The Great Equalizer
By Dean Collins
The first thing I thought today as I read Psalm 49 was that it was in the wrong book of the Bible. Psalm 49 sounds more like it should be either in Proverbs or possibly Ecclesiastes since it is a mixture of practical wisdom and a stark reminder that whether you do good or bad, we all die.
The second thing I started thinking about is how this Psalm is a testament to God’s mercy and grace.
This Psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah. You may recall the story of Korah from the sixteenth chapter of Numbers. Korah was a Levite who thought he needed more. He wasn’t content with the responsibilities he had been given and incited a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. As you recall from the story of Moses and the Exodus, things did not go well for those who were ungrateful, complained, or in this case, rebelled against God’s plans. You can read about Korah’s sin and his demise in Numbers 16. Most of Korah’s family died as a result of his rebellion.
But centuries later we read eleven Psalms scattered throughout the Psalms which let us know that some of Korah’s descendants did not follow the mistakes of their forefather and became important in worship leadership. Psalm 49 is one of these Psalms.
There are a few things worth noting in this Psalm.
1. Everyone dies. That may sound blunt, but we know this is true. We prefer to not talk about it and stay in some state of denial, hoping and believing that in our case death will come at our preferred time, old age. But we know from scripture that due to the fall of man in the garden, death comes to everyone.
2. We need not worry or be concerned that some people have more money than you do. Their money may buy them a few or a lot more things than you can buy, but in the end it is a level playing field.
3. No matter how little or much you have, in the end it all gets left behind.
4. Wealth may be a blessing, but the blessing of wealth has a shelf life.
5. While helpful in giving us perspective, the sons of Korah didn’t know the whole story that is ours because of the resurrection of Jesus!
Read and think about what we can learn from this Psalm. But then take a minute and read Romans 8, where we learn the rest of the story. Jesus changed everything for us through his death and resurrection. We do not need to live in fear, in jealousy, or with any doubt about how well we are loved and where we will spend eternity. And we get to start today, participating with God in spreading the news of new creation wherever we go.
Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your mercy. Today we will move forward in faith, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love. Reveal yourself to others through the way we live and love today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 49:1-20; Romans 8:12-39 ESV
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