Psalm 49:6-9 "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; (7) None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (8) (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) (9) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption."
This entire Psalm is one that can bring two different results depending on the
frame of mind of the reader. David speaks of the one thing that is a certainty
in life: death. He speaks concerning this reality for all men, whether strong,
weak, of high degree or low, rich or poor, all nationalities. Unless the
Lord returns and we are instantly changed (See 1 Corinthians 15), we all are
going to die. I realize this is not a subject that is high on the list of
things to discuss; yet, it is the reality of life.
David begins this conversation with a question. "Wherefore should I
fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me
about?" (Psalm 49:5) He asks, "Why should I be afraid when the
time comes for me to face the reality of death?" He talks much from
this point of view in that he acknowledges that for many people, the things of
this life hold the most importance for them. But when it comes to this point we
call death, none of those things can deliver them. He speaks of people of
power, people who own much land, people who sit upon thrones, and those who
just depend upon themselves. His conclusion is " None of them can by any
means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." No person
can buy their way or work their way into heaven. Why is that? "The
redemption of their soul is precious."
Our home in heaven's glory is more precious than anything this world can boast
of. I personally do not believe the streets of heaven are literally made
of gold, but the Lord used the most precious element on earth to describe the
pavement of streets. That which would be walked upon is more precious
than the most precious thing on earth. He uses this analogy for us to
understand heaven is so much more precious than we could ever begin to imagine.
How precious is our home in heaven? It cannot be bought with silver or
gold. It cannot be earned by goodness of actions or thoughts or words in this
life. There is only one thing that is precious enough to God that would be
worthy of our having a home in heaven. What is that precious element that
redeemed us that we should "still live forever and not see
corruption"? Only the blood of Christ is precious enough to be
worthy as payment for an eternity in heaven. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye
were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)
We couldn't earn it. We didn't deserve it. Yet, God sent His Son into this
world for the purpose of securing salvation for His people through the shedding
of His precious and righteous blood. Praise God from Whom all blessings
flow!!