Ye Mete

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, Matthew 7:2.

Before we get to the phrase, "ye mete" that provides the title to this post, we'll take a look at the word "mete". To mete is to measure. We still use a form of the word when we say, "meter". A meter is an instrument of measure. We use meters to measure electricity and water consumption as well as many other things. Both poems and music have a meter by which the words and syllables are measured to provide a measured cadence for the ear.

We see the usage of "mete" in Isaiah 40:12 where the Lord uses a diversity of words to demonstrate that he knows the boundaries and extent of all of nature. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

He meted out heaven with a span. A span is a measurement. Just as a foot originally was measured by the general length of a man's foot, the span is the measurement made by stretching out a man's hand and measuring from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb. That is shown clearly in the verse following Isaiah 40:12. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together, Isaiah 40:13.

There are three times that "ye mete" is said and whereby the Lord would have you to know he will judge you as you live and he will influence your life thereby. King David learned the terribleness of our opening verse when Nathan the prophet said to him, Thou art the man, 2nd Samuel 12:7. God is not mocked, With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, Psalm 18:25.

Would you like mercy from God, show mercy to others. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, Matthew 7:2. There is a standard to be set in your life as to how God will judge you. You yourself establish that judgement.

In the context of receiving the word of God, the Lord said this; Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given, Mark 4:24. The extent to which you know and understand scripture is determined by how much you hear scripture. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17.

The great advantage to reading and studying the King James Bible is that you can learn as much as you could if you had the original manuscripts in your hands and could read those languages fluently. If you really believe that like so many of you claim to believe it, act like it. Study it and read it.

I received Jesus Christ in January of 1982. Since then, I have read only one commentary but I would be willing to roll my sleeves up and talk one on one about scripture with any man or woman on this earth. Why? Because I study and believe the bible in my hands.

Finally, the extent to which the Lord will entrust you with this world's goods in providing for your needs and your wants on a day by day basis is largely determined by you. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again, Luke 6:38.

As Evangelist Cliff Taylor likes to say, "God has an extra button on his calculator". A life of freely giving to the Lord's work makes no sense to any budget, but those who live that way have experience God's extra button.

2nd Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2nd Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2nd Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2nd Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

2nd Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

2nd Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

2nd Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

How you are judged by God, how well he opens your understanding to scripture, and how well you can live on the day by day bounty of the Lord is greatly affected by how willing you are to have God weigh your own measurements in accordance with his word.