Today’s Devotional Theme
You Can't Take It With You
Daily Scripture
Psalm 49:16-20 (HCSB)
"Do not be afraid when a man gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases. For when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down. Though he praises himself during his lifetime- and people praise you when you do well for yourself- he will go to the generations of his fathers; they will never see the light. A man without valuable possessions but without understanding is like the animals that perish."
Encouragement
What this psalm is trying to teach is that the best things in life are not things. As the old saying goes, "He who dies with the most toys still dies." As a hospital chaplain, I have witnessed my fair share of deaths and have noticed that this Scripture rings true. Some have died poor, while others well off, but they all have one thing in common: they're all dead. While that is sad to face, it is true, and we cannot take anything with us. What a shame it is when one builds their entire life around perishable things like money, job security, education etc., rather than the important things of life like knowing Jesus and spending time with family. Earlier in the psalm it speaks of man not being able to redeem himself before God because the cost is too high. The psalmist is correct, for only God can redeem man...and God, the Son has redeemed man through the shedding of His blood on Calvary. Through God's grace and Christ's shed blood, we are redeemed when we place our faith in Jesus. This is the only way mankind could ever be redeemed (see Acts 4:12).
Apply God’s Word
Rejoice if you have great wealth, a good job, etc. Those are not bad things. In fact those are blessings from God. But don't wrap your whole life around them and boast in the fact that you have made yourself. Further, don't find security in things, because tomorrow they may be gone. I know of a man who was in the hotel business in Corpus Christie, Texas. He was so wrapped up in doing well for himself and his work. One day a tidal wave took it all out! If you're going to place your trust in something, place it in something far more precious than earthly thing. Place your trust in Jesus. He's the One you'll see after you die. Not your car, house, job, or bank account.
Come into His Presence
Lord, help me to keep things in perspective. Remind me each day whether I'm blessed with much or little to enjoy my blessings, but not to the point to where I believe they will save my soul. Only You can do that and I place my trust in You today. In Jesus' name, amen. |
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