“The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him…” (Deut. 33:12).
In a world full of evil, violence, and hatred, it is comforting to be promised safety. This word is vast and all-inclusive. Besides personal protection, it includes confidence, trust, security, and freedom from danger or fear.
The original Hebrew word translated safety here is betach (beh’-takh), meaning “a place of refuge.” Thus this verse confidently assures us of our welfare and survival despite the vigors and uncertainties of this present unsettled age.
The beloved of the Lord includes all believers in Jesus Christ, especially those who are serving Him and doing His will. In Ephesians 1:6, the Apostle Paul declares that we believers are “accepted in the beloved.”
Acceptance by the Lord does not mean haughty exclusivism, privileged elitism, or entrance into a special inner circle. It simply makes possible that close personal relationship which exists between God and all those who will freely receive His gracious love.
The Bride of Christ is composed of redeemed people who are in many different stages of spiritual development. Regardless of our current level of spirituality, all of us make up the Beloved. As such, we are all promised safety, security, and confidence.
We may think the Lord has “pets,” “favorites,” and “choice saints,” those who have “an inside track” to His blessings or those who enjoy a special “hot line” connection with Heaven. That is not so. We are all equal recipients of God’s saving grace and therefore equal beneficiaries of His promised watch care and safekeeping.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.