Tape Measure Guy

Ezekiel was a prophet of Israel before and during their exile in Babylonia. His visions foretold the coming exile, destruction of Jerusalem and eventual restoration of the nation of Israel to God’s Promised Land. Ezekiel used unconventional methods to communicate his message of God’s new covenant.

In chapter 40, Ezekiel records the beginning of a lengthy vision in which he spends time with an angelic being (40:3) who took him on a tour. This may be the first Holy Land Tour. This angel carried a tape measure in his hand. For a good portion of chapters 40-46, Ezekiel accompanies the tape measure guy throughout the city and temple as he measures every inch. In sure, at times, Ezekiel wondered why it was important he be shown the exact measurements of the walls, gates, pillars, steps, porches, altar, etc. The vision was specific and very detailed.

In chapter 47, the tape measure guy takes Zeke back to the temple. Zeke is shown the river that flows from the temple. He measures 1,000 cubits and the two wade into ankle deep water. Another 1,000 cubits are measured and they wade into waist deep water. Another 1,000 and now the river is too deep to cross. Zeke is led back to shore and shown trees flourishing on the bank. Verse 12 says their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.

What a visual image! Many Christians wade in ankle deep water much of their spiritual lives. Others dare to spend more time in God’s word and prayer and they may reach waist deep water. How incredible to be one of the few who reach spiritual depths they cannot cross because the river of life is spectacular? The tape measure guy wanted Zeke to teach Israel the God of restoration is the source of food and healing.

I’ve wondered about the tape measure guy and recently discovered he makes another appearance toward the end. Apparently, he’s a visionary type because he reappears in Revelation. He’s the guy taking John on his visions (Rev. 21:15-17). In Revelation chapter 22, the tape measure guy shows John a familiar vision of the River flowing from the temple throne. This river displayed beautiful trees on its banks producing fruit. The leaves are for the healing of the nations. Just like Zeke’s vision.

Well, I guess this could symbolize many things but I think it’s simple. God created a redemptive plan for us by providing the source of spiritual life – Jesus (River). Christians are represented by the trees that produce fruit for spiritual food and leaves for the healing of the world. Let’s follow the tape measure guy into the full depth of the River of Life and bring healing to our land.

Grace Illuminates the Darkest Place

Another poor attempt to write poetry.


The Choice

My heart's racing at the speed of sound,
Just to help you turn around.
Around to hear His kind, loving voice,
Call you again to make the choice.



Time

Hearing the clock scream tick tock,
Louder and Louder as time grew near
When I would have to face my fear.
Fear of looking into my soul
Seeing my sin had taken control.



Men of Old

Abram lied to the Egyptian throne
In anger, Moses struck the stone.
David stayed home and chased a girl
And Jonah ran to another side of the world.
Great men of old who truly loved Christ
But fell into temptation when enticed.

Water into Wine

John 2:1-11

Jesus’ first recorded miracle – Turning Water into Wine


This may be one of the most misunderstood passages of scripture recorded because many readers stop at surface level meanings. I cannot tell you how many sermons I have heard and Bible Study classes I’ve attended where the lesson taught had to do with drinking alcohol. How shallow and stupid! The passage has nothing to do with whether it’s alright for Christians to drink! Anyone who reads this passage and goes off on a tyrannical rant about the evils of alcohol has no understanding of what the Apostle John was trying to share.

There are many deeper implications we can draw from this miracle. Actually, it was more than a miracle – John called it a sign. What was a sign in ancient Jewish culture? Something that pointed to something bigger – well, duh! There you go. Could it be that Jesus was simply illustrating His purpose? After all, everything He did was intended to point us toward His purpose!


I would encourage you to read the text. Here’s the point. Jesus asked the servants to fill the ceremonial water jars. Oops, mistake number one. Come on, Jesus. What were you thinking? Those jars are for ceremonial washing NOT drinking. Who wants to drink from jars used for bathing? Yuk! I just thought of the poor servants who had to serve the head steward water from dirty jars. Remember, only a few knew where the water originated. I bet they were sweating, nervous and scared to death from the moment their master’s lips touched the water until he spoke! Talk about being on pins and needles! His response was to call over the bridegroom and ask why he had saved the best for last! The custom was to save the cheap wine for late in the wedding celebration. Not this guy! He saved the best for last.

What a visual picture Jesus provided. Hasn’t He saved the best for last? Think about it this way, Jesus took something from the Old Covenant (ceremonial cleaning jars) and transformed them into something living. This sign was a picture of the New Covenant Jesus became. It’s not about alcohol. It’s about Him transforming our old, dead ceremonial jars into living vessels (I and II Peter). The sign was a foretelling of his death, resurrection and ascension. Oh yeah, it was also about saving the best for last. That’s Heaven - the greatest celebration (wedding feast). Doesn’t that sound familiar?

Jesus came to transform the old, broken, lost, blind, deaf, cripple, and diseased human race and in so doing He saved the best for last.