Dwell alone. Numbers 23: 9. “For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: Lo this people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.”
There is a difference when we stand before God. What once seemed tidy, clean, and unspoiled no longer appears the same. Instead of purity and innocence in the eyes of men, it is dirty, stained, and unclean in God's sight—causing me to bow my head in shame. The people who seem so admirable, and when I compare my life and work to theirs, are just like me. Fame, self-glory, contentment, and all the works and pleasures we share with others disappear before God’s holiness. “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” [Isa.6:5]
There is a difference when we are faced with men: what seems right and acceptable to them is not necessarily right before God. The group of people we meet with has no specific name. They worship, praise, and preach simply. They appear to be very “tight.” Their camp is organized; their Book remains the same as it has been for the church through the centuries. They gather frequently, several times a week, and cannot be accused of being disorderly or distant in any way, but they seek separation from everything happening around them. Why don’t they mingle with others, join the fun, and be like everyone else? If we all were together, then we’d be the same—one big congregation. “Lo, the people shall dwell alone.” [Num.23:9]
There is a difference when life is over. The past is behind us, and when we reach the promised heavenly home, we will see Jesus just as he is! We will be glad we confronted our sin and recognized that the cross-death of our Lord Jesus Christ was for me alone, and the Savior I will see face to face. Not in pride but in humility, not trusting myself but by faith, I am now free. Free to walk with God and His people. We will joyfully walk in the light with God and His followers. We will look back and be glad we lived by faith and followed His holy Word. In heaven, we will praise God for His great blessings and feel at home with the faithful. “Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”