Seattle, April 22, 2005.
49. MEASURED. The Lord, in instructing Moses for the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness gave very careful and explicit instructions and measurements. He was to build it according to the pattern, the shape the size and the measurements that were given Him in the mount. Ex. 25:9 That which he built was but a replica of what he had seen on the mount. In other words, Moses had seen the heavenly which is the real and everlasting. If the Lord so fervently commanded him to follow the blueprint for the earthly, how much more will He require exact workmanship for the heavenly. The earthly tabernacle was but a shadow and an example of that which is eternal. How much more forceful are the requirements for that which is heavenly. Heb. 8:5
OF THE STATURE. The measuring rod is always before us. We are encouraged to meet the standards of the Word by using Christ Jesus as our measurement. Which is exactly what the Apostle is advocating in stating the qualifying factors for those who would be real members of the body of Christ. It is needful that we note, that in the book of final things, the book of Revelation. There is a rod, a very special rod with which the temple of God is to be measured. We would all anticipate that we will be involved in the last day activities between Jesus and His church. Our participation depends entirely on how we measure up. The rod, is the Word, the Lord Jesus. The temple is measured as well as those who worship there. That most definitely involves all who are concerned with having a part in last day activity. Those who cannot pass the microscopic inspection of the Lord will not be in the Bride of Christ. Rev. 11:1
THE NEW JERUSALEM. The city which is the Bride of Christ will under go an inspection of the Lord and will pass with flying colors. This time a golden reed is used and it is called, the measure of a man. In using this measurement we are reminded that Jesus was a man. A man who faced every temptation common to mankind. He faced temptation as a man not as deity, yet He was triumphant over all that Satan could throw at Him. The same elements that He used to conquer temptation are made available to His church today. We have the same Holy Spirit, the same almighty and most powerful Word of the Lord. He set and established the basis for admission to the Bride/City. Rev. 21:15-17 These are the people who live according to the teachings of the Word of the Lord. The foundation of all that will be revealed is built upon the basics, such as forgiveness, for one. Forgiving those who have wronged us, even in a horrible manner. Mt. 6:14-15 Making certain that the fundamentals are all in place that we might go on in growth and strength in our spiritual life. Our vision must reach out to the ultimate, the conclusion of the efforts of the Lord in His church. At such a time, He will have accomplished a church of maturity that may easily be measured without fear of coming short in any manner.