The Measuring Man
One Year Bible: November 20
Ezekiel 40:28-41:26
The Measuring Man
These are some of the measurements and mysteries that intrigue me in today’s Millennial Message….Four Corners. Three in One. Two Sticks. One Stone.
“The LORD took HOLD OF ME. In a vision from God, he took me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain. From there I could see toward the south what appeared to be a city. As he brought me nearer, I saw a man whose face shone like bronze standing beside a gateway entrance. He was holding in his hand a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod.” (40:1-3)
Next, “The Measuring Man” whose face shone like bronze (symbolizing strength) takes Ezekiel to view the Temple area. Every time in scripture we see a shining man with a measuring rod, it is an angelic encounter worthy of Ezekiel’s attention and ours as well. “The Measuring Man” is also mentioned in Zechariah 2 and Revelation 21.
Why is Ezekiel being brought here? “Son of man, watch and listen. Pay close attention to everything I show you. You have been brought here so I can show you many things.” (40:4)
There are so many questions that have sent me into further study…
North, South, East, and West. What is the significance of these gates and the bigger picture?
These four words represent the FOUR CORNERS of the earth, and God is over ALL OF THEM. The number FOUR means COMPLETE!
For instance, why is there only mention of the South Gateway, East Gateway, and North Gateway? Where is mention of the West Gateway? Three gates will lead into the outer court of the Millenial Temple and apparently, they will all be the same. There will be no gate on the western wall, and in chapter 43 we will learn why the East Gate will be sealed…AMAZING!
Revelation 7:1 tells us of another vision given to the apostle John from a heavenly vantage point so high that he can see “Angels standing at the FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH.”
This compass covers the entire world created in God’s image which will be put back together in entirety for all to view that will place Satan in his place, open the eyes and hearts of God’s Jewish people, connect the Old and New Testament covenants as never revealed before, and place Jesus on the throne of David to reign for God’s intended millennium. Every eye will see, and every knee will have the chance to bow before HIM!
Why is there such painstaking care of every detail of each gateway and why are they the same? Interesting that from the very beginning when God instructed Moses to pay very close attention to each and every detail that He stressed, “EXACT PATTERN”.
God’s perfection is represented in completeness in all numbers and patterns. When the time comes for Jesus’ glorious appearing, God’s chosen people will know “beyond a shadow of a doubt” whose glory fills the temple!
THREE IN ONE. Do you notice how God is always working as a team with His hierarchy?
The WORD. The WASHING. And THE WAY.
FATHER, SON, and SPIRIT… are functioning in unity, and will be fully revealed through the new millennium. Ezekiel is instructed by “The Measuring Man”, “Hear with your ears and behold with your eyes, and open your heart.” (40:4) This is the complete washing of the WORD!
TWO STICKS. Some visuals are hard to forget… like the four-faced creature in Ezekiel’s first two visions, and then there were the TWO STICKS.
When Ezekiel wrote on the two sticks all the people knew good and well who the words represented. They were the division of the two kingdoms that used to be one nation under God.
Do you remember the face of the East in the vision of the four-headed creature? It was “A Lion”, representing Judah, the East. The face of the South was the emblem of “A MAN”.
Talk about Deja Vu, Ezekiel is being “taken away” in another vision and what does he see at the future Temple? “All the walls were decorated with carvings of cherubim, each with TWO FACES, and there was a carving of a palm tree between each of the cherubim. One face--that of a MAN-- looked toward the palm tree on one side. The other face--that of a young LION-- looked toward the palm tree on the other side.” (41:18-19)
By the way, Palm trees are a symbol of righteousness, goodness, and abundance of God’s royal family. It was with PALM BRANCHES that they welcomed Jesus at the triumphal entry. Not one detail of God’s description was placed there without great meaning and significance!
In fact, the very words that they said at Jesus’ entrance as they waved their Palm Branches were taken directly from Psalm 118, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.”
This one king, born a man of God, will be the center of this new Millenial Tabernacle.
“The WORD was made flesh and dwelt -- or literally TABERNACLED--among us.” (John 1:14)
Jesus will be the FOUNDATION of their broken wavering faith and God will reveal all things in His perfect time!
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ!” (I Cor. 3:11)
“The Measuring Man” is presenting quite the visual to Ezekiel and to us… every pattern, detail, and obscure element will one day be revealed… and wrapped in a CHRISTMAS BOW!
Four Corners. Three in One. Two Sticks. One Stone.
Man, That’s some Measuring!
