THE
GATEKEEPER: I WOULD RATHER BE A DOORKEEPER IN THE HOUSE OF THE
LORD
“…a day in thy courts is better than a
thousand. I had rather be
a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.…” (Psalms
84:10 KJV).
*
To appreciate Psalms 84:10 and how it relates to USHERS is to mediate on “…a day in thy courts…” One day spent in devotion, praise, and reverence in God’s courts or place of worship offered more preference than any other place in this world or this life.
“….[ONE]… day in thy courts…” was so pleasant, a KING would rather be A DOORKEEPER than be in the“…tents of the wicked…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).
There is more SATISFACTION for ALL people, with GOD, no matter their position or office, than ANY PLACE without GOD. Therefore, King David said, “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).
The Psalmist’s affirmation is that “...A DAY…” in God’s courts is better than a thousand ANYWHERE else (Psalms 84:10 KJV).
To SERVE as a doorkeeper or USHER, in God’s courts, was preferred OVER “ANY” position, lofty or otherwise, especially if it was in a place of wickedness. “… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).
The word “courts” point to temple worship or, in modern terms, church worship.
“…Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).
However, in the Old Testament, God’s “courts” were the OPEN spaces that actually SURROUNDED the temple. “… A single day in your courts …” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).
So it was the “courts” that held worship and NOT the actual temple building. “…Enter …His courts with praise...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).
The “courts” were a PLACE of worship. What was it about WORSHIP that made the Psalmist (King David) prefer it to ANY thing else; even if he had to go from KING to doorkeeper? “…I (king david) would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).
Worship can be defined as giving heartfelt reverence, homage, praise, thankfulness, honor, or adoration to God. “…They arose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord…” (1 Samuel 1:19 KJV). “…He worshiped the Lord there…” (1 Samuel 1:28 NASB). “…that I may worship the Lord...” (1 Samuel 15:25 NASB). “… that I may worship the Lord your God…Saul worshiped the Lord…” (1 Samuel 15:30-31 NASB). “…David …came into the house of the Lord and worshiped…” (2 Samuel 12:20 NASB). “…David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped…” (2 Samuel 15:32 NASB).
Worship is an action and worship is an attitude that reveals the relational connection between the indwelling Holy Spirit, within the heart and God’s Truth. “…They worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting...” (2 Chronicles 7:3 NASB). “…worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…” (1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).
They WORSHIPED and PRAISED God by SAYING he was GOOD, his LOVINGKINDNESS was everlasting, and for the BEAUTY of his HOLINESS!
In order to give sincere reverence or devotion to God, you will voluntarily practice and develop actions and attitudes of worship.
The indwelling Holy Spirit will empower your actions. “…For it is God who works in you ….to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). God’s truth will empower your attitude. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind (attitude)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
Worship stems from the indwelling Holy Spirit within the heart. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” (Ephesians 3:17 NASB). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).
What is “IN” the heart EMPOWERS the actions. “…For it is God who works in you …to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions…” (Matthew 7:15-20 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits (actions)…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…the fruit (action) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Lord …[Jesus]… is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…THE …[word is] … SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…The Lord …[Jesus]… is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). Therefore, worship, “…in spirit (the word) and truth (the word )…” (John 3:23 NASB).
Again, “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). "…God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (The Word)…" (John 4:24 NASB). “… True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB).
Jesus didn’t just SPEAK the TRUTH. Jesus LIVED the TRUTH. Jesus WAS the TRUTH. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am the truth…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).
True WORSHIP stems from the SPIRIT. True WORSHIP stems from the TRUTH. So worship, “…in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB).
God’s WORD is both SPIRIT and TRUTH. “…THE WORDS …they ARE SPIRIT…[and]…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63, 17:17 KJV).
Worship - the sincere reverence, honor, devotion, and adoration for God - is an attitude that empowers action. In other words, it causes one to WALK in fellowship with God’s Word. “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS , WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).
For instance, obedience or following God’s instructions is worship and is an ATTITUDE that inspires an ACTION. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV).
The WORD (Spirit and Truth) is a pathway for believers to WORSHIP by following God’s instructions. “…worship…in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB). “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV). “…THE [commandments or instructions, or WORD of God] …they ARE SPIRIT…[and]…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63, 17:17 KJV).
The inspired, SPIRITUAL TRUTHS of God’s Word renew the mind’s attitude and drive the believer’s actions. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments (or follow my instructions)…” (John 14:15 KJV). ).
Christlikeness, thus, becomes a lifestyle of ongoing, private and public worship of God. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey (action) God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR (true attitude) and is not living in the truth (true worship)…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).
The WORD (JESUS) is the central FOCUS of sincere WORSHIP. “….If ye LOVE (attitude) me… keep (action) my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV). ).
God deserves the sincere worship of his redeemed people for WHO he is and for WHAT he has done!! “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…The Lord hath done GREAT THINGS for us; whereof we are glad…” (Psalm 126:1-3 KJV).
In addition, there is NONE “HOLY” like the LIVING GOD!! “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…Let them praise thy GREAT … name; for it is HOLY…Exalt ye the Lord our God and WORSHIP at his footstool; for HE is HOLY…Exalt the Lord our God, and WORSHIP at his HOLY hill, for the Lord our God is HOLY…” (Psalms 99:3-9 KJV). “…I am God and “NOT” man; the HOLY One in the midst of thee…” (Hosea 11:9 KJV).
This HOLY God decided and chose to LOVE unholy YOU. “…God so loved the world (including YOU), that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8). “…he first loved …[you]…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…[he is]…familiar with all [your]… ways…” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV) “…[he]…CHOOSE YOU [anyway]…” (John 15:16 ASV). “…[he drew you]… unto …[himself]…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…Every one that hear[s]….and learn[s]….of the Father, cometh to [him]…” (John 6:45 KJV). “…Your INIQUITIES [HAD]… separated between you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). BUT “…[HE FORGAVE your]...wickedness and will remember [your]… sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…BY GRACE have [YOU]… been saved THROUGH FAITH … IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “….the gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “… Believe in thine heart that GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, [YOU]… shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).
Not ONLY is God worshipped for his HOLINESS (who he is) and his GREAT SALVATION (what he has done), but also for his POWER (his abilities and interventions). “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
The Hebrew and Greek words for God’s power are exousia or dunamis and simply mean power or authority, or miraculous ability. “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
God’s holy POWER is second to NONE. It is dunamis power. Dunamis power is where UNIQUE miracles and supernatural works originate from God, the Holy Spirit and God, ALONE. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…He (the WORD) was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER…—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
“… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
There is no power like that of God’s power. “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
There are many examples of power and many definitions of power, but none of those powers are comparable to the POWER of God. “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD;” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
No matter who holds positions of power; ultimately all power BELONGS to God. “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
If one possesses power of any kind, it was given to him by God. “…There is NO POWER but of God: THE POWERS that be are ordained of God…” (Romans 13:1 KJV). “….[God]…changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…” (Daniel 2:21 KJV).
“…In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes …” (Daniel 4:17 NASB). “…Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…” (John 19:22 NIV). ALL “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).
“…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
The WORD (spirit and truth) of God is “…the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).
God’s dunamis power is often translated as miraculous power, especially since it extends far and abundantly above normal, common human power or capability. God “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
Jesus displayed that POWER. “…Jesus realized that POWER had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering…” (Mark 5:30-34 NIV). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).
God used others to display that POWER too. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER, performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV). “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (power) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (power)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV).
“…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
The uniqueness of God’s POWER and what separates it from any other power is that it originates from his HOLY SPIRIT. . “…Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities— HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
God’s POWER is the PRIMARY and ULTIMATE POWER that moves, shakes, sustains, and controls the entire universe and everything in it. “… I HAVE MADE the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by MY GREAT POWER …” (Jeremiah 27:5 KJV). “…Lord God! behold, THOU HAST MADE the heaven and the earth by THY GREAT POWER …” (Jeremiah 32:17 KJV). “..[God is]...sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “… [Through God’s POWER]… ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV).
God GENEROUSLY shares his POWER with his people. “…He giveth POWER to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength…” (Isaiah 40:29 KJV). “…Truly I am full of POWER by the Spirit of the Lord…” (Micah 3:8 KJV).
Divine, holy POWER belongs to God and ONLY “he” can give it to man. “…Thou say in thine heart, MY POWER and the might of MINE HAND hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is HE THAT GIVETH THEE “POWER” TO GET WEALTH…” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 KJV). “…Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I HAVE POWER to crucify thee, and HAVE POWER to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have NO POWER at all against me, EXCEPT it were given thee from above…” (John 19:10-11 KJV).
Jesus GAVE credit for his POWER to God and God alone. “…As thou (God) hast GIVEN HIM POWER over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him…” (John 17:2 KJV). “…And hath GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY to execute judgment also…” (John 5:27 KJV). “…Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him…” (John 5:19-23 KJV).
In addition, Jesus demonstrated the POWER God GAVE him. “…the Son of man HATH POWER on earth to forgive sins…” (Matthew 9:6 KJV). “…WITH AUTHORITY AND POWER he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out…” (Luke 4:36 KJV).
Jesus GAVE his disciples power and authority over the unseen world too. “…Then he called his twelve disciples together, and GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY over all devils, and to cure diseases…” (Luke 9:1 KJV).
The believer’s POWER and AUTHORITY “depends” totally upon the indwelling SPIRIT. “…God… works IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). ). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…[You are]…the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Lord is that Spirit [too]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). JESUS SAID, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). Therefore, “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…All POWER “IS” GIVEN unto [JESUS CHRIST]…in heaven and in earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
The believer’s POWER and AUTHORITY also “COMES” completely FROM the indwelling SPIRIT “…may …[god]… work IN [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…HE (the Holy spirit) WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…God hath …given [YOU]… the Spirit of ….POWER…” (2 Timothy 1:7-8 KJV). “…To be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). T “….Apart from [jesus], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). YOU “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [YOU]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
God’s
indwelling POWER is not passive or inactive, but is the supernatural dunamis enabling a life of true WORSHIP.
“… True worshipers “will” worship
the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 3:23 NASB). “… [GOD’S] …WORDS …they ARE SPIRIT…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 6:63,
17:17 KJV).
“…God …EQUIP “you” …and may he work IN [YOU]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the LIVING Word)…”
(Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…God… works IN YOU to will and to act…”
(Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….apart from Me (Jesus, God’s WORD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).
“…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN US…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… [YOU are]…strengthened (empowered) with MIGHT by his Spirit in the
inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).
“…By the grace of God I AM what I AM…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… True worshipers will worship…” (John 3:23 NASB).
Worshipping includes the whole person, both the sacred and secular self. This means the private worship of the individual links with the public worship to fellowship with the larger worshipping church community. “…the whole assembly worshiped…” (2 Chronicles 29:28 NASB).
The practice of worship, thus, is an ongoing, lifestyle expression of praise, devotion, reverence, and honor revealed through acts of obedience to God’s commands. “…Worship the Lord with reverence…” (Psalms 2:11 NASB).
Acts of obedience is what bonds the Christian community together with the SOLE purpose of worshipping the LIVING God and him ONLY. “…You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name…” (Deuteronomy 6:13 NASB).
Worshipping together includes organized singing, prayer, devotion, bible study, preaching, music, tithes and offerings, the Lord’s Supper, traditional liturgical responses, and special seasonal programs. “…While the whole assembly worshiped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded…” (2 Chronicles 29:28 NASB).
Worship offers a way to give praise to God and honor God with one’s whole being. Worship is a sign that God’s indwelling spirit is renewing the attitude and driving the behaviors. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits (actions)…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
When God is working in the lives of his people love, peace, gentleness, kindness, etc; is its fruit. “…the fruit (action) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
A lifestyle of obedience to God, in all areas of one’s life, exemplifies the full expression of Christian worship.
The practice of worship in God’s courts has evolved throughout the centuries from a traditionally Jewish form and practice to a more Gentile one. Worship has gone from a theocentric worldview to a Christocentric perspective.
However, the practice of worship, between Jew and Gentile greatly differs, but both still center on the reading and exposition of the Scriptures. “…The gospel of Christ…is the POWER of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the JEW first, and ALSO to the GREEK (Gentile)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).
Back in the day, I’ve learned the Israelites entered the COURT from the east GATE. “… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.…” (Psalms 84:10 NLT).
One day spent in devotion, worship, reverence, and gratefulness in God’s courts was preferred over the grandest places or positions in the dwellings of wickedness.
Therefore, the Psalmist said, “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).
Thus, “…Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name...” (Psalms 100:4 NASB).
There is no wonder, the USHER , like King David, often say: “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God…” (Psalms 84:10 KJV).
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