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Metron

Bob Neumann

Limits and Measures, Leashes and Fences.

ABBA last night brought the term up. It is one i have known and pondered off and on for years. Once years ago someone who had “done time” in a prophetic “school” asked me “What is your Metron?” Now i thought he was joking. I knew what the Greek term meant, thank you Dr Strong. But i had no real idea what this person was getting at.

The question of “what is my measure?”….”what is my ‘meter’?” was something i had not put in words. Not like this “school” was attempting to do. It was my first “exposure” to a new ”disease”. A new dialect of “christianese”. Since then i have had many people ask about ”my ministry” and i had always tied “metron” and “ministry” together because that is what this fellow and the crowd he came from did. Yet in my spirit i saw it differently. Like so many things, i had a complete alternate point of view that does not fly in the winds of conformity. This was partly because of the “image” a HOLY GOD gifted me with. A LEASH.

Yesterday i received a post in response to a “thought” that was heavy on my spirit. The last few months i have been given “images” and “songs” completely unexpected and focused. In this time, i have accepted the fact i do not “understand” all what GOD is doing. Like Jeremiah, i was going through motions and demonstrations that made no sense at the time. Eventually Jeremiah got the “answers”. I am still in process and it is intimidating. I do not know what these “IMAGES” mean. Especially when THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT starts exposing layer after layer of DEPTH i had no awareness of as i “went through” the VALLEY OF VISION. In this post, i received confirmation that i was not alone in the reality that i did not have all the answers. But what i also got was a “target” for my spiritman when one of those HOLY SPIRIT “buttons” got pushed and pushed hard. Here is a lead in and the “button”… ” I have such an excitement in my spirit about what God is about to turn us loose to do. Yet, I have no real, solid idea of what that is. I have a sense that it is bigger than our imaginations can even bear. But, my boundaries seem to be clear even if they are intangible.”

When i read the term “boundries” i heard that still small voice say “METRON”. My “old friend” came back to visit. In my spirit “METRON” was HIS LEASH on my collar. Being an “old dog” means i have had many such images THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT has invested in me. Now seems the time to reap what MY MASTER HAS PLANTED IN HIS FIELD. Call this HARVEST TIME.

The HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM all have a sense of “immediacy”, of ”excitement”. Now when that post spoke of “GOD is about to turn us loose” it spoke deep and hard to my spiritman who sees “leash” when speaking of GOD’S MEASURE IN US. Maybe you who read this are as clueless as i have been at “HOW” and “WHAT” GOD is about to do what HE HAS BREATHED into our spirits. Yes we see in part, hear in part. So here is a piece to add to yours. BLESS THE NAME OF THE LORD.

METRON is our “measure”…in Greek. It speaks of being “weighed”, placed on the “yardstick” and evaluated. It first appears in Matthew 7:2 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (KJV) Funny JESUS talks of ‘weighing’ in the same breath as “judging”. There is an image HE is trying to impart. Regrettably it was lost or misplaced some time ago.

Now the “WORD” of GOD explains itself if you seek, ask, knock. Typically ABBA really has no desire to make it hard and mysterious. In fact the very next time JESUS uses the term “metron” HE explains it better….later we will look at Matthew 7:2 in it’s full context and it will hit harder the IMAGE a HOLY GOD needs for us to receive in this day. Matthew 23….

²⁸ Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

²⁹ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

³⁰ And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

³¹ Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

³² Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

³³ Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

³⁴ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

³⁵ That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

³⁶ Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

If you are getting the idea that METRON is more than MINISTRY, good. Let me take it another level. John 3…

²⁶ And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

²⁷ John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

²⁸ Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

²⁹ He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.

³¹ He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

³² And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

³³ He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

³⁴ For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

³⁵ The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Here is one of the most profound acclamations concerning THE LAMB, THE SON OF GOD. What JOHN is saying is there are no limits to HIM. REMEMBER HIS WORDS.… “ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME….” Remember the rest?

So let’s take this whole image of “measure”/”limits”/”boundries” to it’s fullest. Romans 12:1-3……..

¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

³ For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV)

Unless you “catch” this “image” the rest of Romans 12 and the gifts and ministries alluded to are “lost” to us. Paul is saying we have been given a “portion” of “faith”. In itself it is “measurable”. Paul also is saying it is equally distributed to all who qualify according to the caveat of 12:1….those who are “living sacrifices”. Those who are within the “boundaries” of ”reasonable service”. Here it gets interesting if you look at what Paul calls reasonable. In Greek it is the term “logikos”. It is where we get our English terms ”logical”. So reasonable is a “nice” translation. As would “rational” or ”logical”. Yet in the original Greek “logikos” means “OF THE WORD”. Forgive my use of capitol letters…but there is a point here. Literally Paul is saying, ignoring the comma and the “which” that the translators added, “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto GOD is your “of the WORD” sacrifice”. Simply Paul is saying all what GOD wants is based in HIS WORD. In essence our measure is a “boundary” established in and by HIS WORD. That is the scoop THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT has used to ”pour” faith into each of us who are “in” “reasonable service”.

Paul speaks of grace in verse 3 before he speaks of faith. He also warns about being sober and not over evaluating ourselves. Interesting place for a warning…or instruction, if you prefer….but now for an expansion of that warning. 2 Corinthians 10:12-17

¹² For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

¹³ But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

¹⁴ For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

¹⁵ Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

¹⁶ To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

¹⁷ But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV)

Here are four verses that in King James we see “measure” used six times. I add measuring because it has the basic root meaning that ”metron” has, to be “measured’ ‘…the act of measuring. The problem is that in verse 13 and again in verse 15 the term “ametros” is used. It means litterally “without measure” the usual translation interestingly is “being immoderate”. Simply put without “limits”…”out of bounds”. Each time Paul preceeds it with the intimation “our” as speaking ”of man”. When he uses it as “GOD’S BOUNDRIES” he again uses “metron”. The last place Paul uses this image of “measure is in Ephesians……. 4:2-16

² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

⁷ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

¹⁴ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

¹⁶ From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)

Paul since Romans has given us a progression of “OUR MEASURE” and OUR REASONABLE SACRIFICE. Verse 13 is the culmination of THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT’S work in us that began with that “scoop” of “faith” and now includes the grace that started us to the image of being “holy and acceptable”. Paul culminates it all wonderfully as a functioning reality alive in this world…..” according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. ”

Without the concept of a reality based “ON/OF THE WORD” there is no effective working/functioning of this “thing” we label as “THE CHURCH”. So even if “some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” were all together and in unity it would not ”work” unless all stayed and funtioned within their “boundries” or “limits”. Call it “within the rules” “of the WORD”.

In my case i have an “image” of a ”LEASH”. It is also my “rules of engagement”. What i can and cannot do. That is the “boundry” i am allowed. The fences THE LORD has established not simply to keep me “in”, but to protect me. What image(s) has HE given you? HIS WORD, as in LOGOS, clearly delineates our “code of conduct”. All students are expected to follow these rules. Likewise employees are expected to conduct themselves in a way that does not place the employer in a bad public light. So shouldn’t THE MASTER expect us to comport ourselves only in ways that bring HONOR to HIM? Isn’t that exactly what THE WORDS OF OUR TESTAMONY is all about? In the military there is explicit standards of conduct for soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardsmen. Is not the CAPTAIN AND KING worthy of our best efforts?

But where are the ”rules” HE DEMANDS being taught and overseen as HIS WORD dictates clearly. Yes this is the time things are being “let loose”. We all know it. But there are still “boundries” HE expects us to maintain. Each of us has been given the same faith, grace, and love. So where does Luke want to take us when he says 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

If we all have the same grace, faith, love….what does he mean by “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Could this really be the “reasonable service”? That what Luke calls “much” is really what we all get…but those who commit “much” “they” will ask for even more? In other words, if you give all. Allow the LIVING WATERS to flow from your belly and thirsty ”man” will ask for more.

This passage is taken from Luke’s version of Matthew 24:42-51. In it he repeats an image i shared on several long weeks ago. That this duty of a servant which is stated clearly in THE WORD must now take place is now obvious. The question is whether we want to be acceptable according to GOD’S RULES, or mans?

Do we follow JESUS and learn of HIM as HE has asked us clearly in HIS WORD?

Do we take HIS rebuke of Satan and HIS declaration for ourselves?

Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

If you are ready for “strong meat” there is none better.

So now look again at what THE WORD said in Matthew. And receive HIS RULES.

Matthew 7:1-29

¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

⁶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

¹² Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

¹³ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

²⁴ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (KJV)

Strong meat? Solid fences? Well established boundries? Indeed. All properly following our measure.

Clear boundries, intanginable yes. But they are there. These are HIS DOCTRINES. SOUND DOCTRINES ALL.

What is your “METRON”? What are your “ORDERS OF THIS DAY”? By what standard will HE MEASURE YOU?

Selah shemuel

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