The Gatekeepers!
The Guardians of God's Sanctuary
In the ancient world, gatekeepers held a position of tremendous importance. They were not merely security guards but trusted officials responsible for controlling access to cities, temples, and palaces. Their role extended beyond physical security to spiritual vigilance and moral discernment. As we explore this concept through Scripture, we'll discover powerful parallels for our Christian walk today.
The Biblical Foundation of Gatekeepers
In the Old Testament, gatekeepers were appointed to protect the temple and maintain its sanctity. Their role was critical in preserving the holiness of God's dwelling place:
"And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate." (1 Chronicles 26:13 KJV)
These weren't casual appointments but divinely ordained positions. The gatekeepers were chosen from the Levites, specifically from the families of Korah and Merari, demonstrating the sacred nature of their responsibility:
"Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD." (1 Chronicles 26:12 KJV)
The Hebrew word used for gatekeeper is "shô'êr," which denotes someone who watches, guards, and preserves. These individuals were more than just door attendants; they were vigilant protectors of God's sanctuary.
Duties & Responsibilities
The gatekeepers' responsibilities were multifaceted and essential to the functioning of the temple:
Protection and Security - They guarded the entrances to prevent unauthorised access:
"To them he committed the doors of the house of the LORD, to keep watch." (2 Chronicles 23:4 KJV)
Maintaining Order - They ensured that proper protocols were followed and that nothing profane entered the sacred space:
"And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in." (2 Chronicles 23:19 KJV)
Stewardship - They were entrusted with the temple treasuries and offerings:
"And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle." (1 Chronicles 9:19 KJV)
Moral Discernment - They had to distinguish between the holy and unholy, determining who could enter:
"This is the gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." (Psalm 118:20 KJV)
Spiritual Gatekeeping in Our Lives
The concept of gatekeeping extends beyond physical buildings to our spiritual lives. Just as the ancient gatekeepers protected the sanctity of the temple, we must guard our hearts and minds:
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
Our hearts are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we must be vigilant about what we allow to enter:
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV)
As spiritual gatekeepers, we must:
1. Guard Our Thoughts
What we allow into our minds influences our actions and character:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
We must be intentional about filtering the content we consume through media, conversations, and entertainment.
2. Monitor Our Influences
The people and voices we allow to speak into our lives significantly impact our spiritual health:
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV)
Like the gatekeepers who determined who could enter the temple, we must discern which influences deserve access to our inner sanctuary.
3. Protect Our Testimony
As representatives of Christ, we must guard our witness by maintaining integrity in all areas:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
Our actions, words, and attitudes serve as gates through which others glimpse the reality of Christ in us.
Gatekeepers in the Church Today
In the contemporary church, the principle of gatekeeping manifests in several ways:
Church Leadership - Elders and pastors function as gatekeepers, protecting sound doctrine:
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28 KJV)
Discernment Ministries - Those called to evaluate teachings against Scripture serve a gatekeeping function:
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1 KJV)
Parents - Christian parents serve as gatekeepers for their children, monitoring influences and guiding spiritual formation:
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4 KJV)
The Balance: Gatekeeping Without Legalism
While the role of gatekeeper is essential, we must be careful not to slide into legalism or judgmentalism. Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees who had become gatekeepers who kept people out rather than inviting them in:
"But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (Matthew 23:13 KJV)
Effective gatekeeping is about protecting truth and holiness while extending grace and welcome to those seeking God. It's about discernment, not discrimination.
Practical Applications
- Evaluate your information intake - What enters your mind through social media, news, entertainment?
- Assess your relationships - Do your closest associations strengthen or weaken your faith?
- Examine church influences - Are the teachings you follow firmly rooted in Scripture?
- Consider your speech - What passes through the gate of your lips?
"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3 KJV)
Like the faithful gatekeepers of old, we are called to vigilance in our spiritual lives. In a world where countless influences compete for access to our hearts and minds, we must stand firm at the gates, carefully evaluating what we allow to enter.
Yet we do this not from a position of fear but of confidence, knowing that Christ Himself is the ultimate gatekeeper:
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9 KJV)
As we embrace our role as gatekeepers, may we do so with wisdom, discernment, and grace, preserving the sacred space of our hearts and communities for the glory of God…
Key Takeaways:
- Biblical gatekeepers were appointed to protect the sanctity of the temple and control access to holy places
- As Christians, we are called to be spiritual gatekeepers of our hearts, minds, and communities
- Effective gatekeeping requires discernment without becoming legalistic or judgmental
- We must carefully evaluate what influences we allow into our lives and churches
- Christ is the ultimate gatekeeper, providing both protection and access to God's presence
