Focus: The Lord's Portion

Text: Dt.32:9

"For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."

God loves His people. He cherishes those who are called by His name, be it of Israel or the church. God regards Israel as His portion and lot of His inheritance. He says of them, "For thou art an HOLY people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath CHOSEN thee to be a SPECIAL people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth… For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth… And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments" (Dt.7:9; 14:2; 26:18). The psalmist says of Jacob, "For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure" (Ps.135:4).

Of the church, Peter says, "But ye are a CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, an HOLY NATION, a PECULIAR PEOPLE; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1Pet.2:9). Paul declares, "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Tit.2:14).

Nothing is as important to God as His people. The believer in Christ is the Lord's portion and the lot of His inheritance. The believer in Christ is the apple of God's eye.

The Scripture says, "for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye" (Zech.2:8). The psalmist prayed, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings" (Ps.17:8). He is God's signet ring. The Word says, "the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts" (Hag.2:23). The believer is chosen and purchased by God. He is engraved on the palm of the Lord's hand. Paul talks about "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Eph.1:18). Of all that God created, man is all that God has inherited. Of all humanity, only the redeemed is the Lord's inheritance. The riches of God's glory are lodged in the saints. The believer is God's glorious wealth. Moses describes God's unique care of His people, "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him" (Dt.32:11-12).

Read through the book of Ephesians and see what you are in Christ.

*You are blessed with all blessings in Christ.

*You are loved of God.

*You are made holy before Him in love.

*You are the Lord's adopted.

*You are predestined by God.

*You are the redeemed of the Lord.

*You are forgiven by God.

*You are enriched.

*You are empowered.

*You are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

*You are seated in the heavenly realm in Christ.

*You are armed to win.

*You are being filled with the Spirit.

*You are all that God has in this world.

He made the lights, the land and the waters, the skies and the stars, and indeed all things, but He has no need of any of them. Only human beings saved by the blood of Christ through faith are God's precious possession. They are the lot of His inheritance. They are God's treasures. God esteems the believer in Christ above all that He has created. You are all that matters to God in this world. His eyes are on you for good.

See yourself as God sees you! Appreciate what God has graciously done for you. Yield your entire being and belonging to the Lord your God. Serve Him fully, faithfully and fruitfully! Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter