Psalm 49 This psalm is addressed to "all peoples".  The writer is ready to share a bit of wisdom and it is meant for everyone.. low, high, rich, or poor..  It boils down to this.. not one of us is immune to death.  Some may gain wealth.. some may gain power.. but none can keep  themselves or anyone else from the certainty of death.. or the judgement that follows. 

Redemption can not be bought.  "No man can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom from him - for the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever.." ( v7-8) 

We don't really like to think about death.. for we have no control over it. That is in the Lord's hands.  

What we CAN do is know the One who redeems us and who will receive us.  It is only in Him that we can put away all fear - especially the fear of death, but also the fear that others have more than us; fear that others have a greater legacy; fear that we don't measure up to those who have gone before us.. or those who will come after us.  We must not congratulate ourselves for what we have done or what we have accumulated, but recognize that all things in life and in death belong to the Lord. 

 We need to remember this...  "For when he dies he will carry nothing away." 

These are somber thoughts, but we need to think them.  We need to recognize that our days are numbered and that we must take responsibility for our lives and our eternal future.  We need to hear this bit of wisdom from the psalmist and not hide our heads in the sand. "....it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes the judgment." Hebrews 9:27 says.. but it does not leave us there without hope.. for we have a Redeemer who is coming again!

There were two deaths from our church family yesterday.. two who no longer inhabit their earthly shells, but are now clothed in the glory of heaven.  It makes me wonder what that will be like when it is my turn...  We can't know until that day.. but this one thing I know.. I will carry nothing away from this world when it happens.. and only what treasures that I have laid up in heaven will await me there. (Matthew 6:20)  

How do we lay up treasures in heaven?   Jesus told the rich young ruler, "If you wish to  be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." ( 19:21)  Paul wrote to Timothy " Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future,  so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." ( I Tim. 6: 18-19)  

Father in heaven,  I want to be one who lays up treasures in heaven.. living in accordance with Your Word and being generous to give to those in need.  Keep my eyes fixed on those things above, Lord.. that I might follow Jesus always.  There is day of joy coming for me.. I will trust You to handle all the details!   Praise and thanksgiving I offer up to You, my Redeemer and King. Amen.