Are you a doorkeeper?

My new novel, The Doorkeeper, is based, on three verses from Psalm 84 wherein the Psalmist declares his devotion to God; he states he would rather serve as a doorkeeper in the Lord’s house, than to dwell in luxury among the wicked.

Psalm 84:10-12
10For 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.

11For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

12O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. KJV

In ancient times, a doorkeeper’s position, while humble, was one of honor and trust. It was his responsibility to guard the door that led to the interior of a man’s home. He was trusted to admit only those who were friends or associates of the owner, and had the power to exclude all others. How does this relate to us today?

Jesus, after His death and resurrection, and prior to His ascension into heaven, delivered the Great Commission to His disciples, commanding them to look after the souls of men. Matthew, the Apostle, recorded His instructions:

Matthew 28:18-20
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

Jesus’ final words to His disciples were spoken as an order; disciples are to seek after the lost, lead them into the kingdom, and teach them to follow Him and obey His commands. He appointed us to positions of honor and trust; He made us “doorkeepers” of men’s souls.

As doorkeepers, I believe it is our responsibility to:

1) Actively and openly share our faith;

2) Disciple new believers to protect them from error or harm;

3) Assist one another in the usage of our God-given gifts;

4) Guard believers to protect them from being led astray by false teachers and seducers.

Christians need to work as a cohesive force to further the kingdom of Christ; we need to follow Christ’s example of servanthood, not seek personal prominence or fame.

When we act selflessly and walk in obedience to God’s Word, we will find that God is indeed a sun and a shield; a source of protection, just as the Psalm declares.

In my new novel, The Doorkeeper, I included a piece of prose titled, “Servants and Stars” to address the danger of allowing a Pharisaical spirit to develop in ourselves or in our churches. The Pharisees (a word that means ‘set apart’) were guilty of the sin of self-righteousness; they were indeed set-apart from others because of their own prideful behavior. Jesus frequently rebuked them.

Believers should always strive to remember that we are all sinners in need of a Savior; and apart from the grace and mercy of God, we would each be deserving of hell.