June 19

"That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance."—Psalms 106:5.

WHAT a marked difference is there between the men of the world and the children of God! They differ in their views and opinions, the objects of their desire, the principles on which they act, the motives by which they are influenced, the sources of their grief, and the springs of their comfort. The one are seeking happiness in the world, the other can be satisfied with nothing short of an interest in God. Observe in this passage,

THE CHARACTERS DESCRIBED. Believers are spoken of as

His chosen. Israel was a chosen nation, peculiarly favored by God; and every true Christian is a chosen vessel; chosen to holiness, happiness, honor, glory, and immortality.

His nation. They are set apart for himself, under his government, and for his glory. As a nation, he has founded them, given them national laws and regulations, rights and privileges. They are a holy, royal, increasing, and happy nation.

His inheritance. Sometimes God is called the inheritance of his people, at other times they are called his inheritance. This term shows the interest he takes in them. This inheritance has been purchased by his Son, and is daily increasing. "Ask of me," says the Father, "and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance."

THE PRIVILEGES ENJOYED. Two are here mentioned.

The reception of good. "The good of thy chosen." There is a peculiar good that belongs to believers as the people of God. While others taste the common mercies that come from his bountiful hand, they enjoy the special blessings that flow from his compassionate heart. It is a solid, substantial, reasonable, divine, suitable, soul-satisfying, incomparable, infinite, and eternal good.

The expression of joy. "The gladness of thy nation." They cannot but be joyful who are the recipients of such inestimable privileges. They express gladness at the choice they have made, the change they have experienced, and the hope they are enabled to cherish.

THE DESIRE EXPRESSED. David wished

To participate in their privileges. "That I may see the good of thy chosen." This does not so much refer to the observation of the mind, as the experience of the heart. Many see the good of God's people, who do not partake in it. "Oh! taste and see that the Lord is good."

To unite in their joys. "That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation." The worldling desires to be found among his ungodly companions, mingling with them in their unhallowed pleasures: how different are the wishes of believers!

To exult in their triumphs. "That I may glory with thine inheritance." Boasting in ourselves, or our own performances, is excluded; but we may make our boast in the Lord, and triumph in his grace. This is not incompatible with the deepest humility.

"They tell the triumphs of his cross, The sufferings which he bore,— How low he stooped, how high he rose, And rose to stoop no more.

"Oh! let them still their voices raise, And still their songs renew; Salvation well deserves the praise Of men and angels too."