Mutual possession.
This language is of frequent occurrence in Scripture, and applies to the relation between Jehovah and his chosen and covenant people Israel. It is ideal, for, as a matter of fact, the descendants of Abraham and of Jacob were constantly in rebellion against God, and alienated from him by their wicked works. Yet it was actually true of an election within the nation. And it remains forever applicable, in strict and literal truth, to all those who receive Divine grace, acknowledge Divine authority, and rejoice in Divine communion.
I. THE OBEDIENT ARE CLAIMED AND OWNED BY GOD AS HIS PEOPLE. "They shall be my people," says the Eternal. They are his:
1. To possess. They are his property, and they bear upon them his mark.
2. To control. They are his servants, yielding themselves to him, and their powers as instruments in his service.
3. To love. God loves his own people, as a father loves his own children, as a husband loves his own wife.
4. To bless. The Lord is mindful of his own. There is nothing that is for their good which he withholds from them.
II. GOD IS CLAIMED AND OWNED BY THE OBEDIENT AS THEIR GOD. On this account:
1. They reverence him. Let others offer their adoration where they will, the Lord, say they, is our God, and him only will we serve.
2. They trust him. His ways may sometimes be dark, and his counsels perplexing; but he is theirs, and therefore they will not withdraw their confidence from him.
8. They glorify him with all their powers. To them there is no limit to their Lord's claims and authority; he has but to say, Go, and they go; Come, and they come; Do this, and it is done.
4. They hope in his promises. He has given them his word that they shall be brought to everlasting salvation; and the assurance, coming from their own covenant God, inspires them with a bright and consolatory hope. "This God is our God forever and ever; … our Guide, even unto death."—T.