Antidote to Vanity and Death (6)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 49.7-9
None of them can by any means redeem his brother,
Nor give to God a ransom for him—
For the redemption of their souls is costly,
And it shall cease forever—
That he should continue to live eternally,
And not see the Pit.

Sing Psalm 49.7-9, 15
(Sagina: And Can It Be, That I Should Gain)
No man his brother can redeem, or give a ransom for his soul.
Let him leave off the vain attempt to gather redemption’s priceless toll.
Vainly he longs for eternal day, that he may not endure decay.
Refrain v. 15
My God redeems my soul from hell!
His grace and mercy let me tell!

Read Psalm 49.18-20

Preparation
1. Why should anyone receive praise?

2. What is more important than being honored and praised?

Meditation
In this life – life “under the sun” – the most anyone can hope for is to be honored and praised by their contemporaries. These are the recognition of a life well-lived, a life of accomplishment, achievement, and contribution. Such honor and praise are not to be denied those who deserve them (v. 18).

Honoring and praising worthy people can remind us that all honor and praise belong ultimately to God, Who gives people every good and perfect gift and allows them to make use of these for good works (Jms. 1.17). The goodness of God is in all the earth (Ps. 33.5), but only because God loves all people – even His enemies – and gives them whatever they need for doing good (Matt. 5.44, 45; 1 Cor. 4.7). Thus, whenever we honor or praise anyone, we should immediately give thanks to God for His goodness and grace. And should anyone honor or praise us, we must deflect all such encomia to the goodness and glory of God.

If we understand this, we’ll be in good shape to serve God and encourage others to do the same. But those who fail to understand this, and to give thanks and praise to God, leave nothing lasting behind them when they die. They die like beasts, hardened in their souls, unredeemed, and unreceived by God Who showed them such grace all their lives (v. 20).

Pray that you might always see the light of God, leading to His praise, and that the light of Christ might penetrate the darkness of even the least honorable of lost souls (v. 19).

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Success often brings the praise of men. But in the end, darkness.
It is true for us all. Death will come regardless.
For some of us there is the hope of light, but for some, never. (Ps. 49.19)

C. T. Studd wrote: “Only one life ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Jim Eliot wrote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
These are quotes from two missionaries who gave their all to serve the Lord.
How much worldly praise they received for their efforts we do not know; but for their work in the Kingdom? They received a lasting reward!

Understanding the Gospel is requisite for seeing the light and not perishing like a beast (Ps. 49.19, 20).
It is what is necessary in choosing a life that has lasting quality, and in receiving eternal life.
The Bible tells us that “The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God” (Ps. 14.2).
We are told to “lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3.5).
“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good” (Prov. 19.8).
Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand” (Mk. 7. 14).
Jesus also asked this question: “Why do you not understand My speech?” And answered: “Because you are not able to listen to My word” (Jn. 8.43).
Paul taught, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5.17). “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Tim. 2.7).

Let us listen, be wise, and understand: “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 3.23; 5.8; 6 23; 10.9).
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (Jn. 3.16; 10.10; 14.15; 15.14).

By understanding this we will see the Light!

Reflection
1. What is your responsibility in helping others understand this Good News?

2. Why is God alone deserving of all final honor and praise?

3. What can you do to bring more honor and praise to God in your Personal Mission Field?

We are taught by the Psalmist, in the words which have been under our consideration, to beware of flattering ourselves in the possessions of this world, and to be principally anxious for the attainment of that happiness which is reserved for us in heaven. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on the Psalms 49.20

Closing Prayer: Psalm 49.18-20
Pray for the leaders of our world, that they might see the light of God and seek Him and His Kingdom. Pray for your church’s leaders, that they might seek His blessing and the blessing of His people in all they do.

Sing Psalm 49.16-20, 15
(Sagina: And Can It Be, That I Should Gain)
Let the redeemed of God take heart, though fools and all their wealth increase.
Death shall deprive him of all he owns, the grave shall make his glory cease.
Thus though he boasts, no light he sees;  his end in hell shall ever be.
Refrain v. 15
My God redeems my soul from hell!
His grace and mercy let me tell!

T. M. and Susie Moore

You can listen to our summary of last week’s study by clicking here.

Free Christmas Gifts
For more insight to the ascension and reign of Jesus, order a free copy of our book, What in Heaven Is Jesus Doing on Earth? (click here) Order several copies and give them as gifts for Christmas. For another look at Jesus, reigning in glory, order a free copy (or several) of our book, The Kingship of Jesus (click here).

If you find Scriptorium helpful in your walk with the Lord, please seek the Lord, asking Him whether you should contribute to the support of this daily ministry with your financial gifts. As the Lord leads, you can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.