The Doorkeeper

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  — John 10:1-3

I still remember my first trip to New York City with my parents. I was only 10 years old at the time (I think) and that’s going back a long-g-g-g way! I don’t know why I remember the doorman at our hotel in particular because I don’t recall much of anything else—but I know that I was fascinated that he opened the door every time we went in and out—and he looked really sharp!

In our Lord’s teaching to His disciples on the signs, times and the end of the age in John 10, he tells of a sheepfold where lambs go in and out by the door to find pasture and are led by the shepherd in doing so. The sheep in contemporary terms are obvious, they are believers—that’s us. The shepherd of the sheep is the Lord—that is also apparent.

Which leaves one question remaining. Who’s the doorkeeper? He’s the one who opens and closes the door for the shepherd—and the sheep! Perhaps Mark’s gospel will help us here as Jesus speaks of a more contemporary setting:

It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge (the sheep), each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door (the doorkeeper) to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house (the shepherd) will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” — Mark 13:34-37

So, who would you say is the doorkeeper in our modern context? My vote goes to the pastor of each church—the one who keeps watch over the other believers in his care and opens and closes the door to protect his flock. He also makes sure they have full access to the Chief Shepherd, Whom He knows by name.

Dear saints, God bless your pastor’s heart as he’s doing what he’s called and gifted to do for you—to be a doorkeeper. You’re in good hands if he stays on his watch—keeping the thieves and robbers at bay. Be sure to give him a hug and your thanks next time you see him—and I hope it’s soon!

“God is good all the time. All the time God is good!”