THE LORD'S PORTION IS HIS PEOPLE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 20

 

Deuteronomy 32:9

For the LORD’s portion is his people;

 Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. 

 
We are filled with gratitude and joy, when we say, “The Lord is my portion:” but it is enough to fill us with wonder and astonishment to read, “The Lord’s portion is his people.”
 
He is so great, and they are so insignificant; he is so holy, and they are so polluted; he is so glorious, and they are so mean.
 
But he chose them in preference to others. When all lay before his eye.
 
He redeemed them, when enslaved and alienated from him.
 
He claimed them, when held fast by their tyranising foe.
 
He possesses  and enjoys them as the objects of his love.
 
He inhabits them as his temple, he protects them as his children, and he will dignify them in heaven for ever.
 
They are the Lord’s lot, his inheritance, his vineyard, his garden, his spouse.
 
Think, believer, of the honour conferred upon you, in calling you the Lord’s portion!
 
Once a wandering sheep, but now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop  of you soul.
 
Angels are never called his portion—his jewels, but you are.
 
Walk as the Lord’s chosen bride, who is going home to be openly united to her beloved bridegroom.
 
It is by favour that you are distinguished.
 

His portion is his care,

He keeps it day and night,

No other can with this compare,

‘Tis Jesu’s chief delight.

 
James Smith