Highlights:
We’re reminded to be still and worship. See hope for the "have-nots" when the "haves" are taking advantage of them. The heartrending prayer of repentance from David who wants to be cleansed and restored.
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever (Ps. 49:7-8).
There is no amount of money or treasure that can purchase salvation for an individual. God's Word makes that very clear. There are some who believe that this can be done. There are beliefs that if I pay enough then my loved one can be saved. But this is not a Bible truth.
The only way a person can obtain redemption for their soul is through Jesus Christ and the acceptance of His free gift of salvation. This is the only way a person can get forgiveness for their sins. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).
It should also be noted that a person can only ask for forgiveness and salvation for themselves. No one can accept Christ for another individual. Salvation is a personal decision. It begins a relationship between you and Christ and no one else. It is great to love a person enough that you have that much concern for their soul, however there are limitations as to what we can do on behalf of others.
We can always pray specific prayers for these individuals. We can pray that the Lord will convict their hearts to draw them closer to salvation. We can also pray that God puts those in their path that might lead them to Christ. Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).
Salvation is the most important decision that can happen in our lives. It should be considered with the utmost seriousness. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered and died to make a way for us to have salvation. What greater gift could have been given to mankind?
Too often, we go through life without realizing what a beautiful gift God has given us. This is true of believers and unbelievers alike. Unbelievers have no idea what is lacking in their lives until they begin to feel the love of God. The believer has felt this love, but all too often allows the world to dull it and make it seem unimportant. There is nothing of greater importance than a right relationship with God.
But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thes. 2:13).
Thought for Today:
Can you say like the psalmist, "I will not fear though the earth be removed."?
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will judge His people (Ps. 50:4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing (2 Tim. 4:1).
Word Studies:
46:6 heathen raged, nations were in turmoil; 48:11 daughters of Judah, its cities and villages as opposed to Jerusalem, the major city; 49:9 see corruption, experience death; 50:23 conversation, daily conduct; 51:4 clear, pure, blameless.
Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord: where He guides, He provides (Ps. 16:1-8).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: John 6:44
