There are
important spiritual messages to be learned from every part of Ezekiel's
detailed description of a temple that has never been built, lessons that are
vital for every Christian today. These are the focus of the current series
of devotionals: LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE. If you have missed any parts
of this series, you can read previously published lessons on-line at
www.scripturalnuggets.org/folder6/lessons_from_ezekiels_temple.htm
.
Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple, Part 3:
Why all These Measurements?
Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 2,
we discovered that the uniform shape of the described temple teaches us to
live in harmony with God's Spirit. We must allow God to be both Savior and
Lord of our lives. Only then can we be effective witnesses! Today's lesson
takes a look at the importance of measurement:
"In the man's hand was a measuring rod … and he measured the width of
the wall structure, one rod … and measured the threshold of the
gateway…" (Ezek 40:5,6 NKJV)
As you continue to read through the next five chapters, you will note that
literally everything was measured and the measurement was recorded.
Why?
It could be said that God wanted to ensure that the people knew the exact
measurements of the temple to be built. It could also be said that Ezekiel
himself was conscientiously ensuring that those who reconstructed the temple
would have an exact blueprint. Both of these ideas are likely true.
But we aren't planning on building a physical building. We have no use for
the exactness of these measurements, so why do we need to be aware of them?
The concept of a measuring line or a measuring rod is found in several
places in the Bible, and each time, it seems to signify one of two important
meanings. The first is that of judgment:
"The Lord determined to tear down the wall around the Daughter of Zion.
He stretched out a measuring line and did not withhold his hand from
destroying." (Lam 2:8 NIV).
The idea is also found in Zech 5:5-6, where God is setting the measuring
line against His people, and in 2 Kings 21:13-14, where God is setting the
measuring line against Samaria and the house of Ahab.
The second Biblical use of the measuring line speaks of setting apart for
sacred purposes:
"Therefore, this is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Jerusalem with
mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be
stretched out over Jerusalem,' declares the Lord Almighty." (Zech 1:16
NIV).
We can also look at Zech 2:1-5, which speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem,
describing it as a city that will be without walls because God will become
its walls. This would indicate that the city is set apart for sacred
purposes. Then, there is also Rev. 11:1-2, where John is told to measure the
temple of God, but not its outer courts, because the temple is for the Jews
and the outer court is for the gentiles. This implies that the parts
measured would be set apart for God's sacred purposes.
When we look closely at these two different ideas, it becomes clear that
they really mean one and the same thing. The concept is this: The measuring
line sets things apart for sacred purposes, but it is also a way to identify
if what is set apart measures up. If it doesn't, judgment is pending!
So what does the fact that Ezekiel's temple was measured to its minutest
detail have to do with us, today?
Let's remember 1 Cor. 3:15: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's
temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
As living temples of God's Spirit, God is calling us to be set apart for
sacred purposes: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its
own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of
the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19-20 NIV).
In other words, He is asking us to live apart from the world we live in.
This idea is seen throughout the New Testament:
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord." (2 Cor
6:17 NIV)
"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to
abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11
NIV) (See also John 17:14-16, James 4:4-6, 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.)
The idea is this, friends! We are temples of God's Spirit, and though we
live in the world, we need to be separate from the world, set apart for Holy
purposes. Because of this, we need to attempt to live holy lives, lives that
reflect that we are set apart: "As obedient children, do not conform to
the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who
called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy,
because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV)
Remember, living this way gives us protection: "If anyone destroys God's
temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that
temple." (1 Cor 3:16-17 NIV).
But just as the measuring line was brought against Jerusalem and Samaria,
living unholy lives will only bring about judgment and destruction.
Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: As temples of the living God, we are
not our own. We have been bought with a price and are set apart for sacred
purposes. Let's start living our lives with this is mind. Let's live holy
lives, lives that honor the God who desires to dwell in our temples. In so
doing, we bring about blessing to ourselves, but in not doing so, we bring
the measuring line of judgment upon ourselves.
Join us next week for Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 4: Palm Trees and
Cherubim
God bless each of you as you seek to draw closer to Him!
In His love, Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for
The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a
website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems,
www.scripturalnuggets.org ,
with Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org .