Posted on 07/31/2015 5:35:15 AM PDT by Gamecock
“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (v. 10). - Psalm 84:8–12 If you could visit any place, where would you go? That is a common question we have all likely asked or have been asked ourselves. Beach lovers might pick the coasts of California or Florida. European history buffs would perhaps choose Versailles or Berlin.Those who are really adventurous might opt for an out-of-this-world experience such as a trip to Mars or other far-off reaches of space.
Were we to ask the author of Psalm 84, his answer to this question would be “the house of the Lord.” We see this in today’s passage, where he remarks that one day in the temple courts is far better than a thousand days spent elsewhere (v. 10a). Here we are granted a glimpse into the thoughts of one who is totally devoted to his God. There is no place that he would rather be than with the Lord in the place where His people can enjoy His special presence. He well understands that only the Creator is sufficient to satisfy the hearts of human beings.
The psalmist’s complete devotion to God and His presence above all else is further revealed in his remark that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the Lord’s house than “dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Our author is making a comparison here between the lowest place of service in God’s temple and the highest levels of adulation in the world. Given the choice between being served himself or keeping watch over the doors of the temple and letting people in and out, the author would rather be the doorkeeper. John Calvin comments regarding the psalmist: “He would rather be cast into a common and unhonored place, provided he were among the people of God, than exalted to the highest rank of honor among unbelievers.” It is more important for him to be counted among the company of the redeemed, even in a role of no special import, than it is to enjoy a high place of privilege in the world. In this he is the antithesis of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–22) as well as King Agrippa, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian (Acts 26:28).
Although the world may not understand why someone would rather occupy a lowly position among God’s people than enjoy prestige in society, it would be irrational to choose otherwise. If the Creator who holds everything in the palms of His hands bestows favor and honor on His people (Ps. 84:11), there is no better or safer place to be than in His presence. Indeed, to dwell with Him is to enjoy a blessing that can never be lost (v. 12).
Coram Deo
Where and who do you want to be? Is it more important to you to be in this world with a high position and much acclaim, or would you prefer to be a mere servant in the household of God? The world and its allurements may be enticing, but all of it will pass away. Only the household of God will remain, and only what we do for Christ will have eternal value. May we all seek to be servants in the kingdom of God.
Passages for Further Study
Psalm 35:27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
The psalmist’s complete devotion to God and His presence above all else is further revealed in his remark that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the Lord’s house than “dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Our author is making a comparison here between the lowest place of service in God’s temple and the highest levels of adulation in the world. Given the choice between being served himself or keeping watch over the doors of the temple and letting people in and out, the author would rather be the doorkeeper.
Friday Morning Devo Ping!
Good morning.
Yes, I’d rather be with my God than anywhere else.
Love the ping notice... I had strains of "Working in a Coal Mine" going through my head and remembered it was the Devotional.
:D
Hoss
Mornin’ Hoss!
Devo is what many of the young folks call it these days/
Ah... the “Younguns”. :D I guess *I* had a flashback to my youth when I saw the Devo notice.
:D
Hoss
Wow, is this pertinent for me today.
I have a job interview with a Christian business today and it is indeed “one day in the Lord’s court” from a professional perspective.
I will pray this Scripture before I go in, with praise to God for His goodness and mercy!
Hope and pray it goes well!
You got it.
:D
Hoss
Hope it went well for you....
...”There is no place that he would rather be than with the Lord in the place where His people can enjoy His special presence”....
“Where two or more are gathered together”.....comes to mind. Am finding Christian fellowship increasingly harder to find where people care to reach into the things of God. Rather there’s a “trend” of going to church for entertainment and feeling good about oneself.
Thank you very much .... I think it did.
Doesn’t pay quite what I had hoped and the VP said flat out that I’m overqualified, but was quick to add that this didn’t disqualify me and the quoted salary was at the low end. I think that is good.
Could frankly use prayer for this.
You can always negotiate your salary higher if they continue to show interest. Lean on the Lord to guide you through this ,as you know, but sounds reasonably good at this juncture.
Prayed the Lord’s will be done in this matter...and you can trust him no matter what the outcome. God is good!
Done.
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