Revelation 11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
John not only measured and examined the Temple and the altar, but he we told to measure, examine, and inspect the worshippers. These are different from those who are found in the outer court and the holy city. He was to focus on the first group only… for now.
Those at the altar signify the elect, the order of Melchizedek, HIS saints who fulfill this spiritual ministry as unto the Father and on behalf of creation. The measuring of the golden altar with the reed is a picture of the Mind of Christ given to discern and determine their true spiritual quality and ministry. These represent the Kingdom of Priests who are raised up in the last hour and are one with HIM and they are called to carry the message of redemption to all of mankind throughout the earth.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
As true worshippers we must not hesitate to proceed to the golden altar during our maturing process. We take off our shoes bearing the dust of the earth and enter into HIS Presence. As we move toward full communion with FATHER, we take on HIS character and view men through HIS eyes of Love and compassion. When we have been fully endued with power and authority from on High, we will judge in a righteous manner consistent with HIS Divine Intent. HIS law of equal weights and measures will bring forth judgment and grace in their proper portions.
The true priest acts as a mediator to connect FATHER with men. Those called to this ministry will have the flow from Above pass through them to the ministry of all who come in contact with them. They will sympathize with the weaknesses of man just as Jesus as our High Priest sympathized with our own weaknesses as we were being prepared in our individual callings.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Jesus spoke these words to men who understood that Moses could only view the “backside” of GOD. Yet Jesus was speaking of a time to come when the worshippers with a pure heart “shall see FATHER”. Our hearts must be examined for purity before we are qualified to fully enter in. These are the true worshippers. If our hearts could not be transformed into pure hearts, Jesus would not have spoken these words for He only spoke the Words of FATHER. Who is it that can successfully and most assuredly deal with my heart? We are told in Ezekiel 36:
25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.
The spirit of the priesthood has Love at its core. GOD is Love and it is HE who gives us a new heart and a new Spirit which allows us to fulfill our individual callings. After the seven trumpets heralding the maturing process, an inspection is called for. It is to affirm to us that we are ready to proceed as members of HIS Priesthood and we are fully equipped with HIS Spirit and HIS Living Word residing on the inside of us. We will have been fully measured against Christ Himself and examined in our final inspection. The measurement is now complete.