GOING BACK IS NOT THAT HARD –

Levi’s second son was named Kohath, and he had a son named Korah. David appointed one of Korah’s sons named Heman to be head of the music ministry, after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The Korahites were in charge as door-keepers for the tent David built to house this holy and sacred object. Over time, many of these Korahites were scattered and displaced because of invasions and changes in leadership in the kingdom. One of these door-keepers found himself far from Jerusalem and longed to get back so he could once again see and experience God’s presence in the holy sanctuary of the Almighty.

“For the millions who magnify You O LORD Eternal, Your sanctuary is awesome. I can hardly wait to get there to worship You; because my heart and mind long to be in the presence of our Heavenly King. I’ve watched as a sparrow found a home and made a nest for itself in the spire of Your sanctuary, where it can hatch its young, O LORD Eternal of millions, my King and my One True God. So how much more blessed are those who tarry there, because they enjoy celebrating You. There they receive strength to continue on toward their heavenly goal. Along life’s journey there are times we find ourselves in tears, but we let those tears turn into fountains of joy; we let our weeping become pools of refreshing. As such, we’ll find ourselves getting stronger and stronger as we continue our journey to be with You, O LORD. So answer our prayers, my One One True God and Defender; let us continue to enjoy Your anointing and favor. For I would rather stand at the entrance of Your sanctuary for just one day as a doorkeeper, than to relax in the mansions of godless millionaires for a thousand. For You are the sunshine of my life; making me feel favored and honored. You do not withhold Your approval from those who live the way they should. So the millions who magnify You O LORD Eternal can count their blessings when they put their full trust in You.” Psalm 84:1-12

Reflection: A young man named William Kirkpatrick, son of a school teacher and musician, came from a small town in Pennsylvania, USA. His interest in music caused him to move to Philadelphia where he worked as a carpenter while going to school. Every spare moment he spent learning music. During this time he met a church soloist who, unfortunately, did not share his enthusiastic love for God. He became burdened for his new friend, and wanted to inspire him to rededicate his life to Jesus. So Kirkpatrick wrote a song and gave it to his friend. After learning the song, the soloist decided to sing it one night at a revival meeting. He had a wonderful voice, and began to sing so beautifully: “I’ve wandered far away from God, now I’m coming home; the paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home.” As he went on, the soloist became so convicted by the words of the song, that when he finished he went straight to the altar and repented of his waywardness. The Psalmist felt a similar desire to return to the place where he first felt God’s presence and Spirit. Some are taught it’s best to cancel out the past and start all over. But that’s like a runaway child asking to come home and start all over again like a baby. Rather, it is coming home, asking forgiveness, and picking up the torch where it was dropped, but this time going off in the right direction. It is good to know that God is so forgiving, so caring, and so understanding, that He will not wait until you decide to return, but will go to great lengths to send you a message that He wants you to come home.