The Plumbline
Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings. And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD. Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part. Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD. Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more: (Amos 7:1-8)
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
How does your life measure up to the word of God? Are you setting your affections on things above? Where are your treasures? The Lord gave Amos several visions of destruction, but then He repented of them. But when Amos saw the plumbline, the Lord said, I will not pass by them anymore. You see the plumbline represents the word of God. It is used to ensure straightness. It's to ensure that all the bricks in the building are laid and in line correctly. This little line can make a big difference. The word of God is a plumbline for us spiritually. Its purpose is to keep us on the right path. If we strive to do what's right and maintain a steady course by following its principles, we will experience a smooth and fulfilling journey that leads to the eternal Kingdom of God (2 Peter 1:5-11). As Paul said, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:20-22). If you live your life according to God's word, you'll be alright..
