GOD'S INNER CIRCLE

Psalms 91:1

A. "HE THAT DWELLETH IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY" 1. The beauty of the language of this poem fitly corresponds to the grandeur of the thoughts it conveys:
  1. Note by which high and lofty titles God is called - the Most High - the Almighty
  2. God the Councilor, Jehovah, the God of the covenant, El, the mighty One
  • These conceptions of God:
    1. Indicate an ever increasing knowledge of the Psalmist of the inclusiveness of God. His sovereignty and majesty
    2. It is a confidence creating unfolding of our heavenly Father in Christ Jesus B. ABIDING UNDER GOD'S SHADOW
  • What is the secret place of the Most High? The idea is frequently met with in the Bible:
    1. Sometimes it tells of some secret hiding place such as David often resorted to when a fugitive; and the sure protection of God is likened to such a shelter
    2. At other times the central tent of the commander in chief is meant - "He shall abide in my pavilion" - Ps. 27:5
    3. But a careful study shows that the secret place of the Most High eludes to the Most Holy place in the sanctuary
    4. This place was entered into but once a year by the high priest only, for God dwelleth between the Cherubim
  • But what is it to dwell there? No man has ever dwelt there literally - I Tim. 6:15-16
    1. We know that Israel entered there by the person of the high priest when he bore in his hand the atoning blood, which he was about to sprinkle upon the mercy seat
    2. We know, too, that God's people, today, enter that Most Holy Place in heaven in the person of our great High Priest, through His precious blood; compare Heb. 6: 19-20 with chapter 9:24-25
    3. It is in this sense, I believe, that God's children dwell in the secret place of the Most High - Is. 66: 1-2
    4. Then, too, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour our name is recorded there C. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCH DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH
  • It offers refuge to God's people:
    1. Refuge against our sins, for there is the mercy seat - Heb. 4:15-16
    2. There is Jesus Christ, our elder brother, our Mediator, our Intercessor - I John 2:1-3; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:15-16
    3. There are the prayers of the saints, mixed with incense - Rev. 8:3
  • God is my refuge:
    1. That means that I as an individual enters that secret place of the Most High, it is a daily and personal experience for me
    2. My God is my hiding place and has been so from the day I was born
    3. For we must keep in mind that salvation is personal, our relationship with God is personal; and that means, that the secret place of the Most High is my dwelling place from now and forever and ever
  • What such knowledge will do for the believer:
    1. It will give us confidence in facing the foe of our soul, who seeks to isolate and destroy it - I Pet. 5:7-8; Rev. 12:12
    2. It will give us boldness to meet our God daily at the throne of grace - Heb. 4:15-16; to receive help in time of need
    3. It indicates God's eternal attachment to us, it speaks for loving fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost - I John 1: 1-3; 2 Cor. 13:14
    4. It means eternal security against a life of sin - Rom. 8:31-39
  • It truly is the inner circle:
    1. An exceptional privilege for us in spite of our past life of sin
    2. It centers in our relationship to Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us - Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:1-8
    3. It is, indeed, the highest honor that God could bestow upon the redeemed
    4. Are you, dear reader, one of the co-dwellers in the secret place of the Most High? If so you have Him as your eternal refuge and strength!


    • Design © John Bryant 2011