So, I’m thinking that I’ve used the word “economy” more and talked of “the economy” more in the last year than I probably have in my entire life. I don’t really have much a brain for things of finance and for the workings off wealth. But this last year has really seen a lot of people “take it in the teeth” because of the economy. The “bubble burst” . . . the “bottom fell out” . . . the “pigeons came home to roost” . . . use whatever catchy phrase you want, but the things of money and wealth and our dependence on them has really had its foundation shaken. Maybe that’s why Psalm 49 caught my attention this morning.

The Psalmist addresses his thoughts to “all peoples” and exhorts them to “give ear; all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall give understanding” (49:1-3). And then he talks of the folly of “trusting in wealth” and “boasting in the multitude of riches” (49:6). He points out that men die and leave their wealth to others (49:10). He acknowledges that for those who become rich there is a “glory of his house” which increases . . . but when he dies, he carries nothing away . . . his glory will not descend after him into the grave. He concedes that while a rich man lives he might bless himself and receive the praise of men for doing well for himself, but eventually the light is shut off . . . the self-blessing ceases . . . the praise is heard no more (49:16-19). Overall a pretty somber song . . . not much to get you clicking your heels or tapping your toes here.

Another thing the psalmist writes about wealth . . . no matter how rich a person is, “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit” (49:7-9 ESV). Check it out . . . the redemption of a soul is costly (NKJV) . . . no millionaire, no billionaire, not even the seemingly endlessly deep pockets of governments can write a check that would redeem a single soul. Money can’t buy you love . . . and it sure can’t buy you eternal life or unending joy. Ok . . . so pretty depressing overall . . . but how’s this for a bit of a “pick me up” . . .

First, consider the value of your life . . . way lots! Conceived by God . . . formed in His image . . . shaped according to His design . . . worth more than any man could pay. Oh, we’ve managed to devalue it significantly on this earth . . . but if we entertain a heavenly perspective, there are a lot of pretty valuable human beings walking this planet. And second, check out the psalmist’s confidence in verse 15, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.”

Ok kids . . . brush off those “never fail Sunday School answers” . . . Who desires to redeem and receive His creation to Himself? God. Who’s got the kind of wealth to ransom a man’s soul? God. How did He pay that price for my soul? Jesus! Yes!!!!

I’m reading in Romans 1 this morning as well . . . there I’m referred to as “beloved of God, called to be saints” . . . and there I’m reminded that the gospel (aka “the good news”) of Christ “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” . . . that “in it the righteousness of God is revealed”. That righteousness can be imparted because God paid the incalculable price for my soul through His Son’s death on the cross. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! I couldn’t afford it . . . I couldn’t come up with the righteousness on my own to merit it . . . mine was to receive it by faith . . . for “the just SHALL LIVE by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17).

If my hope is in this world’s economy . . . if my happiness it tied to my “here and now” wealth . . . then, at best, it’s temporary. Instead, my glory is the God who made me and valued me such that He would ransom me with heaven’s Best. My joy is that God, in His grace induced patience, sought me and drew me to Himself, and opened my eyes to see my bankruptcy and receive His all sufficient payment on my behalf. My “pick me up” this morning is that I too, with confidence, can sing with the psalmist, “God has redeemed my soul from the power of the grave, and He shall receive me!” Thank you Father . . .