Gatekeepers: Guardians of Spiritual Access Points
Text: 2 Chronicles 23:19
> “He also stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the Lord’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter.”
Key Note
– Gate signifies authority:** It is an opening, a legal access point, symbolizing control and responsibility.
God said to Abraham
> “Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies” (Genesis 22:17).
: A gate represents authority and the power to permit or deny access.
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Definition of a Gatekeeper
A gatekeeper is someone entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring and controlling access to a specific domain. In a spiritual context, a gatekeeper protects and oversees the entry points to spiritual realms, ensuring that only what aligns with God’s will is allowed in.
Types of Gates
1. Personal Gate:
– Description: This gate pertains to the individual. Each person is the gatekeeper of their own body and mind.
– It involves guarding what enters through our senses and thoughts.
> “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
2. Family Gate:
– This gate pertains to the family unit. Typically, the father or mother acts as the gatekeeper.
– It involves Protecting and nurturing the family, especially the children, who are the entry points.
> “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
3. Church Gate:
– This gate pertains to the church community. The minister or pastor is the gatekeeper.
– It involves Overseeing the spiritual well-being and doctrinal integrity of the congregation.
> “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).
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Qualifications of a Gatekeeper
1. Know God:
– A gatekeeper must have a personal and intimate relationship with God. This ensures that they are in tune with God’s will and able to discern His guidance.
> “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
2. Be Clean:
– Scriptural References:
– Nehemiah 13:22 Emphasizes the importance of sanctity and purification. A gatekeeper must strive for holiness.
> “Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.”
– Acts 24:16 Highlights the necessity of maintaining a clear conscience before God and man, which includes being free from sin and guilt.
> “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”
3. Alertness:
– A gatekeeper must be vigilant and aware of potential spiritual threats. This means being attentive and discerning in order to protect against harmful influences.
> “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
4. Strength and Courage:
– A gatekeeper needs fortitude and bravery to stand firm against challenges and to protect those they guard. This involves having the strength to uphold righteousness even when it is difficult.
> “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
5. Wisdom:
– A gatekeeper must possess discernment and insight to make prudent decisions. This includes understanding the right course of action in various situations.
> “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
6. Readiness for Sacrifice:
– A gatekeeper should be willing to sacrifice personal comfort, including sleep and time, to remain vigilant and fulfill their duties. This demonstrates dedication and commitment to their role.
> “I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to slumber, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob” (Psalm 132:4-5).
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Duties of a Gatekeeper
1. Watchfulness:
– A gatekeeper is always on guard, monitoring for any potential dangers or harmful influences. This means being proactive in identifying and addressing threats.
> “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest” (Isaiah 62:6).
2. Teaching:
– A gatekeeper educates and guides those under their care. This involves instructing them in the ways of God and helping them understand how to live according to His will.
> “He gave them this command: ‘You are to teach them the decrees and laws and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform'” (Exodus 18:20).
3. Intercession:
– A gatekeeper prays earnestly for the protection and spiritual growth of those they guard. This includes standing in the gap and seeking God’s intervention on their behalf.
> “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30).
4. Defending the Faith:
– A gatekeeper upholds and protects the core beliefs and values of the faith. This means defending against false teachings and ensuring that the truth of the gospel is preserved.
> “Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3).
5. Keeping God’s Secrets:
– A gatekeeper safeguards divine revelations and truths entrusted to them. This involves being a faithful steward of the mysteries of God and not divulging sacred knowledge inappropriately.
> “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
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By understanding and embodying these principles, individuals can effectively fulfil their roles as gatekeepers in their personal lives, families, and church communities. Being a gatekeeper is a significant responsibility that requires dedication, vigilance, and a deep relationship with God.
