November 30 | 1 Chronicles 21:14
“But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”” (1 Chronicles 21:24, ESV)
David is a great leader for us to learn from. He was not a perfect man. When David sinned he did it big time. He didn’t just commit adultery with Bathsheba. He covered it up by sending her husband to die, and lied.
David’s second big sin was to number the people of Israel. Out of pride he wanted to see the strength of Israel instead of trusting in the Lord’s strength. The Lord gave him three terrible options to pay for this sin.
Though David wanted God’s judgment to fall on his house alone God had other plans. The people would suffer for their leaders mistake. Out of the three options David chose for 70,000 people in Israel to die. The destroying angel killed these people.
As David saw the Angel standing ready to kill more David prayed and asked the Lord to stay His hand. But he went the extra mile. He would build an altar and offer a sacrifice to the Lord.
David searched for materials and came upon Ornan. Ornan offered him everything for free. But David was a man after God’s own heart understood how to ask forgiveness. He refused to take what cost him nothing for an offering. He paid full price.
Action Step: What can you offer to the Lord that costs you a great deal. The greater the cost the more you can honor the Lord.
Lord Jesus, I offer You my everything. I offer my body as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to You. I offer my resources and everything I am for Your Kingdom and glory. Multiply my offering and use it for whatever You wish.