Verse Text: "Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."
The text of this song is taken primarily from Psalm 84. Spend some time reading and meditating on Psalm 84.Charles Spurgeon calls this psalm “one of the choicest of the collection” of psalms. It is definitely one of the most beautiful and sweet renderings from the heart of someone who truly seeks after God. Let’s look at something important that we find even before the words of the psalm begin. You will note in your Bible, it says this is a “Psalm of the sons of Korah.” This is important because of who the sons of Korah are, and who they represent. In the Old Testament, the Levites were the tribe of Israel assigned with the task of taking care of the temple and leading God’s people in their acts of sacrifice and worship (1 Chronicles 25-26). The Levites were also then divided according to family for particular services at the temple and in 1 Chron. 26:18-19, we see that the sons of Korah were appointed as gatekeepers - or, as in contemporary terms, possibly - janitors. What this shows is that God specifically appointed certain men to be gatekeepers or janitors of the temple – and honored them for their humble service. The sons of Korah were not the musicians or the up-front “lead worshippers”, but the upkeepers of the temple – yet they performed their appointed task with all their heart. Now, read Psalm 84 again (especially verse 10) in light of who the sons of Korah are… The NIV translation provides a great perspective.
|
|
The janitors of the temple saw the value of their service not only because of the task they were performing for the glory of the Lord, but because they recognized the privilege they had been given to be in the house of the Lord on a continual basis. What an incredible honor it is for those who have the privilege of doing work for the Lord, no matter how big or small the role!Look at verses 1-2. What does the language tell us of the heart of this psalmist? The desire is deep – to stand in the place of adoration is the longing of his soul. Yet, it was not a longing merely for the courts of the Lord, but for the living God Himself. How deep is your longing? Ask the Lord to give you this kind of longing and desire in your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to kindle in you the kind of passion we .see in the psalmist. In verses 3-4, the psalmist contemplates the birds who make their constant dwelling in the house of God. He sees how they find their contentment and security in the temple and desires that the people of God would also find their security in God alone. Do you find safety and security in your relationship with God?
|
