Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Transient Treasures
Read Psalm 49:1-20

Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world. Psalm 49:1

Sit up and listen, people everywhere! (v 1)

This psalm offers words of wisdom to rich and poor alike (v 2). Here is the message

i) Death comes to all (v 10)
Let there be no morbid preoccupation with death but a humble acknowledgement that our days are numbered. A man’s riches cannot buy him immortality. We may readily accept that but what about bowing down to the shrines of health foods and supplements, fitness regimes, etc and harbouring thoughts that these will enable us to endure?

ii) Riches have to be left behind (v 11, 16-17)
The rich will leave their wealth to others and their tombs will be their eternal resting place. Lands named after them will count for nothing.

iii) Men’s praise gives only fleeting pleasure
The rich may revel in their material blessings and bask in men’s praise. They may nurture grandiose plans. But our times are in God’s hands. See Luke 12 for Jesus’ parable of the rich fool for the same lesson.

This psalm is ascribed to a member of the Levite family. The Levites were not to have any allotment or inheritance among their brothers. The Lord is their inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1, 3). God is truly the faithful provider of all who serve Him. ‘All that I have needed, Thy hands hath provided’ – this is my personal testimony after almost three decades of service. Riches cannot buy life – no man can redeem the life of another. The ransom of a life is costly, no payment is ever enough (v 7). Praise God that His Son has purchased our salvation with His sacrifice on the cross (1 Peter 3:18). Now those who believe in Him may also say, ‘But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to Himself (v 15).

Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19. Commit to memory verses 6-10.