Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 49 – 6-19-20
This Psalm deals with the age old problem of living for wealth and yet missing a right relationship with God. I am reminded of the words of the Lord in Mark 8:36, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”(ESV) For all of time there has been the rebellion of man towards God to live our lives for our own purpose, pleasure, riches and power. Here we are told that the wisdom of God far surpasses the riches and pleasures of this world. Seeking God and the riches of His wisdom are the only thing that lasts in this world. Rich and poor alike will face the same death, and you can’t take anything with you when you die.
I need to fear the Lord and be aware of the iniquities of my life. It won’t be enough to have garnered riches, and popularity in this world and then face the judgment of God.(vs. 5-6) Another truth is that no man can ransom or pay the price for the life of another. The only One who has done this is the Lord Jesus Christ when He died once for all the sins of the world. He didn’t do this so we could live our lives for our own riches and pleasures in rebellion against God and His purpose and plan. He did this that we might find life more abundantly in living for His glory as we were designed to do.(vs. 7-9)
The most important fact that I need to remember is that I can be assured of His ransom of my soul by faith in the Lord. Psalms 49:15 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah(ESV) Oh the comfort of knowing the Lord and the forgiveness that is mine in Christ. When it seems that the rich and the wicked get all the reward on this earth, I need to be reminded that my treasure is in heaven. The way I live and the things I say need to reflect this confidence in the Lord and the eternal blessings that are mine in Him.
Father, may I never forget that my life is in Your hands and my treasure is not laid up on this earth, but in heaven. May I live my life in such a way that You receive all the glory and honor, and the crowns I receive for my life on earth will be laid at Your feet. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob