Usher Me Into The Presence Of The Lord

"Usher Me Into The Presence of The Lord"

2 Chronicles 29:6-11

I have chosen for a topic today, "Usher Me Into The Presence of The Lord."

Today, we are here to uplift an annual celebration of Christian service-ushering. Though it may not be what some of your family, friends, peers, and even select church leaders may deem as one of the most glamorous auxiliaries on the church’s roster of ministries, know that God holds you in high regard. Anytime you can recognize the need to extend the hand of fellowship and hospitality to your neighbor, God holds your service in high regard.

The Bible tells us that we should be careful of how we treat strangers, for we may be entertaining angels unaware. And since man was made a little lower than the angels, we ought to be careful of how we treat those who enter the doors of our dwelling places. If you know the true definition of service as it is used in the Christian vernacular, you know then, that service equates itself to ministry. You do know that ushering is a ministry, do you not? But, what happens when we grow weary in our serving? Well, let’s take a closer look.

Perhaps there is no one like this at Mt. Pisgah, but I’m told that at times, certain people find it difficult to get motivated Sunday after Sunday, month after month, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, right down to second after second to render their reasonable service. I’m not talking about what some of you may think of as over and beyond the call of duty service, rather I’m speaking of reasonable service. To be more specific, the service of ushering.

It’s no fun when you have to stand on your feet for long periods of time. You smile at people as you meet and greet them on the church steps and at the door and they look at you as if to say, "What are you looking at?" "What are you so happy about?" It’s laborious when you stroll down the aisle to lead someone to a seat and they behave as if they don’t want any assistance from you, or when you lead them to their pew, people, taking up space, and refusing to issue an SOS, meet you there. I am not talking about a rescue attempt; rather I’m speaking about those persons who refuse to Scoot Over Some.

As humorous as these scenarios may or may not seem, there is one thing for sure, we can find a bit of truth in all of them. As we examine today’s text, let’s observe how our scripture focuses resemble our modern day circumstances. Sit back and use your sanctified imaginations, if you will, as I set the stage for you :

As the curtain rises on the scene of today’s text, we observe our young brother Hezekiah succeeding his father Ahaz as King of Judah. A position I am sure came with its share of setbacks. Hezekiah has inherited the position of filling his father’s shoes, a man of great position and authority, yet one whose reputation was not so praiseworthy. If you would take the time to read the entire 29th chapter of 2Chronicles when you get home, you will see a son who’s father’s past mistakes, hardened heart and corrupt leadership had great potential of being a generational curse on young Hezekiah’s life. In fact, the mistakes of his father’s past could be the very things that could virtually destroy him before he was fully able to prove himself as Judah’s new and improved leader. Yet, Hezekiah made a name for himself by turning his people away from the wickedness of his father Ahaz and restoring worship back into the temple. In fact, if you would take the time to do the research, 2Kings, chapter 20 teaches us that the Lord prolonged Hezekiah’s life for doing right after he was initially predestined to meet an early death.

Remember this, because I hope it’s going to minister to your spirit later on. What this means for those of you who hold offices of leadership and service here at Mt. Pisgah or where ever your church home or place or worship may be, particularly ushering, it’s important that we gain an understanding of our brother Hezekiah and the admonishment he renders to the Levites. There’s a message in these passages of scripture for you today, and that is, you’ve got to have pure motives in order to usher someone into the presence of the Lord.

Regardless of your past mistakes, the faults of those who have proceeded you and/or what you perceive to be unpardonable circumstances, you must present yourself aboveboard if you want to be in position to lead others to the Lord. No, I’m not saying you have to be perfect because God says to come as you are. However, I heard someone say a long time ago, it’s a highway to heaven and none should go up there but the pure in heart.