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In Hope

Rich And Poor Alike

Sunday November 21, 2021
 

The writer of the following Psalm starts by calling everyone to listen to what he has to say.  He says he has words of wisdom to share and insight to give. It would appear the writer is addressing one of life’s baffling problems.  This problem affects both rich and poor alike.


Listen, everyone! High and low, rich and poor, all around the world—listen to my words, for they are wise and filled with insight. I will tell in song accompanied by harps the answer to one of life’s most perplexing problems: There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, even though surrounded by enemies! They trust in their wealth and boast about how rich they are, yet not one of them, though rich as kings, can ransom his own brother from the penalty of sin! For God’s forgiveness does not come that way. (Psalm 49:1-7 TLB)
Being rich or poor does not make a difference when trouble comes to a person or a nation. The restrictions implemented worldwide due to Covid-19 applied to everyone and for a time, no one could travel for pleasure outside of the area where they lived.  The person writing this Psalm wants to calm those he is addressing by telling them there is no need to fear when times of trouble come.  Those of us who have given our will and life over to the care of God need to take note of this. When fear arises within us, from whatever source, we need to take it to God and allow Him to help us in our time of trouble. 


The writer continues by saying that even a rich king is unable to ransom his own brother from the penalty of sin.  God’s forgiveness does not come that way. The Scriptures tell us the penalty of sin is death.  To pay the required penalty, Jesus paid with His life and God accepted forever this one sacrifice for sin.  Whether rich or poor we cannot buy forgiveness for sin, only belief in the finished work of Jesus is sufficient to wipe out the debt we owe.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Jesus and all He has done for me. Forgive my arrogance in thinking there may be a different way to obtain forgiveness than the way of the cross. Please help me to humble myself and accept Your gracious gift. Amen 

©2021 Partners in Hope 

Audio for Rich And Poor Alike

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