The Gate Keeper's

THE GATE KEEPERS

Text: 1 Chronicles 9:17-27

INTRODUCTION:

1. A mentally deranged man opens fire in a parking lot in Arizona, killing six

people and wounding fourteen others. The killing ends only because some-

one knocked the gun out of his hand as he stops to reload.

A man on a subway in New York City jumps onto the tracks in front of a fast-

moving train, risking his life to save the life of another.

A plane is high-jacked by Muslim terrorists and is headed to Washington,

D.C. on a suicide mission. A handful of men sacrifice their lives to prevent

many causalities.

2. All these stories have one thing in common; ordinary people doing heroic.

deeds because they felt deeply responsible for their fellow man.

3. I'm convinced that few Christians realize their extreme importance in the

kingdom of God. Why would not God immediately translate the Christian

to heaven the moment after salvation, if it were not for the fact that they

have an important part in God's plan to save mankind from destruction?

Our part in God's plan of redemption should not be under estimated. Our

role may seem of little significance to us. But it is of great significance in

the eyes of God. If we are diligent and faithful in doing our part, souls will be

eternally saved. In fact, we will be heroes!

4. The Duties and Service of the Levites provide an excellent example of the

Christian's extremely important role in God's glorious work of building His

Kingdom...

I. KEEPERS OF THE KING

1. One of the Levite's duties was to guard the King. The eastern gate in the

wall of Jerusalem was known as, 'The King's Gate'. It was the only gate

that he would use to enter the city. The Levites guarded these gates both

day and night, seven days a week. The King also had his own private

entrance way to the temple. The Levites kept guard here as well.

Today, the eastern gate is sealed shut. It will not open again until the

Jew's Messiah comes to reign over the nation as their King.

(Illustration): Several years ago, as I was traveling through Memphis, TN. I

passed by the former mansion of Elvis Presley. I noticed that at

the gates, there was a guard's house, once occupied to make sure that no

one could harm the 'King'.

Many kings have lived and died on this earth. But Jesus Christ, the King of

all kings, lives forever! Those who claim to be His servants, should feel duty

bound to protect His name, His honor, and His kingdom. We do this by....

(1) Staying Awake and Alert.

(2) Being fully Armed.

(3) Conducting our self with Integrity.

(4) Being Strong and Courageous.

(5) Being totally Consecrated.

II. KEEPERS OF GOD'S HOUSE

1. The Levites guarded the entrance gates to make sure no unclean thing

could enter.

2. They guided the worshiper to assure that everything was done according

to the law.

3. They attended to the necessities of God's house.

(1) They baked or fried the peace offerings.

(2) They kept fresh bread on the Priest's table.(The table of show bread)

(3) They kept the lamps filled with oil.

(4) They made spices for incense and oils.

(5) They examined the goats and sheep offered for sacrifice.

(6) They guarded the Holy of Holy room.

(7) They guarded and kept inventory of the vessels of gold, silver, and

bronze. And the temple's treasury.

Keep in mind that the Levites were servants. They would not be numbered

with the, 'Rich and Famous'. Yet, it is obvious how important they were. Their

duties would not be considered prestigious by most. But God's program for

forgiveness of sins, and acceptable worship, could not have carried on with-

out them.

4. King David spoke of his love for God's house in Psalm 84:10:

"I had rather lie at the threshold (as the lame man at the temple gate; Acts

3:2, or; as the poor in the synagogue, James 2:3) in the house of my God,

than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. For that is an abiding house; how-

ever low my position in it. These are but shifting tents, though one have a

dwelling in them". ( Paraphrase is from Fausset's Commentary.)

III. KEEPERS OF THE CITY

1. The walls of Jerusalem had four gates by which the city could be entered.

The north, south, east, and west sides of the city, each had one gate.

The gates were carefully guarded by the Levites so that an enemy could not

enter.

2. This is a picture of the Christian's ministry of intercession, personal

witnessing, and mission endeavors.

(1) Ezekiel 3:16-17-"..I have made you a watchman.."

(2) Matthew 24:43-"Know this, that if the master of the house had known