Reading: “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever).”—Psalm 49:7–8
If it were possible for the rich worldling to keep back from the grave, by purchase, his worldly friend, would he do it? Yes, indeed, it is possible he might, under the presumption, that when it came to his turn, he should himself be redeemed. It is, however, of little consequence to estimate human friendships, when they are altogether helpless in the most important of all concerns.
But, my soul, doth not this scripture point to him, and tend to endear, him to your affections, who was indeed “a brother born for adversity”; and who, “though rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that through his poverty we might be made rich?” Jesus was, and is, the brother (mentioned in that scripture, Lev. 25:25) who, when our whole nature was poor, and we had sold our possession, and had no power to redeem it, came and proved his relationship by ransoming our lost inheritance.
But mark what is said in the next verse: “the redemption of their soul is precious.” Precious indeed, since none but Christ could redeem it; and he only by his blood; yea, not his blood only, but his soul (Isaiah 53:10). And how precious was, and is, the redemption purchased by Christ. Not purchased with corruptible things, as of silver and gold, and therefore not liable to perish and become corruptible like them. And being so richly purchased, and so fully and completely bought with a full value, and infinitely more than value, even with the soul of Christ, it ceaseth for ever. It is impossible ever to need again redemption, for it is impossible ever more to be lost. Oh, precious salvation! Oh, precious, precious, Redeemer!
Taken from The Poor Man’s Evening and Morning Portions by Rev. Robert Hawker, Works, Vol. 8; 1830. Edited by Aaron Dunlop for thinkgospel.com ©2013.
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