October 22, 2022

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

The measuring of the temple and the altar is not an earthly reference, as the temple had been totally destroyed some twenty years earlier. John is focused on the heavenly temple, a central theme in the Revelatory visions given to him. It is God’s dwelling place, the location of His throne; it is the ‘control center’ of the universe. In addition, it is the center where all decisions and strategies regarding planet earth are made. Antagonistic enemy powers are hostile to the temple and all it entails (see 13:6). The altar is the altar of incense before God’s throne where the agonized prayers of His people ascend to Him, calling for help and cleansing, deliverance and justice.

The elements in this part of John’s vision point to the Day of Atonement. In the Old Testament annual feasts (the word translated “feasts” also means rehearsals) there was a ten-day period which began with the blowing of trumpets that led up to the Day of Atonement during which the children of God were to “afflict their souls” that they might discover and confess any unconfessed sin. It was the most solemn day of the year because it culminated in a divine determination as to who would live and who would die (see Leviticus 23:29-30).

The measuring of those who worship there is a reminder to all who name the name of Jesus Christ that He is the LORD who searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts (1 Chronicles 28:9). There is an evaluation underway that will be completed before Jesus returns. It goes all the way back to Adam and Eve and progresses forward. This natural order is evident in the scene of the woman caught in adultery. Jesus had said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” . . . Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last…(John 8:7,9).

Our gracious Lord extends a generous opportunity for each of us to thoughtfully, with the aid of His Holy Spirit, examine ourselves in the light of the one holy God and the riches of His truth. An honest examination reveals my abject spiritual poverty, nakedness, and the reality of my need for His forgiveness and for His covering: the robe of righteousness.

Beloved, if He has given us such a covering, our response of love back to Him ought to be a life of gratitude; one that will not bring a spot, stain, or wrinkle to that robe. Impossible? Apart from God, yes! But we serve a God who says, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, see also Luke 1:37).

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

…that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:26-27