We live in a day where the Lord takes great care inspecting and evaluating both His church and people. When Jesus saw the fig tree at Bethany, He approached it, longing to partake of its fruit. From a distance it had the appearance of fruitfulness due to its covering fig leaves. As we shall see, the tree did not measure up to the Lord’s expectations.
And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs (Mark 11:13).
Having considered the above picture let us ask the following questions: How do we measure up before God? From whom do we take our measurements? The prophet Amos spoke the following:
And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more (Amos 7:8).
What does this plumbline look like when applied to an individual or church? Seeing our shortcomings can be sobering when measured against the standards of God.
True, the Lord is holy and righteous, but he knows the frailties of man. He is ever pleading for man to seek His remedy for sin and discover the means by how we can measure up to live the victorious life. How does the Lord apply His measuring plumbline to our lives? What methods does the Lord use in helping to bring His church into proper alignment?
Some time ago I had the opportunity to get fitted for a new suit. The tailor took my initial measurements while giving instructions to come back after a few days for a pre-fitting. Upon my return I put on the jacket and felt that the fit was fine. The master tailor, who by the way was not the man who took the initial measurements, spent considerable time inspecting the pre-fitted jacket.
Finally, he stated the initial measurements were not properly taken. He then brought me before a mirror and showed me why he was not satisfied. With his hands he demonstrated where the changes needed to be made. He then asked my permission before going ahead and making the needed alterations.
From this experience I discovered insights in how God can apply His plumbline to our lives. Consider some of the following learning points:
The master tailor examined me thoroughly
Rev.2:18 makes mention of the Lord having “eyes unto a flame of fire”. He is able to examine and assess every area of our being. The master tailor spent time with me desiring every detail of the fitting to be exact.
His name and reputation are reflected upon every garment that goes out of his store. The master tailor would not let me go until he was satisfied. The Bible makes clear that we are His workmanship.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
The master tailor brought me in front of the mirror
I felt no need for alterations until he brought me before a mirror. To desire change we must first see the need for it. The study of God’s Word can be likened to a mirror that allows us to see a reflection of our true condition. Jesus, as the Living Word not only takes particular care in examining our lives, but He also gives us an opportunity to see for ourselves the needed areas of alteration.
That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26).
The master tailor asked my permission to make needed alterations
With great care the master tailor adjusted the fabric to his standard of satisfaction and then asked if he could make the needed adjustments. He made sure he had my approval before reworking the measurements. This so impressed me and helped to give a greater understanding as to how the Lord seeks to bring change into our lives. There is a choosing required on our part in allowing the Lord to bring forth the desired alteration. God does not force His will or His way upon anyone.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
The particular methods of the master tailor help in giving insights as to how the Lord measures His church. It is also instructive as to how the Lord can bring needed alignment into our lives. May we be willing to present ourselves continually before our Master and allow Him to shape and measure us to His divine plumbline.
DAILY MEDITATIONS
Monday: Jeremiah 18:4
And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.
Tuesday: Revelation 2:18
And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
Wednesday: 1 Peter 1:15-16
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Thursday: Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.
Friday: 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
Sunday: Isaiah 6:5
So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.”
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
