The plumb line mentioned in the book of Amos represents a standard by which the people of God are measured. In building, a plumb line is a tool used to test the uprightness of a structure. It measures if the structure is perfectly vertical or if it leans to the left or right. It is fitting that this tool be used in a spiritual sense.
Amos 7:7 – Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.
God, who is rich in mercy and grace, is forgiving and perfect in judging accurately. If God were to place a plumb line in the midst of us, how would we measure? If we are honest, we must confess that we would be found leaning at least a little. Okay, maybe a lot. Fortunately, we live in a dispensation where grace abounds and the gift of repentance has been given to all.
{Beyond the Line: Living An Active Faith
In the past, when I heard the word “repent” I would cringe in my seat. I was in either one of two conditions. Either I was too ashamed to confess my wrong or I did not want my wrongdoing to end just yet. In both instances, repentance was not an ideal I welcomed into my heart.
Finally, by the power of the Holy Ghost, it sunk in my brain that God could not be pleased with me living contrary to His holy Word. Yes, Jesus loved me. But how much did I love Him in return? It was questionable if I truly loved Him at all. Lip service was not enough when I came face to face with God’s plumb line.
Now, I rejoice at the availability of repentance and embrace my liberty to have a real relationship with Him. I could not bear for sin to reign in my life again and separate me from a spiritual union with Christ.
In the book of Amos, God was very displeased with Israel. They wore down God’s mercy so to speak. God set a plumb line in the midst of them and God was not going to overlook their sins anymore.
Amos 7:8 – 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:
In this age, at what point will God no longer pass by our wrongdoing? When will the time of grace end for this dispensation? I have no answer.
But this I do know…
Jesus came, suffered, died, and rose again. He was the perfect sacrifice. His blood was the atonement and recompense for the sins of this entire world. Should we continue in sin that grace may flourish? Well of course not. If you have been set free, be free indeed.
Fear should not keep us from approaching God. Pride should not blind us of our need for divine help in gaining eternal life. We do not have to worry about measuring up by our standards alone.
God has given His grace, His Word, His spiritual armor, His anointing, His Spirit, His righteousness, and His blood. It is enough for us to pass the measure of His plumb line.
-Candra Evans
