Day 142
 |
| That Nail: Our Hope! |
Weekly Devotional
May 21—
Psalm 49: The Only Real Hope
Reflection
As you began reading Job, you knew what was going on behind the scenes. But what if you had been Job? How would you have responded? How would you have reacted to your friends as they confused you even more about what God could and should be doing for you? Job didn't pretend to know all the answers, but he did know his God. And he knew God had his good reasons to do what he was doing.
But it's sobering to put yourself in his shoes. One of the most wealthy people of his time reduced to the ash heap. But his faith was not in what he owned; it was in his God. The Sons of Korah composed a psalm that puts the plight of all people—rich or poor—into perspective. So stop and rest today by reflecting on the truths from Psalm 49.
But it's sobering to put yourself in his shoes. One of the most wealthy people of his time reduced to the ash heap. But his faith was not in what he owned; it was in his God. The Sons of Korah composed a psalm that puts the plight of all people—rich or poor—into perspective. So stop and rest today by reflecting on the truths from Psalm 49.
That Faith to the End Though!
At the funeral of a prominent millionaire, one of the mourners asked a question that no doubt many were wondering: "how much did he leave?" An aide replied, "Everything!"
The old expression "You can't take it with you" might well have been taken from Psalm 49. Korah addresses his hymn of wisdom to all people in all walks of life (v. 1-4). The psalmist contends that pride in wealth is useless. Life, the most precious of all commodities, cannot be purchased (v. 5-12). Therefore, the only real hope man has is the hope he places in his Redeemer (v. 13-20).
Find your checkbook and fill out one of your personal checks this way: "Pay to the order of ____"(insert your name), "Amount____" (insert eternal life in Christ), "Signed____" (insert God). Tape the check to the inside cover of your checkbook as a reminder of how much you possess as a Christian—far beyond our puny bank account!
The old expression "You can't take it with you" might well have been taken from Psalm 49. Korah addresses his hymn of wisdom to all people in all walks of life (v. 1-4). The psalmist contends that pride in wealth is useless. Life, the most precious of all commodities, cannot be purchased (v. 5-12). Therefore, the only real hope man has is the hope he places in his Redeemer (v. 13-20).
Find your checkbook and fill out one of your personal checks this way: "Pay to the order of ____"(insert your name), "Amount____" (insert eternal life in Christ), "Signed____" (insert God). Tape the check to the inside cover of your checkbook as a reminder of how much you possess as a Christian—far beyond our puny bank account!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, death is a fact of life, no matter whether one is rich or poor. But we praise you that, 'as for us, God will redeem our soul from the power of death.' Lord, give us an eternal perspective concerning this life. Help us see what the world considers important as nothing but useless rubble. Enable us to trust you as Job did in the midst of turmoil and trial, and to look forward to the day you will welcome us home. In Jesus name, amen!
 |
| Real Hope! |
