Outer Court and Sanctuary—Sanctuary and Outer Court

“Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.’” Rev. 11:1-2.

We may ask, “Why was John not to measure the outer court?” The answer is quite simply that there is nothing to measure in the outer court. There is no growth there. Those in the outer court must be considered under the law. This is the mission field closest at hand. We must work with those in the outer court in such a way that faith can be born in their hearts. Most of our young people are in the outer court until they are born again through the Word of truth. The children of the saints have special blessings and inheritance rights.

“When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?” Is. 1:12. It is very important to understand that God has given us neither com­mandment nor authority to treat the people in the outer court according to our own discretion. In all these things we must remember that we are dealing with God!

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Ps. 84:10. When we read about how David saw the outer court of God, it is clear that we cannot treat them frivolously. On the other hand, the outer court must not have any authority in the church to make decisions or influence the direction of the work in the church. Those who are in the outer court do not understand God’s will. That is what they need to understand. When the outer court gets power, it is just like a bull on a rampage, and it leaves nothing but ruin and destruction in its wake.

“Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; they set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up axes among the thick trees.” Ps. 74:3-5. God must speak from the sanctuary from now until eternity. “‘As for Me,’ says the Lord, ‘this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,’ says the Lord, ‘from this time and forevermore.’” Is. 59:21. The words that come from God’s sanctuary must provide direction for all work in the church. People who are counted faithful by God have the Urim and Thummim—Light and Perfection. That is why God can speak to them, and they, in turn, speak what they have heard. Blessed words of life that will lead the church forward on the ways of life!