Pocket Thoughts - 4/25/26
As Revelation 11 opens, John has a vision in which he’s given “a reed like a measuring rod” and instructed to go and measure the Temple of God and the altar and to count the worshipers in the Temple. He is told to exclude the outer court where the Gentiles congregate. The Gentiles then trample the holy city Jerusalem for 42 months. Measuring an area in John’s day expressed an owner’s intent to protect a valued possession. In this vision, John’s measuring was to show the value God placed on His treasured people within the walls of His presence, keeping them safe from spiritual harm. In contrast, the outer court was excluded from being measured. This area was given over to the Gentiles, symbolizing all who reject God and refuse to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. The Gentiles trample Jerusalem for a very specific period of time, indicating that God will intervene and put an end to their destruction. Believers can be comforted and encouraged to know that God has a special place reserved for us in His eternal presence. Although great persecution and suffering may lie ahead, our souls are safe and preserved by and for our faithful God. Tragically, those who push God away, exclude Him, and blatantly defy Him won’t have that protection and promise when the time of His wrath begins. Pray now, pray fervently, pray faithfully for the lost. When that day comes, the opportunity to turn to God in humility and repentance will be over.
*****
Father, You are the Refuge of Your children. We run from the enemy and find that we’re safe and secure within the confines of Your walls of protection. Great God, we praise You for Your sovereignty, confident that any suffering we may endure or any persecution we may withstand will end at Your appointed time and we’ll dwell forever in Your glorious presence. Equip us to be strong and faithful in the face of hardship. Stir in us a fervency and care for the lost, and give us a boldness to share the reason for the hope that we have. Thank You for Your Word – full of promise and truth that sustain us in moments of fear and doubt. You will never leave us nor forsake us – reason to rejoice and rest in Your perfect peace. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
