Daily Devotion in Psalm 49

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Daily Nugget:
Psalm 49 reminds the reader of some of the shortcomings of relying on money more than the Lord:

  1. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:” Psalm 49:6-7
    All the money in the world cannot buy salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the promise of Heaven. We often assume that everyone knows this, but they do not.  Money is the little “god” that so many worship, cherish, and on which they rely.

    Many have given fortunes and energy to build architecturally magnificent cathedrals or other “religious” endeavors in the past.  They thought that if they had built such an edifice or done many good works, God would be impressed and let them into Heaven.

    However, all the money given and good deeds committed cannot redeem one’s soul.  Wealth cannot exclude one from the penalty for sins one has done. Salvation cannot be bought or earned. 

    The only work that will redeem anyone is accepting the work Jesus did for us when He died on the Cross.  It is His shed blood that will buy one out of the death sentence for  being a sinner. Money cannot purchase an entrance into Heaven. Only Jesus can redeem a lost soul.
  2. “(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)  9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.” Psalm 49:8-9
    The most important act anyone can do while allowed to have breath on this Earth is to be saved from the penalty of sin.  Being redeemed is more “precious” than anything one can gather on this Earth.  The born-again soul will live forever with the Lord as it was bought back from the curse of sin.
  1. “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. 13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.” Psalm 49:10-13   Also: Psalm 49:17.
    All, be they wise, foolish (Psalm 53:1), or wealthy, will take none of their “things” to the next life.   All the preciousness of what they gathered will soon be dispersed to others, and their name will have little remembrance or value. They foolishly wasted their opportunity to invest their life in values that will last eternally.

 

Be not impressed (Psalm 49:16-17) with the wealth many spend their life acquiring.  It will all be left behind.  Be more concerned that the blood of Jesus has redeemed you!
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.” Psalm 49:15 

Today’s Thought: 
“No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger.  It is the heart that makes a man rich.  He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.” — Beecher

Words to Understand:
Brutish: hard and unfeeling, brutal, unkind, mean
Redeem: To purchase and rescue from bondage.
Sons of Korah: sons of Moses’ cousin, Korah, who were singers

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 49
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
4 I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
6 ¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.
10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
12 Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.
14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
15 ¶ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.