And Araunah said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:23–24).
David wanted to secure some land to use as a sacrifice to the Lord (and eventually was the land on which the temple was built). The landowner, (Araunah), wanted to give it to the King. David refused. He did not want to make an offering to the Lord on land that cost him nothing. It was not about getting a bargain, it was about honoring the Lord and doing so sacrificially.
In this world where people increasingly expect things for nothing, we would be wise to follow the approach of David. Rather than give God our leftovers we should be seeking to give Him our best. This isn't just about money. It is about time, attention, service, and sometimes our finances. We should not be looking for a bargain faith (it does not exist). A Christianity without sacrifice is religion rather than a relationship with Jesus.
This principle is called stewardship. It is being a good caretaker of what God has given to us. Today, instead of looking for ways to get "something for nothing," work hard to faithfully give to God and those around us, our very best.
Looking for a Handout 8.10.20
And Araunah said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:23–24).
David wanted to secure some land to use as a sacrifice to the Lord (and eventually was the land on which the temple was built). The landowner, (Araunah), wanted to give it to the King. David refused. He did not want to make an offering to the Lord on land that cost him nothing. It was not about getting a bargain, it was about honoring the Lord and doing so sacrificially.
In this world where people increasingly expect things for nothing, we would be wise to follow the approach of David. Rather than give God our leftovers we should be seeking to give Him our best. This isn't just about money. It is about time, attention, service, and sometimes our finances. We should not be looking for a bargain faith (it does not exist). A Christianity without sacrifice is religion rather than a relationship with Jesus.
This principle is called stewardship. It is being a good caretaker of what God has given to us. Today, instead of looking for ways to get "something for nothing," work hard to faithfully give to God and those around us, our very best.