September 26

Among the Redeemed

For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations. — Num 23:9 BSB

Who would want to dwell among the nations and be counted with them? Even within the professing church, it’s difficult to fully follow the Lord because there’s so much blending and mixing with worldly ways. Often, we long for “a lodge in some vast wilderness” to escape it all.

But it’s clear that the Lord wants His people to follow a distinct, separated path, away from the world. We are set apart by God’s decree, purchased by His sacrifice, and called by His voice. Our experiences with Him have made us very different from the people of this world. So our place is not in their “Vanity Fair” or their “City of Destruction” but on the narrow road that all true pilgrims follow as they walk with the Lord.

This realization should not only help us accept the world’s cold shoulder and sneers, but even make us welcome them as part of our covenant journey. Our names are not in their book, we are not of the same seed, we are not heading to the same destination, and we are not following the same guide. Therefore, it’s fitting that we’re not part of their number. Let us be content to be numbered among the redeemed, even if that means being isolated and alone until the very end.