"They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:" Psa 49:6-7
In these days of conspicuous consumption, many hold riches as their god. It is not that people gather themselves into opulent buildings and worship currency on a prepared altar. The literal meaning of the word is to "prostrate oneself in homage." Today we tend to think of it as something which is indicative of reverence, strong emotion and the expenditure of a great deal of time, effort and resources. It is this that we do in pursuit of claiming riches for ourselves. It is perhaps human nature to always want more. If we are not able to obtain it for ourselves, we elevate those who have by being successful in lucrative fields. Even in the first century church, members were chastised for giving undue honor to those of means.
Beloved, though wealth is not in and of itself evil and much good is accomplished with it, no amount of it can save even one of us. What amount of currency, gold or jewels can we give to the very Maker of the earth to purchase our own salvation? It is more likely that the love of wealth will prevent us from gaining heaven than cause it.
There has only ever been one payment that would redeem mankind and that is the sacrifice of Jesus, "in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according tot he riches of his grace" Eph 1:7. It is not wealth itself, nor those who have amassed it who are to be worshipped, but him who paid the ultimate price to accomplish the ultimate good. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!"
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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