In this song of praise, the psalmist explains how death will take all of our possessions. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “Listen to this, all you people! Attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor – listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. I listen carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp.
There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, when enemies are surrounding me. They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave.
Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, but they leave their wealth to others. They will not last long despite their riches – they will die like the animals. This is the fate of fools, though they will be remembered as being so wise.
Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of death. (Yes, Lord!!!)
So don't be dismayed when the wicked grow rich, and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they carry nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. (Wow…knowing that this is the case, why do we waste our time and money on buying so many things? Lord, help us concentrate our time and wealth on building strong, loving, and joyful relationships with one another.) In this life they consider themselves fortunate, and the world loudly applauds their success. But they will die like all others before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand that they will die like the animals.” (Psalm 49)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us recognize that our possessions are useless to us when we die; if we can’t take it with us, it is meaningless to spend our lives accumulating “stuff”! Help us understand that the experiences we choose to have that fill our hearts with love and joy is the true treasure of our existence. Lord, thank you! We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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