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In every work of the Lord there comes a time when the divine requirements must be met. Any structure erected by the inspiration of the Lord has a very exact measurement applied to it. Even as the record shows that the Tabernacle was built according to the pattern given Moses in the wilderness. Heb. 8:5 We are now confronted with a building described by Ezekiel. The line and the reed are used to measure from outside inwardly and from room to room. The Lord applied a plummet or a plumb line to the children of Israel as a means of judgment and righteousness. Isa. 28:17 The importance of the use of the plumb line is emphasized by the person using it, as found in Amos 7:7-9 There it was found in the hand of the Lord. The message conveyed is extremely vital for it indicated a last opportunity for Israel to measure up, or be left desolate. Spiritually, that plumb line is the Lord Jesus. As we have already noted the challenge to the body of Christ is to achieve ìthe measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.î Eph 4:13 In order to be a member of the body of Christ every cell must have reached that completeness which is found in the Lord Jesus and only in Him. Eph. 1:22-23 He will not have an emaciated, weak, sickly body for a bride.
The scriptural meaning of the reed is to portray a man. Jesus used it in reference to John the Baptist. Mt. 12:20 The fact of the reed having a measurement of six cubits, with six being the number of man, would give us a reed depicting the Lord Jesus, the perfect, sinless man. It is a play on words, but it is note worthy that six cubits would be about nine feet, the number of the Spirit. When we need a champion by whom we want to measure ourselves, there is none greater than the man, totally and completely a man, subjected to all the temptations of this life, yet triumphantly, did not sin, the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 5:21 The man whose responsibility it was to measure the building stood in the gate. Interesting inasmuch as Jesus said that He was the door and that all entered in only through Him. John 10:9.
All things spiritual should always demand total attention. Ezekiel is instructed to fully behold with his eyes the vision which he is about to have. Likewise listen carefully to the words he is about to hear. Then to take to heart all these things which he is about to see and hear that he may be able to carefully convey the message to the children of Israel. Eze. 40:4 These are attitudes which should become the common practice for everyone who involves themselves in the Word of the Lord, whether it is by reading the Word or by the hearing of the Word. The reading or the hearing of the true Word is real life, spiritual life, life everlasting. It is the Word of Life. 1 Jn. 1:1.