1 Chronicles 26:13-16 - Lots were cast for each gate,
according to their families, young and old alike. The lot for the East Gate fell
to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-Edom, and the lot for the storehouse fell to his sons. The lots for the West Gate and the Shalleketh
Gate on the upper road fell to Shuppim and Hosah. Guard was alongside of guard:
David continues to assign duties to the tribe of Levi…so that
the temple would be fully staffed…and everyone would know their role in caring
for God’s house. They needed priests to be in charge of the treasury…priests to
judge and keep the vast territories working together with God’s laws always in front
of their hearts…and still other priests to serve at the temple gates.
Whether they be called gatekeepers…or guards…their duties
included more than just standing at the four temple gates…and important roads that
led to the temple. Some were posted
throughout the night to simply watch for intruders or unclean elements that might
try to enter the temple. Others kept
careful checks on the furniture and utensils used in the sacrifice rituals…making
sure they were always in working order for the ceremonies. Still others stored…organized…and
maintained the food supplies for the priests.
And some simply counted and organized the gifts and offerings that were
not burned on altars.
It dawned on me as I was researching these many duties …that
I too am a gatekeeper. 1 Corinthians 6:19 clearly records Paul’s words… “ Do
you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,
whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” For when Jesus came to die on that cross for
my sins…the temple veil was torn from top to bottom… and God left that inner
room to reside in every heart that accepted the gift his son gave to all who
would believe.
I must assume the many duties of these priests…keeping my
life organized….maintaining the gifts he gave me to serve him…praying over how
he wants me to share the many blessings he gives me every day. I must keep constant watch for anything that
threatens to lessen my relationship with him…and guard my heart …so nothing can
enter that is unclean.
Father…thank you for reminding me that this body I live in…is
not my own. It is your temple…and I must
be a better gatekeeper…to guard all that is good you have placed there. Help me to keep better watch over my heart...and
recognize satan when he tries to trick me into accepting something unclean as
good. Give me the added strength and
courage and wisdom I need to guard my heart….and keep it a place that you would
be proud of. Amen.
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