March 29

"Thy hidden ones."—Psalms 73:3.

MANY titles are given to the people of God. They are his peculiar treasure, his portion, his lot, and his inheritance — a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, the excellent of the earth, and the lights of the world. Here they are designated his "hidden ones." Let us look at

THEIR PECULIAR CHARACTER. The term "hidden" may be understood in two senses.

As it regards their concealment. They are hidden from the world in several respects. In their origin, for they are born from above — in their principles, for they act not according to the course of the world — in their sorrows, for there is a silent warfare going on within, two antagonists contending for the mastery of the soul — in their joys, for a stranger to divine things intermeddleth not therewith — in their food, for they have hidden manna, and meat to eat which the world knows not of — in their prospects, for it doth not yet appear what they shall be — "Our life is hid with Christ in God." They are hidden

With respect to their security. So the word is used in the parable of the man who hid the treasure in the field. Where are believers hidden? In the purposes of God — in his heart — in his covenant — in his promises — in his hand. He hides them in the time of temptation — in the season of affliction — in the tempests of life, and in the swellings of Jordan. Let us view them in

THEIR DIVINE OWNER. "Thy hidden ones." They are not their own: they are the Lord's, in common with the rest of mankind, by his creating power and preserving care — but peculiarly as they are chosen in his councils, called by his grace, sanctified by his Spirit, devoted to his glory, and bound for his kingdom. He acknowledges them as his own in various ways in this world, and "they shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels." Though hidden now, they shall not be so always; for there shall be a "manifestation of the sons of God."