Preacher's Pulpit Series #6


The other day the Lord brought the word "ruler" to my mind.  This is an interesting word in that it can have a couple of different meanings depending on how it is used.  Now days when I think of the word I instantly picture what we call a measuring stick or a yard stick.  These measuring devices come in different lengths and you can use whichever one suits your needs.  Now in Biblical days they would use a reed or perhaps a man's arm and would measure an item from the tip of the finger to the elbow.  This was called a "cubit".

                The word "ruler" in Biblical days meant one who was in charge or command such as a king or a high priest.  These rulers would make rules for the people that they ruled over to obey.  If a person disobeyed a rule or broke a rule then they would be punished.  The punishment would depend on the seriousness of the rule that was broken and was suppose to be appropriate for the transgression that had occurred.  This was not always the case.   Just think of Jesus and the punishment he received.  He had not done anything wrong but he took our place.  We are the ones that have broken the rules and we are the ones that should be punished.  But the Word says in the book of John Chapt. 3:16,"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life."   Aren't you glad that He does?

                Now, here is a thought.  We know that a "ruler" in one sense of the word is a device that you can measure with.  You can measure the length, width, & height of an object.  You can measure the distance from your house to your neighbor's house.  You can measure how deep the creek is, ect.  But how does one measure up to someone else?   What instrument can one use?  How do we measure morality? How do we measure up to God?  Do we make the cut?  The Bible says in 2 Tim. 3:16 that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"  Isn't it interesting that this quotation has the same chapter and verse numbers as the previous one?  Do you think that God might be telling us something?  How can you know where you measure up and where you are coming up short if you don't use a "ruler"?

                The Word says in Phil. 3:14-16, "14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded : and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded , God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained , let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."   Did you notice that this has another 3:16 verse and that within it there is that word "rule" again?  It is true that we will never measure up to Jesus until we go to be with him but, in the meantime, let us read the "Ruler's Rule Book" and we can be thus minded as it says in this verse and press toward the mark!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in his hands till we meet again.

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