April 3, 2022

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel said, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. Revelation 11:1

The Day of Atonement is the backdrop of this scene. The three elements, temple, altar, and worshipers appear together only in the context of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:16-19, 30-31). “Measure” is a figurative term meaning evaluate or judge.

The command to measure the temple must be understood in its context. The New Testament refers to each believer as the temple of God, but here the worshippers are listed separately as those who worship. And the temple in Jerusalem had been totally destroyed some twenty years before this vision came to John. Neither of these temple references apply here. The temple to be measured here is the heavenly temple which contains the ark of His covenant (v.19). God’s standard of measurement is contained in the Ten Commandments which are inside the ark. God’s true followers will esteem God’s eternal law as the perfect standard.

To measure the altar is to recognize the magnanimity of the sacrifice of Christ. Only His atoning work can bring about salvation for the worshiper of God. Only His righteousness at work in me—through the power of His Holy Spirit—can lead me on the path of transformation (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18), essential to be presented as a bride without blemish (Ephesians 5:27) to the Son of God.

Those who worship there are the professed people of God. The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day of the year for the Jews. This evaluation determined who would live and who would die. The Day of Atonement ultimately represents the final judgement. In the annual feasts of the Old Testament, the trumpets announced a ten-day period leading up to the Day of Atonement. The number ten is associated with testing. It was a serious time of self-examination using the Law of God as the standard of measurement. This period of testing provided opportunity for each individual, both Jew and foreigner, to make certain all sins were confessed. Throughout God’s Word a welcome is expressed to outsiders who desire to love the LORD, for he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit (Romans 2:29).

Today, many inside the church have moved away from God’s perfect standard and unwisely prefer to measure according to what they see around them instead of looking to God.

Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12

Look to Me and be saved. For I am God and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22