March 6, 2010

We could think God contradicted Himself if we read (out of context) "Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it.  For the ransom of life is costly, and can never suffice that one should live on forever and never see the grave." Psalm 49: 1-20.  But if we read on, the same psalm states: "But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me." vs 15.  What a great prophesy of Christ's ransom for us!  It truly shows that there was no way of redemption except Him, but that God, indeed, had always promised a Way. 

Obviously, the first verse speaks of a person trying to redeem himself or another, and that there is no amount of riches capable of redeeming us.  Christ's life and sacrifice was SO valuable that it sufficed to redeem any and all who would receive Him-- forever!  As an aside, these verses really shows how valuable we are to God, and should increase our own concept of worth, and change how we value ourselves and others.

Unfortunately, (pun intended), there are many people who still trust in riches to save them, and many nations who do as well.  Is ours one of them, do you think?  Do you think that false messiahs who come along-- with schemes to deceive-- might try to wield worldly wealth and power as a means of solving the world's problems?  Have you ever seen this type of deception in the Church itself?  Does it seem logical to you that any amount of wealth could help with the types of trouble that Jesus prophesied for the end times, and that we see ourselves in the midst of now?  Mark 12: 7-8

Jesus was also clear that much of the end-time trouble would be between people, with rampant betrayal and hatred, even among relatives: "because of my name."  He directed us to trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words to say, and told us to "endure until the end."  vs 9-13 

I see a flip-side to the principle that no amount of wealth can redeem us.  It seems to me that no amount of wealth (which equates to worldly power) can "buy God off" either!  Who could pay God enough to "un-redeem" us?  Who could be wealthy enough to take us to court and condemn us when we have a Righteous Advocate on our side?  Christ!  If God is for us, who can be against us?  An entire nation?  The whole world system?  None of these powers could redeem us, and none of them can destroy us either.  We are truly safe IN the Lord!  It might be unpleasant or painful for a while, but all we need is endurance to see the salvation of God, and His promise of eternal life.

"Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?"  Psalm 49: 5-6

Jesus is not swayed, influenced or impressed by riches and worldly power.  This is clear in the beginning of the Mark passage.  He does not judge by outward appearance, but sees the heart.  He saw through the pomp of the religious leaders of the day, and He commended the poor widow for offering all she had because of her love for God.  He hasn't changed!

When we give ourselves totally to Him, this is a great treasure that He accepts.  In return, He gives Himself totally to us.  What, then, have we to fear?