April 24

Spiritual Dimensions

The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. — Rev 21:16 BSB

The cube was evidently a favored unit of measurement in Hebrew tradition. The Holy of Holies was a cube, and so was the New Jerusalem, the Holy City, which John saw in a vision, “coming down from God out of heaven.” This reminds us of the length, breadth, depth, and height of the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:18). Shouldn’t this be the measure of every well-ordered life?

There must be Length—the stretching forth of the soul, leaving behind what is past and pressing on toward what lies ahead. We must never be satisfied with what we’ve already attained or think we’ve reached perfection.

But with length, there must also be Breadth. Our lives must reach out to others. The Cross symbolizes unselfishness, and those who have been crucified with Christ must live not for themselves, but for Him who died for them—and for all those He cares for. The world is full of lonely, weary, and desolate souls, to whom Christ would send us if we are ready for His use.

There must also be Depth. We must dwell deeply! Paul says we must be rooted, striking our roots deep into the soil of God's life, and grounded, laying our foundations in Christ. Just as tree roots must spread far underground to support the branches above, so must we anchor ourselves in Him.

There must also be Height. Our ideals must always be rising. We should set our hearts on things above, not on earthly things. Through prayer and thought, we must ascend to dwell where Christ sits at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-4).

Prayer

O Eternal God, sanctify my body and soul, my thoughts and intentions, my words and actions. Let my body serve my spirit, and both body and spirit serve Jesus, that doing all things for Your glory here, I may be partaker of Your glory hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.