“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3). We should put that verse up on billboards all around our country, because that’s exactly what we do. We put our trust in princes. In human beings. All around us, we see undeniable proof of how we people crave someone to trust in. Think of all the people we raise up as examples and heroes and saviors. As if the future of the world—or the Christian Church—depends on a person. It’s no surprise we feel so hopeless and discouraged. What does God say? “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
God gives two reasons why no human being can ever fill us with hope. Why not trust in human beings? “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3). They cannot save! Human beings can’t save from poverty or racism or disease. What’s the chance they can save from sin and death and hell? Zero! In fact, every person needs saving for himself or herself. Every person you raise up, I can tear down. Everyone is sinful. If you put your trust in princes, you won’t be saved.
There’s a second reason. “When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing” (Psalm 146:4). Why not trust in human beings? They are going to die, and their plans will die with them. Isn’t that the truth? How many great plans have come to nothing at death? In our world, we see exactly what God predicted: Lots of people not saving. Lots of people dying. Have we learned our lesson? “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
In life, we’re presented with this contrast: Trust in human beings or trust in the Lord. I hope the choice is obvious. Remember how the plans of human beings come to nothing? The Lord “remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:6). He upholds. Gives food. Sets free. Gives sight. Lifts up. Loves. Watches over. Sustains. Frustrates. Reigns. Forever. Remember how human beings cannot save? God did. We couldn’t do it, so he came and saved us himself. Jesus kept his laws perfectly. Jesus died for our sins. Jesus rose to give life. What we couldn’t do, God did in Jesus. This is why you can have hope—now. Don’t put your trust in human beings! Jesus came to fill your heart with his love and forgiveness and hope.
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