Death is the great Equalizer

Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever; they may name their estates after themselves, but they leave their wealth to others. They will not last long despite their riches – they will die like the animals. This is the fate of fools, though they will be remembered as being so wise. Psalm 49: 10-13 NLT

The psalm opened saying that the psalmist himself was very wise. Here he admits that even the wise who are wealthy cannot escape death. He seems to suggest that those who are wealthy and wise sometimes name their estates after themselves, giving their money to others as though they are going to live forever through them. But, like animals, no money will save them from death. They will die like all living creatures. They will die like fools even though they are remembered to be wise.

Death is the great equalizer.

Think of someone that you just cannot stand, for whatever reason. Don't dwell on what they have done to you or against you. Just picture them in your head. Now think about this: you and that other person will someday die. Is that other person a believer? What are you going to do when you see them in God's presence? Will they still be the same person you can't stand? And if they aren't a believer, what kind of personal gripe have you had that has prevented you from trying to share the gospel with them? Have you ever prayed for their salvation?

God, sometimes we consider ourselves wise because we believe in you. But that is not what you want from us. You want us to share the gospel and to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Forgive us for thinking of ourselves more than we should. Help us to reach out, even to those we cannot stand. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims