How can we apply the prince's example of worship in our daily lives? The Prince at the Gate: A Snapshot “The prince is to enter from the outside through the portico of the gateway and stand by the gatepost. Then the priests are to present his burnt offering and fellowship offerings. He must worship at the threshold of the gate and then depart, but the gate must not be shut until evening.” (Ezekiel 46:2) Principle 1: Be Prompt and Prepared • The prince does not drift in casually; he enters on the appointed Sabbath at the appointed gate. • Daily application: – Schedule time with the Lord as deliberately as any vital appointment. – Psalm 5:3 — “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.” Principle 2: Worship Before Others • He stands by the gatepost, visible to priests and people, modeling devotion. • Daily application: – Let family, coworkers, classmates see genuine gratitude to God. – Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Principle 3: Submit Offerings First • His burnt and fellowship offerings precede anything else he does. • Daily application: – Offer the “firstfruits” of time, finances, and talents (Proverbs 3:9). – Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your reasonable service.” Principle 4: Worship at the Threshold • The prince bows at the very doorway—close enough to draw near, humble enough not to barge in. • Daily application: – Approach God with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). – Recognize every doorway—home, office, church—as a place to pause and honor Him. Principle 5: Leave the Gate Open • After he departs, the gate remains open until evening, welcoming others. • Daily application: – Keep spiritual “gates” open so others can follow your example. – Colossians 4:3 — “Pray that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Putting It into Practice: Simple Steps Today 1. Set a specific daily worship time—guard it as firmly as the prince guarded Sabbath entrance. 2. Begin each day by surrendering plans and resources to the Lord. 3. Display visible tokens of faith (a Bible on the desk, a verse on the wall) that invite conversation. 4. Pause at physical thresholds—car door, office door, school gate—to whisper a quick praise or prayer. 5. Invite someone to join you—family devotion, mid-week church service, or a shared act of service—keeping the “gate” open. Where Scripture Echoes the Lesson • Psalm 100:4 — “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…” • 1 Peter 2:9 — “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood… that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you.” Follow the prince’s pattern, and each day’s gate becomes an opportunity for wholehearted, contagious worship. |
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