December 3

Revelation 11:1
 
“There was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein” — Revelation 11:11And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. (Revelation 11:1).
WE measure that which we desire to possess for ourselves. When one selects a plot of ground he is concerned as to its length and breadth and its exact limits. The temple of God and those who dwell therein represent Jehovah’s peculiar treasure, Israel the rod of His inheritance. This He marks off for Himself at a time when the world outside is still in rebellion against Him. Even so is it now when His little flock constitute the temple in which He dwells by His Spirit in the midst of a hostile scene. Godless men may rage and ridicule those whom the Lord has set apart to Himself, but they are precious in His eyes and under His particular care. He has marked them off from all the rest of mankind as His own sanctuary, a spiritual house in which His grace and power are seen.
The outer court of the temple where the Gentiles were permitted to gather was not measured in John’s vision, for the nations as such are not yet in spiritual relationship with God.
“Lord, we are Thine; Thy claims we own,
Ourselves to Thee would humbly give;
Reign then within our hearts alone,
And let us to Thy glory live.
Here may we each Thy mind display
In all Thy gracious image shine;
So shall we hail the looked for day
When Thou shalt own that we are Thine.”
—J. G. Deck.