Scripture – “People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.”
Psalms 49:12-20 NIV
Observation – Everyone is going to die and when we die we take nothing with us. We get to experience earthly success for a short period of time. We get to enjoy “princely mansions” and “people’s praise” but only those who trust in God will be redeemed from the realm of the dead.
Application – Choose today who you will serve. Is your God wealth and power or will you accept that you are a created being who falls under the authority of the living God who loves you and gave his son as an atoning sacrifice for your sin. You get to choose and your choice will determine your eternal destiny.
Prayer – Lord, thank you for psalms like this that put earthy success and wealth in their proper place and remind us that we are here for a short amount of time.
What are you doing? Do it better 