The Plumb Line

This is what the Lord showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall, with a plumb line in his hand. The Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”“A plumb line,” I said.Then the Lord said,
Then the Lord said, “See, I am setting a plumb line in the middle of my people Israel.  I will never again forgive them. The shrines of Isaac will be made desolate, and the holy places of Israel will be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” (Amos 7:7-9) CEB

I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.
But hail will sweep away the hiding place of lies, and water will overflow the shelter. (Isaiah 28:17) CEB

Have you ever seen one of these before? The reason why I ask is because I had no idea until I saw this word a couple of times in my Bible during my devotional time. Then, two days ago, I heard someone use it. Of course in that moment, I felt a draw that I was supposed to investigate further. And I wrestled with preparing this because of how weighty the topic. The pull from the Holy Spirit became more apparent and then I started to read about the practical and biblical use of the plumb line.

In practical terms, the plumb line is “a line (as of cord) that has at one end a weight (as a plumb bob) and is used especially to determine verticality”. In biblical terms, the plumb line ” is the image — the parable — of God’s holy and righteous standard for Israel. It served as a measuring line representing Israel’s failure, and how far they had fallen from God’s guiding principles”.

When I read these two scripture selections that addressed the plumb line and thought about both the practical and biblical definitions, I immediately questioned where we are as a generation today and how we too have so fallen away from the righteous standards of God’s principles. I began to look around and within and think, “Oh my how have we lost the true fear of the Lord and have become so distracted by what is occurring around us”.

I reflected on the verses in Matthew 7:13-14 that states “Go in through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction is broad and the road wide, so many people enter through it. But the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it. Taking all this in, provided understanding on the correlation between the plumb line and the narrow gate or path.

Our relationship with Him is a reflection of our inner and outward walk. When we follow His way, it is difficult because it takes a level of submission and dying to self that we cannot do on our own. And it is not too late to evaluate our plumb line and whether we are on the broad or narrow path. But will we allow Him to strengthen us vertically to be corrected and directed today? Or will we be so consumed by what the world has to offer and be led astray?

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.