of what have we made idols by addiction, affection, or refusal to life without? If we honestly assess our dependencies, do we recognize the shackles of self-will, cell phones, material comforts, avoidance of conflict? Will we confess and give up what controls us, and claim Christ’s power to break the chains? Overcoming in His name and resurrection power is possible, and freeing. (Luke 22:42-44)

Father, help me recognize and refuse the devil’s wiles, and overcome with good that honors You.

“David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. [He] said: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

“’But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.  For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding… I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O Lord, God of… our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, testimonies, and statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.'” 1 Chronicles 29:10-15,17-19

David, near the end of his life and long reign, was enthralled with the goodness and greatness of his God. Having prepared for the construction of God’s temple, he spontaneously blessed the Lord, which blessed his people. God was high and holy, the giver of all gifts, the One worthy to be praised and served. David acknowledged that he was merely a man and steward of those gifts. Wholly taken with exalting his magnificent Lord, his outflow was prayer that God keep a sense of amazement and accountability forever burning in His children. (Luke 16:11-13)

When we have an expanded perspective of Who God is, the possibilities of what He can do for His people are magnified. Humbling ourselves before Him positions us looking up to the vast array of His holy desire and eternal plans. When this reverent understanding filters our minds while praying, we will tap into divine graces and activities we had not known before.

How committed are we to spending time in worship, then praying for our loved ones, God’s people, the world, ourselves? When we approach God, do we arrogantly enumerate our desires, shaped and limited by worldly thinking, or recited rotely? Or do we adjust perspective, contemplate God’s infinite mercies, majestic victories, abounding generosity, and powerful, wise ways, and shape our prayers accordingly? How can a high view of God renew hope, broaden our requests, and heighten expectations? How can we more effectively pray in ways that exalt the Lord God, seize His will, and inspire and bless his children? Filling our minds with God will fuel our prayers for His purposes and glory.

Lord, transfix my mind with Your majesty and greatness so my prayers reflect and seek Your glorious possibilities.

“As for the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.  Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh.  Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth, for God blessed him.  Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability.  The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers were able men, Elihu and Semachiah.  All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom.  Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, able men, eighteen.  And Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief),  Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.

“These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties,.. ministering in the house of the Lord…  Watch corresponded to watch.” 1 Chronicles 26:1-12,16b

“A day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10

David made meticulous preparations for his son Solomon who would be the one to build the temple. He organized and appointed men for every service in God’s house, taking care to cover appropriately every required duty. Those who kept the gates were to guard both inflow and outflow with an eye for the purity of place and worship. They were able and qualified and took the assignment seriously. What some might deem unimportant or unglamorous played a vital role in the ministry of the temple.

In the Lord’s eyes, every task or role we take on in His name has great value. Responding to needs, coming alongside those who lead, tending carefully and humbly to the small and mundane, or employing our particular abilities for a specific assignment all contribute to God’s kingdom work. He appoints the gifts and is honored when we use them, guarding and furthering His plans and will. (Romans 12:3-8,16; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

As for gatekeepers, we have responsibility both personally and corporately. The Lord calls us to keep our hearts as the wellspring of life, guarding them from insidious, creeping sin. We are to stand guard over our mouths, so we speak what is true and lovely and builds up others. We also, as God’s children, are to keep the gates of purity and truth and goodness in the church. We do what we can to protect marriages, families, teaching, and serve as sentries against gossip, unsavory entertainment, destructive heresies. (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 4:23; Ephesians 6:12-18)

How well do we take to such an assignment- one that in the world’s eyes is insignificant? How seriously do we take gatekeeping ourselves and the Bride of Christ? What foreign affections or false teaching need we keep out? What treasures of purity and confidences need we keep in?

Lord, help me value with vigilance the gatekeeping You appoint, for Your honor.