Psalm 49:7 says “No one can redeem the life of another / or give to God a ransom for them”. It underscores a notable point – we cannot redeem someone else’s life from death; much less our own lives. The reason is that the price is too high (Ps 49:8); there is literally nothing of enough value in the world that we can get hold of that would cover the cost. A soul is too costly to be bought with mere gold or silver.
Let’s continue on to Ps 49:10-14. Rich or poor, foolish or wise, death comes for us all. We are all under the curse of death. And there is nothing in the world that can help us. It’s not something that we like to think about; but it’s something that we intrinsically know is true. Our death is just a matter of time. So what are we to do? Our only hope is in the prophetic words of verse 15 (Ps 49:15).
God is the only one who can redeem our lives. We know today that this has been ultimately fulfilled through Jesus’ life and death. Christ is our ransom price, providing the forgiveness from sins - the price which animal sacrifices could not provide (Heb 9:13-15). Our redemption price has been paid - and that is why we rejoice!
At the same time, we recognise the cost at which our freedom has come. We remember the death of Christ, particularly at times such as the Lord's Supper. But we also remember the death of death. 2 Tim 1:10 says, “Christ Jesus… has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Death has ultimately been defeated - its power is no more. So we can also say, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55).
“But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah” (Ps 49:15).
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