Stand in the Gate
March 13, 2023
“Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.” - Jeremiah 7:2
Hear the Word of the LORD!
Throughout the world, any given weekend, millions of souls will enter through the doors of houses of worship. Most of them will be greeted by some unsung hero who stands in the doorway and hands them a worship folder. They will receive a smile, a handshake, and a greeting.
Later, someone will rise to the platform and utter words like, “Welcome to worship!”
There will be a call to worship, a prayer of invocation seeking the presence of God, and a song of praise exalting the Lord. At some point, someone will rise to read from the scriptures and may declare these words of the psalmist, “Hear the Word of the LORD.”
Are you ready to hear?
Are you ready to act on what you hear?
When we enter the gates of God’s house whether at home, at church, or in nature, it is the readiness of our hearts that determines whether or not we truly hear what God has to say. It is as much a matter of choice as our willingness to receive a good meal.
The extent to which we hear, internalize, and are changed by scripture depends more on our receptivity than on anyone’s delivery.
As you sit and prepare for worship, willingly make yourself available to God for what He has to say to you.
Say with Samuel of old, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.”