PSALM 4:3-But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.”
THEME OF THE DAY: THE LORD’S SET APART PEOPLE. If after reading today’s scripture, you feel like walking away from the device you are using to read today’s nugget and jump around the room, praising and thanking the Lord, that would be fine. In fact, it is probably something we should all do on a regular basis. David, with clarity and certainty, writes, “Know that the Lord in His goodness and sovereign choice has set apart a people, a people to be godly, for Himself.” Amen, hallelujah, praise the Lord… and anything we may say in thanksgiving for God reaching to us to own us. Remember, and always remember, everything about our relationship with the Lord is initiated by Him. We would not or could not come to Him. From start to finish, God is the “compassionate aggressor” in seeking a people to own.In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, he tells us“ As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one”(Romans3:10-12).But let’s dig a little deeper into this praiseworthy truth of the Lord setting apart the godly for Himself. This means He becomes many things to His set apart people. Here are three…
In setting apart a godly people for His possession, the Lord becomes their Heavenly Father. Friends, the Creator has created a “forever family” of His chosen people and says, “My child. Welcome. Enter into the safe haven of My Fatherly care.” No greater place of refuge than to look around the chaos of this world and remember, “This is my Father’s world. All is well.”
Next, as His set apart people, God becomes our Shepherd. And as the sheep of His pasture, we are invited to “graze” in the nourishing places of His provision-The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake(Psalm 23:1-3).Child of God, find refreshment in the spiritual provision of our Shepherding Lord.
Finally, the Lord not only makes us His set apart people, but He continually prays for His set apart people – Consequently, he (Christ) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). When tempted to despair and hopelessness, stop and remember we have a High Priest in heaven whose name is “love”, praying for us. He will take our darkened hearts and bring them into the bright light of His lovely Person. He sets Himself apart for prayer for those He has set apart for Himself. So, set apart by Him for Him. May the Lord help us live lives reflecting this ownership by Him.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for choosing me and setting me apart for Your possession and purposes.”
QUOTE: “Set apart by God for God is life’s greatest treasure and ensures we may live boldly in a fearful world