347. PSA 84:10. DELIGHT IN GOD’S HOUSE

Psa_84:10. Delight in God’s House

PART II

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."’97Psa_84:10.

We have previously spoken of the house of God. We have referred to it historically, and have also shown in some respects why the congregation of worshipping saints may be styled the house of God. But there is a place referred to in the text, in the way of contrast, "The tents of wickedness;" with these we are surrounded; the theatre, the tavern, are indeed such; the profane, prayerless family is such. Now, in these tents Satan is head; sin is the work; misery the predominant feeling. The curse of God is there, no moral beauty there, no verdant plants of righteousness, no flowers of heavenly loveliness, no sacred melody, no settled peace; often they are haters of one another; often hells in miniature, perdition on earth. No wonder then, that the intelligent and holy psalmist should rather prefer the humblest place in the house of God, &c. We proceed then,

II. To consider the Grounds on which preeminent Attachment to God’s House may be justified.

Why did David, and why do all the people of God so ardently love God’s house? They do so,

1. Because of the Proprietor of the house. "God."

They love every thing connected with God; his name, his word, his ordinances, his day, his people, and therefore, his house.

2. Because it is their spiritual birthplace.

Children of God. "Of Zion it shall be said, this man," &c. "Jerusalem from above is the mother of us all." Oh, how sweet is the name of mother! Where was your attention first arrested, your soul alarmed, your fears aroused; where did you first see your peril and misery; and where did the other edge of the divine sword first quicken to righteousness, and prove to you the savor of life, &c. Oh, yes, here you first found your sins to be your burden, and here you were enabled to lay it down at the foot of the cross; here you drank in the balmy sound of the gospel, and when Christ said, "Be it unto thee," &c., you said, "Lord, I believe," &c.

3. Because of the privileges and blessings connected with it.

There are closet privileges, and family privileges, but none equal to those of his house. "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion," &c. Where shall we infallibly meet with the Divine presence? "Wherever two or three," &c. What is the absolute promise to prayer? "Whatever two or three agree to ask," &c. How shall our strength be assuredly renewed? "They that wait upon the Lord," &c. Do you not remember, after that scene of affliction, how refreshed ye were by the dews of Zion? After that scene of trouble and bereavement of your friends or children, &c. When you felt your increasing weakness and approach to death, how, in the house of God, you were comforted, and enabled to rejoice in God. Oh, yes! it is in God’s house where the saints grow and ripen for eternal glory.

4. Because of the society with whom we mingle.

God has implanted the social feelings deeply in our nature. Men have ever moved in masses. Hence, in science, or literature, pleasure, you see men associated together; all classes of men have found out, that society is essential to the enjoyment of life; this principle, religion cherishes and sanctifies; the church is truly a social compact. Now, the Christian knows his spark will be brighter, when mixed with those of the congregation. A confluence of streams make the. river of life deeper and wider, a number of sounds are necessary to harmony; of tints and hues to beauty. "How good and pleasant it is to dwell," &c.; and to unite to worship the Lord of Hosts together "I am a companion of all," &c.

5. Because of its influence in making us meet for glory.

Nowhere are we more reminded of the glory and greatness of God; nowhere are we brought to feel our sinfulness and unworthiness; nowhere is Christ’s cross more conspicuous, time more transitory, world more empty, death less dreaded, or eternity more desired. In God’s house you are instructed for heaven, disciplined for heaven; you will have similar things in heaven; gospel, praise, united, public and eternal worship. The house of God is the gate and entrance of heaven. Such, then, are the reasons of this preference. Let us glance,

III. At the Signs by which our Preference to God’s house will be evinced.

1. By cheerful and regular attendance.

Laws and rules are unnecessary to make us do what is delightful to us. Our forefathers were fined and imprisoned for it, and yet they went up to God’s house. Nothing can compensate for irregular attendance.

2. Exertion for its support.

Self-denial is the unerring test. You may give what you do not want, what you will never feel. No self-denial in this; what have you sacrificed?

3. Prayers tor its prosperity.

Pray for the peace, &c.,

"My soul shall pray for Zion still."

At the family altar, closet, everywhere.

Application

1. Some of you feel the sentiments of the text.

2. Some of you give it a secondary degree of attention.

3. I fear some of you care nothing about it.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS