Presented, December 7, 2008 pm
ATTENTION:
WHY SHOULD I FEAR?
PSALM 49
Have you ever found yourself frustrated when you
look at the prosperity of the wicked in this world?
From day to day we struggle at times just to make ends meet, yet we look
around at the ungodly and materialistic and see them not only prospering, but
they seem to be in control. It is
very possible that the psalmist was looking around with the same frustration and
near hopelessness. And then it dawns
on him: Why am I fretting over these trivial things?
What can man REALLY do to me?
Tonight we continue our study of the psalms.
This particular psalm deals with the discouragement the godly face as
they deal with an ungodly world. The
psalmist realizes the ultimate end of all man is an equalizer – death.
Furthermore, he knows Who is truly in control.
Therefore, his attitude is, WHY WORRY?
Our psalm this evening is one that is as relevant
today as it was when it was penned.
Like the others in this section, it is attributed to “The sons of Korah” which
as we have noted could simply mean it was assigned to them to maintain.
This is believed to be the case because it is possible that some of these
psalms were believed to have been written by others (i.e. David, etc.).
The lessons in this psalm are many.
I.
Now hear
this! (1-4)
a.
The message of
this psalm is for all mankind – regardless of wealth, stature or location.
This is the also the call of the preacher.
He should be no respecter of persons in preaching – 2 Tim. 4:2-4.
Why? Because ALL need
the gospel!
The bigger challenge we face today has to do with social status.
Are we wiling to preach to the poor?
b.
The psalmist
speaks wisdom and as a proverb – a wise saying with very broad application.
In this case, his message comes form God, which makes it the ultimate
example of wisdom.
But beyond that, what he says in this psalm is also practical and obvious.
It is just something that many don’t want to think about.
BUT WE NEED TO! That is why
Solomon said, “Better to go to the house
of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men;
and the living will take it to heart.” (Eccl.7:2)
c.
The psalmist also
notes that he will say these things “upon my harp” which to me means he intends
to publish this message. Not hide
his lamp under a basket, but too broadcast the seed.
II.
Why should I be afraid of the ungodly?
(5-9)
a.
In vs. 5 the
psalmist notes that there is no need to be afraid of the worldly, even those in
powerful positions. The obvious
point is not to “throw caution to the wind” in dealing with them (we need to be
‘as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves’) but rather do not fear what man
can do to me. God is the one in control:
Romans 8:33-34 where Paul speaks of the advantage we have if God is on our side.
He notes that none can really bring a charge against God’s elect.
Philippians 1:27-28 which speaks of living worthy of the gospel, “and
not in anyway terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”
It is in the worst of times
is when I need to TRUST in the Lord.
b.
Those who trust in
their wealth:
i.
Cannot buy their
way out of God’s judgment. Why is it
we are commanded to not trust in earthly riches?
Because they are uncertain – 1 Tim. 6:17.
Money can do many things, but it cannot buy redemption.
ii.
Nor can they buy
it for others – their brother. There
are some religions where you can buy salvation for others.
But David knows that there is nothing of this life’s goods that can save
anyone else.
There is only one thing that can redeem us – the blood of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:18-19 notes that we are “not
redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct
received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
It is the height of arrogance to think that money and power can buy your way or
the way of your friends out of trouble, either in this life and especially in
the next. Yet how many try to do
just that? How many reason their
resources will deliver them spiritually. Consider the rich, young ruler of
Matthew 19 who thought he was fine, but he wasn’t (19:16-22).
iii.
Cannot pay the
price of redemption is set by God.
Vs. 8 of our text says, “For the redemption of their souls is costly, and it
shall cease forever.” In that phrase
I see the high cost of redemption.
It cannot be purchased with ALL the money in the world.
Yet it can be purchased by all – with the precious blood of Christ.
iv.
Will die (9-12)
and all that he has amassed will perish.
Vs. 9 is a continuation of vs. 7 (as if vs. 8 were inserted as an explanation
about the cost of redemption). The
psalmist notes the ransom one tries to pay is to extend life or to live
eternally and not see the pit (death).
Why does man seek this? Vs. 10 – he
sees the wise man die, AS well as the fool.
It matters not how successful or wise one is in this life, they will
leave it when they die.
v.
Deep down think
they are right.
Vs. 11 shows flawed reasoning for those who trust in the riches of this world.
Here the worldly prosperous, even as they see death, dismiss it in their
own lives.
I think of two things here:
1) They think they have plenty of time – such as the rich, fool who thought he
had plenty of time and that his riches would sustain him (Luke 12:16-20).
Note how, “He thought within himself (vs. 19).
2) They have fooled themselves. In
reality, they have not deeply considered things.
Their depth of reasoning is shallow.
They will not allow themselves to consider their eternal state because
they are too busy managing their worldly goods and lives of luxury.
James warned of this in James 5:1-6.
Speaking of the rich he calls for them to weep and howl and prepare for
miseries. Their riches are
corrupted. “You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened
your hearts as in the day of slaughter…” (5)
Have you ever heard a leader described as being “out of touch”?
What is usually meant by that is that they cannot relate to the common
man. Their life (and those around
them) has shielded them from reality.
Even as they do face death, their pride and worldly reasoning causes them to
think that what they have left will last and be there for their descendants.
Maybe for a little while, but in time it will perish.
Vs. 12 summarizes it by noting that man, though he might live in honor, dies the
same way as a beast. The point: ALL
DIE!
If
you have studied the book of Ecclesiastes, NONE of these things is new.
One of the dilemmas Solomon faced was the realization that no matter what
man achieves in this life, he will die and NOT take it with him.
See Eccl. 8:8, “NO one has power over the
spirit to retain the spirit, and no one has power in the day of death.
There is no release from that war, and wickedness will not deliver those
who are given to it.” Also Eccl.
2:12-16 where Solomon notes that all men will die, wise and fool alike!
vi.
Often fool others
as well (13). How many today put
their trust in those WITH riches? As
the wealthy die, their funerals are ornate and they are praised as saints.
Usually that is wrong.
Brethren, be careful if you find yourself praising the wicked and the worldly!
vii.
Die LIKE everyone
else. (14)
Not only do they actually die, but their bodies decay.
Their beauty will perish. All
the wealth in the world cannot eternally preserve them.
I think of the Pharaohs and their pyramid
tombs – all the money and wealth spent on a burial.
And for what? In times, the
house decays and it is raided by thieves and rogues.
How many of us live to leave an inheritance for our children?
Is that all there is?
Have you see the mummified body which is described as “very well preserved”?
It doesn’t look alive to me!
It may be in better shape than the poor, but it is dead and shriveled up and
brown, etc. That is a reminder of
what money will get you when you die!
III.
The way of the godly (15)
– God will redeem my soul and receive me.
Veering from the eventual corrupt state of the worldly, the psalmist
expresses his faith.
As we see ungodliness seeming to prevail, it is time for our faith!
Reflect on the blessings and hope of the godly.
IV.
Because of this, do not fear the rich
(16-20)
a.
The rest of this
chapter emphasizes what we have noted thus far – ALL will die!
b.
Don’t be afraid
when others become rich. In this
life the wealthy have power. We are
living in a time when many are struggling.
But the wealthy seem to prosper and in many cases they oppress the poor
(see the way creditors are treating their debtors, taking care of themselves
first, etc.). They seem to have the
power to dominate and control the worldly future. But don’t fear them.
They can’t do anything to your soul!
Be prepared like the beggar in the account of Lazarus in Luke 16 who when
he died, was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (vs.22).
Remember what Jesus said, “Do not fear
those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
(Matt. 10:28)
c.
When he dies, he
carries nothing with him. No U-haul
or luggage rack on the hearse. HE
leave the world with what he came in it with (1 Tim. 6:7).
d.
Whatever glory he
amassed while alive will do him no good when one dies.
Vs. 18 notes that men praise those who prosper physically.
Why? Usually it is because
they want something.
e.
But the wealthy
will die as did his fathers and never see the light of day again.
He will NOT return from the grave.
And in ungodliness, his eternal destiny is worse – a place described as
darkness (Jude 13).
In conclusion: Vs. 20 says, “A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that
perish.” What a fitting way to
conclude this psalm dealing with the physical fate of ALL man.
You may receive great honor in this life and perhaps you have even earned
it, but if you are spiritually foolish, what will it get you.
As Jesus said, “What profit is it
to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”(Matt.16:26)
Let us not fear the prosperous of this world.
Instead, TRUST God. Do you?