Castle Howard
Photo by: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mdbeckwith
“Death will be their shepherd.”
I came upon this line in Psalm 49. It jumped out at me because of the many times I have read about Jesus being the good shepherd. It is a terrible thought that Death is leading people around like sheep, but it makes sense because God is the author of life and light. Life is to be found in him alone.
Psalm 49, In my own words:
Listen to this all people who live on earth! Listen, rich and poor, high and low alike! I will speak wisdom to you and help you understand.
Why should I fear when evil days come? Even if evil men surround me, those who trust in their wealth and boast about it, why should I fear?
No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them. The ransom for a life is too costly. No payment would ever be enough to secure eternal life for a friend.
Everyone can see that wise men die and also the foolish. They leave their riches to others. Their tombs will be their home forever, even though they name their lands after themselves.
People do not endure. They are like the beasts that perish. That is the fate of those who trust in themselves and also of their followers, who approve of them.
These people are like sheep destined to die. Death will be their shepherd. Their bodies will decay in the grave, far from their expensive houses.
But God will redeem me from the house of the dead. It is sure he will take me to himself.
So, do not be in awe when some people grow to be super-rich. Don’t be amazed by their splendid houses for they will take nothing with them. Although, while they are alive, they think of themselves as fortunate; though many people praise them, they will join those who have gone before. They will never again see the light of life.
Remember this: People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.
