Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

IV RICHES WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING - 16-20

“ So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich, and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they carry nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.” (16,17) The Apostolic teaching of the New Testament echoes these thoughts so well: “ After all, we didn’t bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.” (1 Tim. 6:7) The conclusion to these observations is to be content with what God has provided! “ So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Tim. 6:8) It is so easy to fall under the spell of envy and not appreciate with what God has blessed us. “ In this life they consider themselves fortunate, and the world loudly applauds their success. But they will die like all others before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand that they will die like animals. (18-20) It is a natural reaction for the human mind to esteem the wealthy without regard as to how they ac- cumulated their money. Wealth carries it’s own credentials and in this life it wields great power and priv- ilege. But the simple psalmist playing on his harp reminds the wealthy of their responsibility to ‘understand’ the purpose of their riches. Paul writes to Timothy concerning this matter: “ Tell those who are rich in this world: • Don’t be proud- “ …not to be proud…” • Don’t trust in riches- “ …and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. • Trust in God- “B ut their trust should be in the living God,…” • Enjoy His blessings- “ …who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” • Do good things with their money- “ Tell them to use their money to do good.” • Give generously- “ They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.” • Build an eternal foundation for the future- “ By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

There is a bright morning coming when those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will be ‘snatched away’ to enjoy the unbelievable richness of a life with God.

1 Keil & Delitzsch

PSALM 50: THE MIGHTY GOD, THE LORD HAS SPOKEN The True Sacrifice

This psalm is one of the passages of scripture that changes the course of worship for all of mankind. God summons his people and the entire world that he may judge them in two vital areas. First he con- demns ritualistic worship that does not involve the inner heart and secondly he condemns those who claim to be worshipers but whose moral lives are against his law. The first tablet of the law given to Moses is broken by insincere worship of God while the second tablet is broken by the immoral treatment of people. Seventeen of the twenty-three verses are a direct prophecy by the Lord making this psalm the strongest prophetic utterance of all the previous songs. God is clearly pointing to the day when the inner qualities of a thankful and holy heart would replace the animal sacrifices commanded by Moses.

I THE SUMMONS BY GOD - 1-6 (Interlude) II THE SACRIFICES REJECTED - 7-15

III THE SINS EXPOSED - 16-22 IV THE SINCERE WORSHIP - 23

INTRODUCTION:

“ A Psalm of Asaph. ”

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