Being Immortalized! (Part 1 of 2)

Picking up the paper and listening to the news we are often quickly reminded of the mortality of humanity. Every funeral I conduct is a reminder of human mortality and the need to use our days wisely, living prepared for the inevitable. However, we see many living in the world seeking various means of immortalizing themselves. Health is closely monitored to provide the greatest possibility for longevity. And in the recognition of this life’
s unavoidable end, buildings and lands and philosophies are branded with their names.

In the Psalms we read…
“(7) Truly NO MAN CAN RANSOM ANOTHER, OR GIVE TO GOD THE PRICE OF HIS LIFE, (8) for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
(9) that he should live on forever and never see the pit. (10) For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. (11) Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, THOUGH THEY CALLED LANDS BY THEIR OWN NAMES. (12) Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.” ( Psalm 49:7-12 ESV)

Though man tries to immortalize himself it is not possible. Even the buildings and lands on which his name is placed (note verse 11) crumble or change hands to the eventual loss of the memory. The physical cannot be held onto forever.

We cannot buy more years. The psalmist stated the ransom price for our life is too high; we cannot pay it. There is also no cure for death. Though new medicines and cures are found, man’s wisdom is not enough to make humanity immortal. Nor are our own best efforts sufficient. Even our right choices with regard to diet and exercise do not always guarantee cancer or some other disease won’t overtake us.

How do we face the reality of our immortality? Where do we find encouragement in the face of our great limitations? How can we find assurance that our life is not lived in vain? Lord willing we will consider that tomorrow.

The psalmist did go on to reveal his focus.
“But GOD WILL RANSOM MY SOUL from the power of Sheol, for HE WILL RECEIVE ME. Selah” ( Psalm 49:15 ESV)

May we continue to look to God as the author and sustainer of our life.

Have a great day TRUSTING GOD BEYOND OUR OWN EFFORTS!
Carl

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