old-sewing

“Then I was given a measuring stick, and the angel stood, saying, rise and measure the Temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship there. But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations.”
—Revelation 11:1–2

John is told to measure the temple, the altar, and those who worship there. This was not just to determine its physical dimensions; I believe it is something far beyond architecture. God is saying, John, rise, measure those who “worship Me.” Separate the spiritual city (believers) from those outside (nonbelievers).

Have you ever wondered what “God’s Tape Measure” might look like? My husband, being in construction for years, has tape measures all over the garage. I too have my own tape measure; it’s for sewing. My tape measure is only 60 inches long, but the ones contractors use are 50 feet long or longer. Mine is soft and you have to roll it by hand. My husband’s tape measure is metal and it’s self-winding; with a push of a button it rolls back into its case, all nice and neat. I like his better, but I do have to warn you: be careful and keep your fingers out of the way while it flies back…ouch.

God’s “Tape Measure” in Revelation is about measuring whether a person is saved or not. God has set the standards, and the true measure of our salvation is not in what we have done. The true measure of our salvation is the “who” that we worship. Worship is first and foremost an encounter with the living and holy God. The only way we can encounter God is through believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

“For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:16–18).

What a comfort it is to know with assurance that we can measure up before God—not because of who we are or what we’ve done (none of us can measure up on our own merits), but because of what God has done through His Son, Jesus.

“Jesus said, ‘The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.’ The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I who speak to you am he'” (John 4:23–26).