Revelation 11:1-2

A reed [as a measuring rod] was then given to me, [shaped] like a staff, and I was told: Rise up and measure the sanctuary of God and the altar [of incense], and [number] those who worship there.

• A measuring rod represents judgment.
• The measuring or Judgment that we are shown here is shaped like a staff. It's shaped like a staff because Jesus is our Shepherd and He judges us through Grace. He leads us, even when we do not deserve it. Our Father's Love, Mercy, and Gift's are all free and they are all undeserved.
• Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son, John 5:22
• Thank God the Truth is that we are now measured by Grace. If we were measured by our works or our faith, we would be in a heap of trouble.  
• For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike]. Romans 11:32. 
• Jesus never changes, as He judged, He will judge, even during the Great Tribulation and even on Judgment Day. Worldly works will always be judged guilty, but the people who practiced them will be judged innocent because of Grace.
• We have been shown that the fresh prophecy and those to be measured by it is a huge and uncountable number of people. 
• Chapter 11 begins John’s new prophesy. John is shown just how great the number of the Church will be. John is shown how we measure up, the measuring reed is shaped like a staff and we measure up because Jesus is our Shepherd. This has to be sweet to John; Jesus shows His beloved just how many will be saved throughout the ages. He is shown how the Bride of Christ will be used by God to proclaim the Truth. John sees the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit working through us. It is a marvelous and refreshing revelation here.  
• Well then, as one man’s trespass [one man’s false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men. Romans 5:18

² But leave out of your measuring the court outside the sanctuary of God; omit that, for it is given over to the Gentiles (the nations), and they will trample the holy city underfoot for 42 months (three and one-half years).

• The entire Temple of God is Holy. His Temple becomes more Holy as you go farther into it.
• Non-jews were allowed in the outer court of the Temple when it existed in Jesus' day.
• Notice here that John is to only measure the Temple, the saved, and not Jerusalem, the Holy City, which is given to the Gentiles, the unsaved. Now the prophecy becomes bitter for John, because Jerusalem will be trampled under foot for 3 ½ years and John is shown the lost and how wicked they will be.
• The city where God should be glorified will be glorifying man and the world.
• The people will be seeking after gold and silver, they will be prideful, and arrogant.