“But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will certainly buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” So David purchased the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” – 2 Samuel 24:24 (AMP)
Being a man who understands the ways of God and what a man does to please God and show honour to Him, David did what would have thought to be unnecessary because of his position, power and influence. David sinned against God by counting the people of Israel. This act was clearly against God and even his men advised him against it but he didn’t listen to them.
Eventually he prevailed over them and they had to do his bidding. God’s wrath was kindled and the prophet came to deliver God’s message to him which carried the judgment attached to this sin. He chose the option that proved that he understood the concept of God’s mercy. He preferred that God would punish him rather than sell him out to the enemy. But what made him sad was that, he was the one who sinned but it was the people who were being killed for it.
Then he prayed. When God responded to his prayers, the angel of death stopped at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and that was where he was to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord. Now, the man was ready to give David that space and every other thing needed for the sacrifice free of charge but David said he wouldn’t offer sacrifice to God that cost him nothing. What a thought he had. If he had chosen to accept these free gifts and offered the sacrifice, God would have still honoured it but he chose to pay a price as a token.
What price are you willing to pay to show your honour and reverence for God? If the only times you give to God are when you are comfortable and in convenient situations, you have not yet given to God truly. The Lord deserves that you give Him that which will cost you. It’s a way to show that you value and appreciate the love He has for you. Don’t be a believer who’s always looking for free things to give to God. When you give to God, do it in a way that you will know that you gave.
Reflections: Can I be like David who did not take advantage of his position? What have I given to God that really cost me?
Confession: My life and all that I have belongs to God. I do not hoard any resources to myself. I allow the love of God to motivate my giving to Him. And I live this way perpetually. I have what to give to God per time and even out of the little I have, I honour God everytime.
Related Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:1-25, 1 Chronicles 21:1-30
Bible Reading: John 16
