Today’s passage is Psalm 49. The psalmist gives advice to everyone, rich, poor, wise, foolish; namely, that everyone dies and takes nothing with them and that no man can redeem another, can give the ransom required by God. Only God can do it. Those who trust in themselves and their wealth are like sheep destined for death. A man without understanding is like an animal.
What do you trust in?
What do you do so others will praise you?
On American coins is the phrase, “In God We Trust.”
Those are good words to put on money.
They are a warning to all who handle money not to put their trust in it because it will never redeem them, never get them close to God.
Money is of course important but it has no eternal value.
It’s only good on earth and it’s only good while we are alive.
It vanishes when we die, no heavenly good at all, unable to purchase understanding, let alone redemption.
Today’s psalm reminds me of what is truly important.
Two weeks ago, Pastor Kim reminded me that money is at the core of my heart, which is why I need to tithe as a confession of my faith in God.
God first, money second. That’s what I need to understand.
Many movies echo the materialist biologists who frantically worry about the survival of the human race, of extending mere physical existence as long as possible, trusting in technology and money to do what only God can do: give meaningful eternal life.
I am a sinner.
My sin separates me from God.
God sent his only Son to die sinless on the cross, pay the blood price of redemption for me and through his grace and my faith allow me to live eternally with my loving God.
That is the understanding I have.
The pain and suffering of my sinful choices, the teaching of the church, and the grace of God have led me to that understanding.
I am a blessed man because I have a job that I can’t do on my own.
I can’t control what I am responsible for.
I need God and I need the help of a bigger and bigger team.
Every day before I walk into my work, I say a one-word prayer to my Lord: Help!
Application: keep saying my prayer for God’s help.
Lord, let me look to you when I’m struggling and in trouble, not to money. Let me wait patiently for your praise at the end of my life: Well done, good and faithful steward.
