Doorkeeper

A reprisal of Psalm 84:10

By a Son of Korah.1

Here I stand on the threshold,2

A man, now humbled but was so bold.

You brought me to this sacred place,

In seeking your eternal face.

I thought the inner room empty, but for me,

I presumed the throne to sit where I must never be.

In a moment of clarity, from the darkness that hid,

I heard a whisper, a voice to me, come bid.

Terror did strike me on the throne,

Out of the darkness, a light has shone.

Shame and guilt in my heart did swell,

To you, the light, I came and I fell.

But you smiled and lifted me to my feet,

“All is forgiven, come let us meet.

“I know the way in which you’ve run,

Out of a rebellious heritage to be a newborn son.

My invitation was given, and the faith journey fraught,

but I AM always helping, for you I have bought.

A word of caution, beloved, assume not the throne to steal,

ignoring the whisper, shunning the light, and never to kneel.

For many come with their prideful knowledge,

Thinking they know me, captured in bondage.

Some are crooked, a liar or thief,

And in their own kingship is their belief.

Others come only for what I may gift,

And once satisfied, I quietly sift.

My mercy is on all, I keep even those who turn away,

Whose hearts are so fickle and so easily sway.

Son of rebellion, do not forget you were all those things.3

Was it not the promise of your heart, on its throne, I would be king?

Was it not your choice to answer the call?

That I am to be Abba, Master, and All?

Now, you’ve come through the darkness to serve,

Keep your vision steady and never let it curve.

I’ve placed you here, at the threshold to care,

In a station of my grace that you I may pare.

Do only what I tell you,

And speak what is true.

Stand in the entrance and keep ever awake.

What is whispered in darkness, to the light, you will take.”

“But I am unworthy, and deserve not this high4 place,

To stand in your presence, in the light of your face.”

“Do not call unworthy, which I sanctify.

And by whom but me can one justify?

Neither are done because of your merit,

But because in your heart, this room, is my Spirit.

Come now, my beloved, will you do what I say?”

“Yes, Abba, from true love, I will follow and obey.”

Many call this place mean and low,

But how can that be when my faith will grow?

Blessed am I for I stand at the door barely within,

By His grace, given new clothes and washed of my sin.

The joy in my heart does now swell,

My praises for him and his love I must tell.

I stand at the sill looking in, a doorkeeper.

Doing what He asks, guiding any seeker.

For he draws all to Himself with no help from me.

I simply point, giving prayerful petitions for all to Thee.

Let the light of your Spirit within shine,

On that narrow way, that solemn line.

Amen