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Daily Devotion: Psalm 49:6-9

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!!

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