Psalm 49 - 8.12.22

Scripture

Psalm 49:14-15 TPT

The fate of fools is the grave, and just like sheep,
    death will feast on them…
But God will reach into the grave and save my life from its power.
    He will fetch me and take me into His eternal house. 

Observation – What does it say?

Have you ever been wide-eyed at the lifestyles of some people? The huge house, fancy cars, jewelry and just over-the-top luxury? I’m not going to lie, there are parts of that lifestyle that seem incredibly appealing. I’d love to have the ability to buy an exotic sports car on a whim or take a private jet to spend the weekend on a Greek island somewhere. But the Psalmist points out that no matter how much money you have in the bank, it could never be enough to purchase a soul. All the gold in Fort Knox isn’t enough to pay God for one man’s sin.

We will all go to the grave, poor and rich alike, and none of that wealth will benefit us once we take our last breath. The fool who rejected God will experience eternal death and separation from God. But the Psalmist, along with others who have put their faith in God, will be rescued by God and taken to be with him forever.

Understanding – What does it mean?

As enticing wealth is, it’s the pursuit of fools whose only hope is in this life!

There is nothing wrong with having wealth. A pastor I admire, Kris Vallotton, once said, “God doesn’t care what you have, he cares what has you.” We read today about how God made Solomon the richest king who ever lived. But the point is, what is your heart set on? What are you pursuing? What provides your peace and security?

Only Jesus can save! I don’t want to live to pursue things I can’t take with me when I die. We have something so much more valuable than earthly riches! If we have put our faith in Jesus, we look forward to the day when he will return to take us to be with him forever.

Life Application

Focus my desire and pursuit on heaven!

Only the relationship I have with God and the things I have done out of love for him and others will I be able to take with me. God, help me and help us to focus on those things!

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

That is an excerpt from Jesus’ most famous sermon, where he tells us that we will receive rewards from God for the things we do in secret for him (fasting, prayer, giving) without anyone knowing but Him. So in my journal (not here), I’ll decide some things in secret to do today :)

-Levi Thompson