The man with the measuring reed is measuring the
temple. The most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies, is a square 30
feet wide by 30 feet long. This is the place the High Priest entered annually
on the Day of Atonement. These dimensions are identical to Solomon’s and twice
those of the tabernacle in the wilderness (1 Kings 6:20).
The Old Testament form of worship was a shadow the
true things to come (Hebrews 10:1). Ezekiel had a clear vision that the Lord
would make His presence manifest again in the Holy of Holies (vs 1–4) but what
he did not see as clearly was how this was going to take place. It would be
left to the New Testament to explain how men could approach God in the Most
Holy Place. And, the Hebrews writer says it was the blood of Christ that paves
the way (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Now God calls His people to holy living: “But as he
which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter
1:15-16).
The sanctity of the Church lies in the holiness of the
lives of her members: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the
washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a
glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it
should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27). A church is
holy when her members are holy.
In this life it is easy to fill our schedules with
activities that can get in the way of holiness. We will sin and sin will
prevent us from entering the true Most Holy Place which is heaven (Hebrews
9:24). So, to prevent this from happening, the Scripture exhorts us to surround
ourselves with believers who encourage us to keep on entering the Holy of
Holies: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good
works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner
of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Many Christians struggle with the idea of church
attendance. They ask why they must attend church every Sunday. But the first
reason why Christians must attend church regularly is because God said so
(Hebrews 10:25). And the second reason is those who love God love coming to His
presence to worship Him (Psalm 122:1). The third reason why we must come
together to worship is we need Christian community because we grow by being
together (Hebrews 10:24; Acts 2:42-44).
Let us therefore not neglect our opportunities for
corporate fellowship and worship. They serve to help us to develop our
Christian faith and walk with God. Walk with the faithful Christians we will be
faithful. Paul says “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1
Corinthians 15:33, ASV). They make us unholy. Therefore, choose to be in the
company of those who are of like-minded faith.
Hebrews 12:14 says without holiness no man can see the
Lord. It implies no one has ever been admitted to heaven in his sins. Hence,
they who are expecting to be saved without holiness are destined to
disappointment. God will not admit one unrepentant and unpardoned sinner to
heaven. This does not mean we must be perfect and without sin but when we sin,
we need to come back to Him for forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Let us walk with those who desire holiness so that we
might enter the Most Holy Place, which is heaven.
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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