SOAP 1 Chronicles 26: The Gatekeepers

The Gatekeepers

1 Chronicles 26

Among these were the divisions of the gatekeepers, among the chief men, having duties just like their brethren, to serve in the house of the Lord. And they cast lots for each gate, the small as well as the great, according to their father’s house.

‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Gatekeepers, watchmen, and also over the storehouses (see v. 16 &17).

My Bible calls the gatekeepers second class Levites. I don’t like that very much.  I know every roll has its importance, but also it’s impact on each other. Every roll integral to the other.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭33‬:‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭62‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I love that we enter into God’s presence by praising the gates open. He loves it! And I love to give Him praise.

As gatekeepers of our minds and hearts, what we allow in effects how we live. We need to set up watch, guarding our hearts and minds to prevent any impure thing to take root.

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Being a gatekeeper isn't second class. Jesus Himself is the gate.

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬, ‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How and what goes in matters. What you're watching matters. What you're listening to matters. Who you are surrounding yourself with matters. Who do you want to be? What characteristics does that you possess?

Now work backwards. Start doing the things that the future you would do. Respond accordingly. Stop doing the things that you wouldn't do.

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬