October 1 You’re God’s Temple

Revelation 11:1-3 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 
 
IN the previous passage, John became an active participant in the vision as he experienced the sweet-sour affects of God’s Word upon his life. John now receives a second task. He is to measure the temple of God and count the true worshipers at the altar in heaven.
    Is this a real or symbolic temple? Many conjecture what temple this is to be. Some think it is be a future temple formed from an unused temple blueprint God revealed in Ezekiel 40-42. But since John is told to count the worshipers at the altar, we can understand the temple is heaven; thus, John is to measure Jesus’ universal church. This measurement is more of a protection action than a numerical counting. When we measure our responsibilities as a parent, spouse, child and church member, we realize our responsibilities in God’s care.
    Are you counted as God’s temple? You are if you are saved in Jesus are God’s temple. 2 Corinthians 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
    In Revelation, God fulfills these words. John measures the temple to demonstrate God’s care for his church. The Lord is reminding John and all of us that we are to 1) taste his sweet message 2) persist against sin’s sour persecution and 3) measure – protect and count – Jesus’ church at the altar.
    The “outer court” is the place for unbelievers, even “members” of a church who reject Jesus. God will allow them to persecute his church for a limited time of 3 ½ years or 42 months – also 1,260 days. Note, this is one-half of seven years. Seven is the number of completion and perfection. The church’s persecution is not a complete persecution. God is still protecting his people amid the trials we experience now and in the future. During this time, God will send two witnesses – two prophets – to call people to salvation. We’ll learn more of these two as we continue.
    This is the way of the church since it began, isn’t it? I hope we can all understand in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, that God has ordained, in his own plan, a time for suffering and a time for victory. See this vision as God’s call to you. He commands you to be a good shepherd for his church. Measure your work in the church. Go to the altar. Live as a temple of God prepared to worship at heaven’s altar. Be a witness for Jesus.
    How will you do so?
 
Prayer: Teach me, Jesus, to be measure my life in relationship to your truth. I pray I am a good witness for your salvation. In your name I pray, amen.