The Temple of God
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
Reading through the book of Revelation this time, I have come to recognize yet another truth to keep in mind to understanding the content. That truth is, not to try to figure out the missing pieces, but to ask the questions: Why is the content included? and When is this event taking place? Unfortunately when reading the book of Revelation, we see it as a puzzle to try to figure out the missing pieces instead of putting attention on the detail that are written.
There is a great example of this at the beginning of Chapter 11. After John ate the little book and was told that he would prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings at the end of chapter 10, he was given a reed for measuring. He was told by the angel to measure the temple and altar of God and all who worship there. Because the finding of what he measured is never mentioned again, it is obvious that the focus of this verse is the temple, not the measurements. We know that the angel is talking about the temple in the world because John was told that the outer court has been given over to the gentiles (those without God). The fact that there is a temple is the interesting part of this scripture. At the time John was writing these words, the temple in Jerusalem had already been destroyed for the third time and there has not been a temple in it’s place since that time. I’m sure when John saw the temple in his vision, he was completely amazed and drawn in. The temple at this point in time of the great tribulation would automatically allow us to conclude that the Jewish temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt no matter how impossible it may look today for that to happen.
However, in today’s world, the age of grace that we live in, God’s people are the temple of God. We no longer must atone for our sin each year on Passover because the punishment of sin was paid through the blood of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
When Jesus took the punishment of the sin of the world and nailed it to the cross, He paid the price of the perfect sacrifice for all who would receive it. After He rose from that death on the cross and ascended into heaven, He sent God’s Spirit to live inside of the hearts of those who would receive His great gift of salvation. Now we as God’s people have become His temple and dwelling place in the earth. Instead of coming down to the Holy of Holies once a year to receive the sacrifice of the people, we daily give our lives as a living sacrifice. In Romans 12:1-2 we find our mission and purpose in life today as a child of God. It says: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Today I want to encourage you to live your life as a living sacrifice fit for the ministry of rescuing those who are lost and bringing them to the Savior of all. He will not turn anyone away who asks because His blood paid the debt of all sin for all time. Press into your calling today of being a living sacrifice and lift up your life in service to Him as a sweet smelling savor. Then listen closely to the direction His Spirit speaks to you each day to follow and complete through His empowering grace and accomplish His plan for this time in history. If you have never received His great gift of love and cleansing, do it today and lift up your life as a living sacrifice by praying the prayer below. He will come into your heart and into your life and He will direct your path as you acknowledge Him in all your ways.
Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior. I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me. Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today. I know Your Son, Jesus died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward. I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 11:1-3
1 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.
2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
The Daily Dose 