1 Chronicles 26:12-19: a reflection

12Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the LORD’s house. 13They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate. 14The lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. 15To Obed-Edom southward; and to his sons the storehouse. 16To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watchman opposite watchman. 17Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two. 18For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar. 19These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Merari.

Among the records of those who served in the house of the LORD are the gatekeepers, assigned by lot to their posts, watchman opposite watchman, at every gate, east, north, south, and west. Theirs was not a glamorous role; they stood watch at the gates, guarding the entrances, keeping their posts faithfully. Yet the gatekeepers had their place in the service of God's house, each assigned his station, each keeping faithful watch at the post given him. The humble work of watching at one's assigned gate was a real part of the service of the house of God.

Notice the humble but faithful post of the gatekeepers. They did not offer the sacrifices or sing the praises; they stood watch at the gates, an unglamorous but necessary role. Each was assigned his post by lot, and each kept faithful watch there, watchman opposite watchman at every gate. There was no glory in it, no spotlight; but it was a real part of the service of God's house, and it required faithfulness at one's post. The gatekeeper's calling was simply to keep faithful watch at the station assigned him, however humble; and in doing so, he served the house of God as truly as those in more visible roles. Faithful watchfulness at a humble post was itself a service to God.

That is worth taking to heart, for we too are called to faithful watchfulness at whatever post God assigns us, however humble. We can wish for a more visible or glamorous role, and despise the humble post, the unglamorous but necessary work; but the gatekeepers kept faithful watch at their assigned gates, and this was a real service to God. Faithfulness at a humble post is not small in God's eyes. Do not despise the humble post God has assigned you, wishing for something more visible; keep faithful watch there, as the gatekeepers kept their gates, for this too is service to God. Keep faithful watch at whatever post God has assigned you, however humble or unglamorous, as the gatekeepers kept their gates watchman opposite watchman; for faithful watchfulness at a humble post is a real service to God, and he values the faithfulness of the one who keeps the station given him as truly as those in more visible roles.

Lord, among the records of those who served in the house of you are the gatekeepers, assigned by lot to their posts, watchman opposite watchman, at every gate, east, north, south, and west. Theirs was not a glamorous role; they stood watch at the gates, guarding the entrances, keeping their posts faithfully. Yet the gatekeepers had their place in the service of your house, each assigned his station, each keeping faithful watch at the post given him. Show me the humble but faithful post of the gatekeepers. They did not offer the sacrifices or sing the praises; they stood watch at the gates, an unglamorous but necessary role. Each was assigned his post by lot, and each kept faithful watch there. There was no glory in it, no spotlight; but it was a real part of the service of your house, and it required faithfulness at one's post. The gatekeeper's calling was simply to keep faithful watch at the station assigned him, however humble; and in doing so, he served your house as truly as those in more visible roles. Take that to my heart, for I too am called to faithful watchfulness at whatever post you assign me, however humble. I can wish for a more visible or glamorous role, and despise the humble post, the unglamorous but necessary work; but the gatekeepers kept faithful watch at their assigned gates, and this was a real service to you. Keep me from despising the humble post you have assigned me, wishing for something more visible; help me keep faithful watch there, Lord, as the gatekeepers kept their gates, for this too is service to you.