Psalm 100: 4
The Word: Psalm 100: 4 (KJV)
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Dig Deeper:
Psalm 100: 2 (KJV)
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Think about it
OUTER COURT, INNER COURT….
Back in the old testament, The temple in Jerusalem was built with 2 side fence, a front fence and a gate at the middle of the front fence. Many visitors came in through the beautiful gates into an outer court where all were welcomed. The outer court was open to all, so you can hang around with your friends. But only worshipers looking to offer sacrifice on the altar could then proceed into an inner court which is also another open area but this is where the animals were killed and burnt offerings offered on the altar by the various priests on duty. After this inner court or garden there was now a built area called the holy place / holy of holies which only the High priest could enter. There are a few lesson from our reading today:
– The psalmist says ‘enter into his gates with thanksgiving…..’ As people thronged in through the big wide front gates, they were supposed to enter thanking God. As we approach God thanksgiving is very important. Let our complaint not be first.
– The psalmist also said ‘and into his court with praise…. only worshipers looking to offer sacrifice were allowed into the inner court. God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth. It takes worship which is a deeper level of fellowship to enter into the inner court.
– Lastly, the holy of holies was only for the high priest, but with death of Jesus on the cross, the veil has been torn and every believer now has access. You need to be born again to enter the holy of holies.
Today let us not only enter his gates with thanksgiving but let us enter the inner court with a sacrifice and praise. But after being done with the inner court, let us know that we now have access to the holy of holies, the very presence of God to receive help and grace in the time of need.
Prayer focus: Thank him for everything……
On Prayer: Living life as a thank you – Nina Lesowitz
Masterlife Workbook: The Church is embarking on weeks of discipleship workbook study starting with the Masterlife: Disciple’s cross.
