Today’s Reading, Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87
Focal Scripture: Psalms 49:6-7 “They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God —”
What do you trust most in your life? I have been around many people who believe their status, influence, money, or reputation can get them out of any trouble they find themselves in. They also believe these same truths will open doors for them that others do not have access to in their life. Their trust is in man-made riches and human ability. To be blunt, they believe they can do anything they put their minds to in this life because of external factors.
In today’s reading, we find out just how problematic that thinking is when it comes to eternity. We see that people are trusting in their wealth and boasting in their abundance. Their hope is found in what they have earned, not in who God is and what he does for humanity. Then it is explained that these earthly gifts fail to redeem a person or be enough to be the ransom that God requires. What is that ransom? The penalty for sin requires death, and that ransom will be paid by someone’s life. It will either be yours or Christ’s.
Since we know that God requires a ransom for sin, how will it be paid in your life? If you try to rely on your wealth, power, prestige, influence, or even talents to pay your ransom, you will find out quickly that it is insufficient to meet God’s holy standard. It always amazes me how we believe our good works or money can satisfy a holy God.
The Bible teaches that our righteousness is like filthy rags to the Lord. It stinks and has no value to the perfect creator of the universe. I wonder what God thinks about our measly effort to impress him and satisfy his wrath. Thankfully, God knew we would try this, so he provided his son to pay our ransom.
A debt will be paid to God for sin. I can declare with confidence that Christ has paid my ransom. Can you do the same? If not, today is the day to put your faith in the only one who can redeem people. His name is Jesus Christ!
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 3-5
