By Nick Dalgety
An important lesson in life is discovering the importance of service. Here I took a photo of the doorkeeper at the simple accommodation house I stayed at while in Hangzhou, a beautiful city about an hours train ride from Shanghai. West Lake is famous in China and exists in the heart of this city.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness [PSALM 84:10]
He does such a valuable job. Welcoming people to the accommodation house, keeping the entrance clean and having knowledge about the local community and culture.
We also read about a doorkeeper in Psalm 84. Here the psalmist highlights a number of amazing truths; a love for the living God, the blessing that comes from dwelling in God’s house and a man whose heart is clearly set on pilgrimage.
The psalmist cries out that a day in God’s courts is better than a thousand. And that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of his God, than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
When we are worldly minded we seek after positions of pre-eminence where we can receive the praise of others.
However, better to desire a servant heart, be in the presence of our Master and look to do His bidding. Of course we can not do this in our own strength; only if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
If we trust in Yeshua He will empower us with the Holy Spirit.
About the Author
Nick Dalgety is a Kiwi born in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. In recent times my wife and I have made Nelson in the top of the South Island home.
My day job involves working with people making a living from land and sea. In my spare time my passion is taking pictures that celebrate what is iconic about Aotearoa New Zealand. Inevitably this involves discovering amazing people, in their special place making and doing what they do best.
When travelling overseas, I often seek out similar experiences. I created Provenance101 to share these experiences.
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