Articles
The Primary Concern of Life
THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF LIFE
“Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him— For the redemption of their souls is costly, and it shall cease forever.” — (Psalm 49:6-8)
Much could be said about the proud comments one of the Republican forerunners continues to make, especially when it comes to his boasting in his riches. This is not an article on politics or who I think should become the president of the United States. Rather, it is an admonishment about one’s heart towards himself and his riches. In light of the many boastful comments I have heard lately I thought this article would be fitting and serve as a reminder for us all.
The primary concern of every man’s life is redemption. Whether one makes a lot of money in life is not really important. What is important is this: is his soul redeemed? It cost a terrible price for man’s soul to be redeemed. In the passage above the psalmist says, “for the redemption of their souls is costly” (verse 8). Job caught a glimpse of the wonder of this in Job 33:23–28: “Then let him be gracious to him, and say, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom’” (verse 24; read entire passage). God had to pay the price of redemption by sacrificing His Son. Man can never, with his riches, purchase his own pardon. Peter says, “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18–19). No wonder the creatures in heaven sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9).
The psalmist says that the issues of a man’s life have eternal consequences—to fail here is to “cease (fail) forever” (verse 8). Of course, to meet the issue and obtain redemption, is to endure forever. Jesus has, by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 10:26) obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) for those who believe and obey Him (John 3:19, 36; Hebrews 5:8–9).
With brotherly affection - Andy
