measuring up or measuring down?
"A man with a measuring line in his hand..." —Zechariah 2:5
In a vision, the prophet Zechariah raised his eyes and saw a man measuring Jerusalem in preparation for her restoration (Zec 2:6; see also Ez 40:3). John, the apostle and evangelist, was also given a measuring rod to "take the measurements of God's temple and altar, and count those who worship there" (Rv 11:1). God's people were measured to be protected from destruction.
The Lord is still measuring people. On the Church's first day, the Lord measured the size of His Church, and she numbered three thousand believers (Acts 2:41). The Lord measures not only the Church's number but also her holiness. Eventually and finally, the Church will measure up to His standards: "a glorious Church, holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27). The Lord also measures out time, talents, treasures, and so much more. If He gives us five talents, He expects us to return to Him five more (Mt 25:15ff).
The Lord is measuring each of us right now. He is giving us the grace to measure up before the final measuring on Judgment Day. Are you measuring up or "measuring down"?
Prayer: Father, may I know "the immeasurable scope" of Your "power in us who believe" (Eph 1:19).
Promise: "I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows." —Jer 31:13
Praise: Rodrigo, a businessman, regularly prays with his clients during business calls.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999