The Mind of Christ

Psalm 49:15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah

This Psalm is written by the sons of Korah, the father of these 3 sons lead a revolution against Moses and Aaron. God takes out the father and we are left with some fascinating wisdom from his sons. Specifically who does all the work of salvation and to trust in Divine riches and not in Earthly riches…that pass away.

So how does God “ransom our souls”? Mark writes the same thing in Mark 10:45, Jesus declares, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” To ransom something means the price has been paid. The sons of Korah and Mark both understood that God was doing the work. I’m sure that the sons of Korah didn’t understand all the details but they had faith in the one true and living God for their deliverance. Jesus when he comes pays the ransom by being obedient to death so He could be the perfect sacrifice and cover the wages for our sin.

Later in the Psalm the sons of Korah then emphasize that it is “better” to trust in God for our protection. It is better for our deliverance and salvation. This trust is preferable to relying on the “worldly” ways of life. The “world” symbolizes the system of values and beliefs that are in opposition to God’s way of life. John 15:18-20. says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” The “world” will try to draw you, enticing you with wealth and a false sense of hope. This is exactly what happened to the Sons of Korah’s father and can easily happen to us.

But God will ransom you through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of grace and truth. He will also keep you, protect you, love you unconditionally, and grant you an eternity filled with joy in His presence. We don’t try to appease the gods; our living God (The God) descends to us with compassion and mercy, paying the ultimate sacrifice for you and me on the cross. This incredible act of love stands as the greatest testament to His character and His desire for a relationship with us. We have no need to rely on what the world has to offer us, fraught with uncertainty and false promises, when we have all we need resting in the loving arms of Christ, who provides hope, peace, and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances and fills the deepest longings of our hearts.