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. John 10:2-3

The Bible frequently uses certain metaphors and most of these we are familiar with. We know that God's people are often called the sheep and that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but who is the gatekeeper? Now, throughout the Bible there is a role of 'gatekeeper' and it's mentioned multiple times (e.g. 1 Chron. 9:22). It was an honorary title and position; they would be the ones who would decide who comes through the gate and who does not. The gatekeeper would check people and their sacrifices as they were to enter and if they failed the inspection they were turned away (2 Chron 23:19). In one sense we are the gatekeeper of our own lives, we have to decide what we allow in and what we keep out. They also had to fulfill other duties within the temple, this included helping people, such as being porters (1 Chron. 26:12 KJV). Consequently, we see that gatekeepers would not only fulfill their own ministry but they would help others to fulfil their work too. Part of their role also allowed them to have certain privileges, such as access to the new wine, grain and oil (Neh 13:5). As gatekeepers we are given the privilege of communing with Jesus! Lastly, the gatekeepers had to ensure that they did 'not neglect the house of our God' (Neh. 10:39). A gatekeeper knows that he has a duty to fulfil and he will not omit to fulfill his role. Its significant, that the gatekeepers were picked from the descendants of Korah (1 Chron 26:19). If you know your Bible you'll know that Korah and his associates lead a rebellion against Moses and refused to come to fulfil their duty when Moses called for them (Num. 16:12). Later the descendants of Korah would write many of the psalms, in one of those psalms they wrote: 'Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked' (Psalm 84:10). Will we be gatekeepers? Will we fulfil our duties and will we ensure that we don't neglect the things of God?

Adapted from Pastor Dave's message on 28/08/24.