The Plumb Line, Personally Used

We have been given specific, special and personal time on the plumb line for three main reasons. The first was already hinted at. The testimony of Paul about Ananias is as a plumb line, to be held up against each of us. Secondly, it is not just to show up our misalignment, according to our Lord, but to bring us to desire change. Finally, the use of the plumb line is to get us to take our committed lives more seriously and to see that God's righteous and Just Hand is in motion. He is making high places desolate, laying sanctuaries waste, and using His Sword with energetic proficiency.

This is all being brought to us under headings which help to keep us focused and in line. They are used also, because they help us to see ourselves in clearer, everyday light, as believers in Jesus.

Holy Spirit, grant us grace and mercy to see ourselves under the plum line, be greatly grieved and repentant, straightaway seeking to be aligned in You. Amen! 

Here again is our working text. Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, Brother Saul, receive your sight. And at that same hour I looked up at him. Acts 22: 12 – 13.

Ordinary Name - Then a certain Ananias. Paul knows that he is not speaking a name that is unique, for Ananias is quite a common name. A certain Ananias. Immediately, we are introduced to a man who is not one with a name that claims fame in any way. Here is the encouragement for us. We each may have an ordinary name, one that every other person has, but this commonality of name does not in any way hinder the way we choose to live our lives. The plum line of righteousness is drawn here, with the ordinary names by which we are known. Remember what God said to Isaiah, about the plum line. He will make righteousness the plumb line for His people. Jesus is and forever will be our righteousness. The name we carry has absolutely nothing to do with the righteousness of our lives or the foundation of our lives. Think of it!

Is not Jesus the Cornerstone? Is He not the Person on whom our lives must be built and maintained? Your name may be as ordinary as Tom or Jane, but the plum line of Righteousness is held against you because you are the Lord’s. You were bought with His Precious Blood, born again by His Holy Spirit and Blessed by His Father in heaven. How is your righteousness, as lined up against Jesus? Paul testifies to an ordinary man named Ananias, as righteous because, being right with the Lord, He used him as His messenger to do a transforming work for Him. 

How can Jesus use you when you are not aligned with Him in righteousness? Let us all, who are unaligned with Jesus, seek help to have all our refuge swept away and every hiding place, flooded and washed away.

Outstanding Example - A devout man according to law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there. Paul brings to the front that Ananias was devout according to law. In other words, when the plum line of law is help to his life, it is in alignment. Additionally, when the plum line of his love towards his neighbours is placed before him, he fits perfectly as one who lives well with all the Jewish people in his neighbourhood. Here is a person who is outstanding, according to law and his relationship with the Jews with whom he lives. In short, he is a good man in his thoughts, words and actions, right there in his home place.

When I read that Ananias had a good testimony with all the Jews who lived where he was, I became a bit unsettled, as I was thinking why only the Jews? But I was quickly made to see that you and I are called Christians and it is with our Church family that we must ensure we have a good testimony. The world cannot give us a good testimony, for it never gave one to our Lord and Master and as the Master, so the disciples. 

You and I are the temples of the Lord and when we return to what Zechariah lets us know, we humble ourselves in fear and trembling before the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth. Jesus is as our Zerubbabel, in that He laid the foundation for us. Not only that, but His Hands shall complete it and in His Hands is the plum line which, held up against us, tells nothing but the truth. God the Son holds up the eyes of God the Father, showing up truth in every corner of the world. No place is too far out, too forgotten, too insignificant or too tiny for the eyes of God. None shall be overlooked.

You will not be overlooked. You are the Lord’s people and He will not allow you to keep on comfortably living in your own skewed, crocked world, untouched. 

We complete our final three-day pass, tomorrow.