441. PSA 16:5. GOD THE PORTION OF HIS SAINTS

Psa_16:5. God The Portion Of His Saints

"The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance."’97Psa_16:5.

The wicked have their portion in this life. They seek after earthly good, on it they place their affections, and they are indifferent to the spiritual necessities of their undying souls. How insufficient, fleeting, and worthless is such a portion. Without satisfaction now, the mind in a state of restless anxiety, and as death approaches, nothing in prospect but a dark and dreadful eternity. Well might the preacher exclaim, "vanity of vanities." Well was the man, who made his barn and goods his portion, denominated "a fool." And wisely indeed does the psalmist pray, "Deliver my soul from the wicked, thy sword: from men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life," Psa_17:13,

14. What a delightful contrast does the experience of the godly man present. He can rejoice, exclaiming in the language of the text, "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance." Notice,

I. How God becomes the Portion of his Saints.

He does this by munificently, according to the riches of his grace, giving himself to his people. He says, "I will be your God." And this he does through the person and work of Jesus. He embodied the fulness of his love in Christ. And Christ came to reveal and to convey to every believer the favor and love of God. In Christ he exhibited his overflowing mercy, and made himself over as the portion and inheritance of all his saints. As God gives himself in Christ Jesus, so he is received and enjoyed as such, when faith is exercised in Christ. To as many as receive Christ, that is, believe on his name, he gives the privilege to become the sons of God, Joh_1:12. We become children and heirs of God by faith. In God, grace only is seen; and in man, faith only required for the possession of this divine portion, Eph_2:8; Gal_4:4-7. Consider,

II. The Characteristics of this Portion.

1. God is an infinite portion.

Every good is included in the enjoyment of God. Good equal to our need, and beyond all we can ask or conceive. Good beyond the need of all the intelligences he has created. Yea, infinitely beyond all this. All the attributes of God are infinite. Infinity is the region in which he dwells. And all that can be comprehended in the infinitude of God’s riches and fulness, becomes the portion of the saint, Eph_3:20

2. God is a satisfying portion.

He who made the soul can till it, and with such blessings and enjoyments which are suited to its capacities and desires. Now this is what the whole world could not do. The spirit of man must have spiritual good, and this is found in God alone. O yes, God can fill, and overflow the heart with ineffable joy and delight, 1Pe_1:8.

3. God is a present portion.

He is not a good in prospect merely, but in possession. He dwells in the soul, and is hiss present bliss and consolation. "O God, thou art my God," &c., Psa_63:1

4. God is a sure portion Other portions may be exhausted, God cannot fail. Other portions may be lost or transferred, but God is the abiding, unchanging treasure of his saints. Sure to them in all countries, at all times, and under all circumstances. Sure in youth and old age. In prosperity and adversity. In health and sickness. In life and death. In time and eternity.

5. God is an eternal portion.

A portion for the world to come. A portion of "life everlasting," infinitude of joy, and "pleasures for evermore." And it is not too much to hope, a portion which will be increasingly blissful and precious forever and ever. "An eternal weight of glory." "A crown that fadeth not away."

III. What is the right Application of this Portion.

1. We should enjoy it.

God desires that we should enjoy his light, his love, his peace; in one word, his divine nature.

2. That we should be grateful for it.

So we ought for every blessing. For existence, health, food, &c. Much more, for God as our portion. Our thanks should be sincere, fervent, constant, as they will finally be everlasting.

"Eternity will be too short,

To utter all his praise."

3. We should be improved by it.

In purity of nature, in dignity of character, in expansion of soul, in usefulness of life, and in fitness for heaven.

4. We should recommend it.

How many are poor, and wretched, and dying. Far from God. Without God, and without hope in the world. O tell them of God’s love. Of his mercy. Of the way to his favor. Of his readiness to bless and save

APPLICATION

1. Consider the present and eternal advantages of piety.

2. The misery of men who know not the love of God. However learned, or dignified, or rich.

3. Advise every sinner to seek the Lord, and live.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS