How do you determine if a wall is straight? How do you ensure a wall is straight as you build it? Have you heard of a plumb line? Have you used a plumb line? Do you know that a plumb line is a taught string between two points? Why would God reference a plumb line?
Using a plumb line and being very precise when laying the foundation and putting in wall studs, you can build a straight wall. Straight walls can be very important when building a house, but even more important when building a storehouse in which you will be putting shelving units.
But what is meant when God uses a plumb line? He is talking about determining if people are following his commands. He has given his commands to us for our own good. We must remember that God does not need his commands. He is perfect. He does not need instruction.
Because God loves us, he gives us commands to live by. He gives us instruction, guidance, and principles to live by. When being obedient to him, we please him and live the best life we can. Now, we know that being human includes being fallible. We will make mistakes. We will not obey God every moment of every day. Yet, God is willing to forgive us.
However, God does not have infinite patience. Or, God chooses not to have infinite patience. At some point, God’s patience comes to an end—and end of his choosing. At that point, he passes judgment on his people. We might say God’s plumb line is the line in the sand. When we have crossed it, we can count on God taking action.
I pray we all know that God chooses when his patience has run out. I pray we choose to obey God’s commands. I pray each one of us follow God’s guidance so that we will live our best life. God’s patience has an end. Choose to obey. Follow God’s guidance. Live your best life.
Amos 7:7-8 This is what he showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.”
Marty Pressey 