DO THE RICH HAVE AN ADVANTAGE?
«Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?» (Psalms 49:5).
Psalm 49 was written to instruct us in the same way that the book of Ecclesiastics teaches us about the futility of riches, pride, and fame. When we die, we leave behind every earthly possession; only what we have treasured up in heaven will remain.
Where have we stored up our treasures? «Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also» (Matthew 6:19—21).
«Psalm 49 contains the answer to the question, ‘Why do the rich appear to have the advantage in life?’ The psalm teaches that wealth cannot postpone death, and that at death the rich are reduced to the same level as the poor…. [It talks about] the consolation to be gained from the ultimate end of the righteous, which is eternal life, as contrasted with that of the wicked (v. 14—20). Psalms 49 is recited in the modern orthodox Jewish home during the week of mourning following a death in the family.»—SDA Bible Commentary vol. 3, p. 749
This Psalm begins with a call to hear the message: «Hear this, all peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall give understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp» (Psalms 49:1—4). Then in verse 5 it begins a monologue that describes the peace that will be enjoyed by those who trust in God and not in their own riches. It could be paraphrased as: «Why do I have to have the same fears as the people of the world? Why be afraid of the malicious intents of others?» Don’t let fear destroy you, because as Facundo Cabral once said, «Cowardice ages us faster than the passage of time. The years only leave wrinkles on our skin, but fear wrinkles up our soul.»
Our only security is in Jesus. «You are unsafe unless you hold the hand of Christ. You must guard against everything like presumption, and cherish that spirit that would suffer rather than sin. No victory you can gain will be half so precious as that gained over self.»—Medical Ministry, p. 37.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate