The Plumb Line

A plumb line is a simple tool, and it is an absolute authority on what is straight and true. Even the complex surveyor’s level can be askew, but a plumb line is always accurate. Jesus’ life and teachings are like the string of a plumb line. His Spirit is like the weight at the bottom. Both are essential. His doctrine was the string which astonished people. The weight of his Spirit made his doctrine effective. Every word was in line with his life and with heaven. It was all straight and true. No one needs an instruction manual to use a plumb line. A plumb line was used in Canada to build one of the most expensive and tallest towers. To be useful a plumb line must be anchored to something solid. God Himself holds the plumb line. Gravity makes the plumb line work. The love of God makes our faith work. God’s love is unexplainable, as is gravity. However, they both can be felt, in spite of the fact they cannot be explained. Gravity makes the plumb line point to the center of the earth. The love of God always points us to the center of His Will. If a plumb line touches the earth, it is rendered useless. It cannot be affected by earthly ideas and reasonings. A plumb line doesn't push stones into place. It simply applies a gentle pressure on them in the right direction. Wind is the greatest enemy of the plumb line. One carpenter on a windy day put the weight of his plumb line in a bucket of water. Immersing ourselves in the living Water of God’s Word is a safe and effective defense against all the winds of doctrine of this world. Amos 7:7 says the Lord stood on a wall made by a plumb line with a plumb line in His hand. And then in verse 8 He said, "I will set the plumb line in the midst of my people." But there were enemies in Amos’ day, and in Jesus’ day, and in our day, to the use of this safe and effective tool. May we cling to it and allow its application to our lives. 

Doyle Copeland