The prophet had a vision where an angel had a measuring line in his hand. When asked what he was doing, the angel said he was measuring the city of Jerusalem to see how wide and long it was. Then another angel came and announced that Jerusalem would become a city without walls where a great number of men and women would live. Then the angel revealed that the Lord himself would be the Protector around the city and the Provider within it.

In Scripture we often read of measurements being taken. In Scripture, the act of measuring is indicative of ownership with power to take possession. That's why God looked at David's act of counting the army with disdain. His sinful act resulted in 70,000 deaths because he had no such power over God's possession. He'd obviously forgotten his youthful statement to Goliath, "I come against you in the Name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel whom you've defiled." David forgot who was Captain of the troups. (1Sa 17:45;2Sa 24:1-2)

Today, there are many nations measuring Jerusalem as if to imply ownership with power to take possession. But, no one owns the city but God Himself and according to Zechariah's prophecy, no one will take final possession of it save his Son, Jesus Christ who will one day defend the "apple of His eye" from anyone that comes against it.

When reading prophecy in the Old Testament, sometimes it hard to keep our focus on the New covenant because God is not finished with Israel yet. The Lord Jesus Christ will be the fire around the city and in His glory, defend the people from within it. This speaks of God's coming promise to the Jew. What about the church? If you're saved, you already have the glory within as the Holy Spirit dwells in Your heart by faith. But that's just a start.

In John 14:2 we read of the home Jesus is constructing for each believer. It's very possible that right now, the Lord is using a holy measuring line to layout and construct our home in glory. In this life He was a carpenter by trade so He obviously used a ruler. As Lord, He obviously has ownership with power to take possession.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what Jesus has prepared for me. You do know that God has already counted every hair on your head, don't you? (John 14:3; Mt 10:30)

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ze. 2:1-3:10 Rv. 13:1-18 Ps. 141:1-10 Pr. 30:18-20 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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