Our Only Hope
Opening Prayer
Today, Lord, I want to give, tell and live Your gift through me to the world. Help me, Lord.
Read Psalm 49
[1] For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“There is a redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One” (Melody Green). (To listen to this beautiful song, go to YouTube, put “Keith Green There is a Redeemer” in the search bar, and you will find the recording.) Be blessed.
Think Further
Rich or poor, famous or unknown, young or old, strong or weak and disabled… all people (1,2) stand equal before God. All face the same end (10). Here is the riddle the psalmist seeks to unravel (4). Our world greatly values wealth and status. Even as God’s people, it is too easy to trust in our own material riches (6). Yet, here is a paradox. Those who, by implication, are not wealthy and powerful (6–10) can remain fearless in times of trouble (5)—because, in the end, it is not earthly wealth that saves anyone from death (16,17). God sees the distinctions differently: those who are “wise”; those who are “foolish” (10)—both will leave this earthly life. So, we do not need to be overawed by the powerful, the boastful, those whom our media idolize (13). But then, where is hope? Beyond the apparent bleak storyline of this psalm, we find good news: wisdom and understanding (3,20); trust (6); ransom and redemption (7,15). Self-reliance ignores the reality of death. In such foolishness there is no security; instead the fatal absence of acknowledgment of God is revealed. But to place our trust in him is wisdom (3). Other people, even those who love us deeply, cannot buy off death. The word “ransom” (7) brings to mind the cost paid by Jesus for our redemption. How blessed we are! But even under the Old Covenant, the psalmist is confident in God, his Redeemer (15; cf. Job 19:25). As with other Old Testament characters, faith, trust and obedience are counted as righteousness (see Rom. 4:3; Heb. 11). Those who trust in God can be sure of seeing again “the light of life” (19)—and, on that basis, full of calm, bright hope for life here, whatever it may bring.
Apply
“Put your trust in God and use your money.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Closing prayer
“Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit till the work on earth is done” (Melody Green).
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