Psalm 49-Why Die II

 

 

For all can see that the wise die,
    that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
    leaving their wealth to others.
¹¹ Their tombs will remain their houses^[b] forever,
    their dwellings for endless generations,
    though they had^[c] named lands after themselves. Psalms 49:10-11

I like sequels. Particularly those that involve a hero saving some girl he loves. Tragedy and love form an explosive mix!

So today we briefly consider ‘Why Die II’. And I do hope that I don’t come across as a little morbid.

Before we consider the scripture above allow me to share a story. Some time ago one of our lecturers (Dr. Iraki) asked us an interesting question in the form of a class assignment. He asked whether we would prefer fame or wealth. The answer had to come in the form of an essay and the best would be read out in class. It was an interesting debate we had that day. One clever chap even argued that for him fame would follow wealth. He would use his wealth and power to have roads and buildings named after him.

The scripture above is not far off the mark when it describes men who named lands after themselves not only for fame but also as a way of keeping their names alive long after they are gone. In a sense such men and women are on a quest for immortality. The scripture describes how all men, regardless of their status, are equalised by death. The rich, the poor, the wise and the foolish all have an irrevocable appointment with the grim reaper at some point.

"Aeroplanes will be too afraid to crash, yoghurts will wish you good morning before being eaten and human consciousness will be stored on supercomputers, promising immortality for all - though it will help to be rich." Ian Pearson, head of the futurology unit at BT.

 

Throughout man’s history, he has searched diligently for ways to cheat death. Of course many have preferred doing it away from God’s prescribed way (John 11:25). Many have wished that they could stare death in the face and thumb their noses at Christ and yet sing with Paul;

“Where, O death is your victory?
    Where, O death is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15.55 

There is simply no immortality apart from God. Wealth and fame and naming lands after oneself are simply vain glorious ways to achieve eternal recognition. The creator calls you back to Him. His promise is that those who come to Him in child-like faith will be granted eternal life.

⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6.40