Sacrifice – Sacrifice that Costs (365/74)
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
What kind of offering do we bring to God—one that costs us something, or one that costs us nothing?
In 2 Samuel 24, David makes a serious mistake. He orders a census of Israel that the Lord had not commanded. Counting the people implied ownership, yet Israel did not belong to David—it belonged to God. Even Joab, his commander, urged him to reconsider, but David insisted.
Soon after, David’s heart was struck with conviction. Realising his sin, he confessed his foolishness before the Lord (v.10). Through the prophet Gad, God gave David three options for judgment. David chose to fall into the hands of God, trusting in the Lord’s mercy (v14).
At the place where the Lord relented—the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite—David was instructed to build an altar to the Lord. Araunah generously offered the land and the animals for free. But David refused, saying: “Nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24, NKJV)
True worship involves sacrifice. Our salvation came at an immeasurable cost—the life of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. Because He gave Himself fully for us, we are called to offer our lives to Him in wholehearted devotion (Romans 12:1).
Pause and Ponder
Are there areas where you are tempted to offer God only what is convenient or easy?
What might it look like for you to serve God in a way that truly costs you something?
Whom can you encourage today through a life that reflects wholehearted devotion to Christ?
True worship is not measured by convenience, but by a heart willing to give God our very best.
Lord, forgive me when I offer You only what is easy. Teach me to offer my life as a sacrifice that honours You. Amen.
2 Samuel 24:1-25
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