Revelation 11:1-2: Security.

“I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, ‘Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshippers. 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.” NIV

Many people find ‘Revelation’ to be the most puzzling book in the Bible, and chapter 11 its most puzzling chapter. Not surprisingly, there are different interpretations of this chapter. (That is true of the whole book of course!)

I’m not saying dogmatically that my viewpoint is correct, but I suggest that these 2 verses point to the ultimate security of the church. Although a part of it will, for a limited time, be ‘’given’’ over to suffering, God has the true measure of the church – His temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:16). He knows all those who are His, and although He will not necessarily keep them from suffering, He will keep them in and through suffering. They cannot be destroyed by it. So the measuring speaks of protection (see also Ezekiel chapters 40-42).

PRAYER: Lord, if I should live through dark days for your church – even the darkest – help me to never forget that Jesus Christ is Lord.