Tuesday, June 11, 2013

What is Better Than a Big Beautiful House?

The media is full of big beautiful houses, some overlooking sunny beaches, or perched on mountain tops; these look nice, who wouldn't wish to own one? There is nothing wrong with beautiful houses but what if there is something better? The Bible in Psalm 84:10 suggests that there is.

“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, NIV.

BACKGROUND

The courts were enclosed areas around the temple. The real glory was inside the temple, where God symbolically dwelt. The courts were, in a sense, the lesser area.

BETTER

Something that is better is preferred, it has a higher value, and it is superior.

     * An hour reading the Bible is better than days watching TV.
     * One hour in prayer is better than days in recreation.
     * An afternoon in God's service is better than weeks on vacations.
     * The lowest job in the church is better than most do at the top of corporations.
     * Serving soup in a mission is better than sitting next to celebrities at a banquet.

It is better to spend time where God is served and worshiped than places of indulgence.  It is better because God is better.

It is better because God remembers service done for Him. He is pleased with it. His kingdom is advanced by even the smallest task done in His name. 

DOORKEEPER

A doorkeeper is someone who opens the way so others may enter. What could be better than being the person who brings others to God?

A CONFESSION

The psalmist is saying that he has found this to be true. We find this to be true also, and anyone who adopts this attitude that God is better will experience the same blessings.

THE KEY

The two words, "My God," is the key to understanding this verse. The Psalmist makes God His own God.  If God is not your God then religious service and ritual are empty. This is a relationship with God, and it comes through His Son, Jesus, who died for our sins and gives eternal life freely to all who repent, believe, and receive.

(c) Adron 6/11/13