Holston Devotional Series | October 29, 2019

October 29, 2019

by Samantha Johnson

Certified Lay Speaker of Trinity UMC (Knoxville, TN)

Tennessee Valley District

Psalm 84 is one of the eleven songs of the Sons of Korah and contains one of the most beloved scriptural verses, “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.”

In doing a little biblical genealogy, we can trace the Sons back to Korah, the father, who was the grandson of Kohath, who was one of the three sons of Levi. Kohathites were responsible for sanctuary care, the ark of the covenant, the table, lampstand and altars, and all the other articles within. As the camp moved, they had to carry the holy items on their shoulders, but they were not allowed to touch the things, or they would die. The priests had to wrap the sacred objects in special coverings to avoid physical contact during transport. It was a difficult task, labor-intensive, and very methodical. Over time, the Kohathites began to dislike the assignment and covet other roles, namely those of the priests. (Numbers 4)

Korah, a grandson of Kohath, also became discontent and associated himself with another disgruntled group of the Reubenite lineage. Eventually, they convened a group of 250 men and challenged Moses and Aaron’s right to the priesthood. As we learn from Numbers 16, this did not end well for Korah and his associates. The earth split under their feet and swallowed them, along with their possessions, and those associated with them up, then the earth closed over them. Korah’s sons, however, were spared. Even though their ancestors had rebelled against God, He still had a plan for them, and the Koralites became doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle as noted in 1 Chronicles 9: 17-22.

This psalm is a song of longing for the presence of the sovereign, Almighty Father, whose infinite mercy and goodness is graced upon his people. God’s help is not confined to the sanctuary and is embodied in the person of Christ Jesus, His Anointed, who is our shield. A day in the Lord’s presence is precious and by no means comparable to our mere earthly existence. As believers, we lean on the Father’s promises and are indwelled with the Holy Spirit to reveal His truths to us as we earnestly pursue Him. To even be a lowly doorkeeper in God’s house and catch a glimpse of his precious glory is so much greater than to live among those who do not seek or know Him.

In knowing the history behind the Sons of Korah, we can begin to comprehend that real hope exists in realizing the failures of our past. Generations passed don’t dictate the future when our hearts are focused on Jesus, the One who is our shield and protector. His promises encompass mercy for our sins, power for our protection, wisdom for guidance, faithfulness for preserving us, and all sufficiency for our resources. He breaks the generational cycles of sin and pain. In Him, we can move forward into a new day, leaving the past behind us.

“Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” (v.12)

The Prayer
Holy and Heavenly Father, thank you for Your loving-kindness and for breaking the generational cycles of sin and pain. We want to move forward in to a new day and in Your ways, leaving our past behind. Thank you for Your blessings and protection as we trek forward with our journeys toward You, and thank you for eternal hope. In Christ Jesus’ Name, Amen.