Devotion:
Read 2 Samuel 24:21-24.
In our modern society and in our economic system of capitalism, it is hard to imagine owning a piece of land, having the king come to purchase our land, and immediately offering to make a gift of the land to the king. Perhaps David’s subject Araunah simply loved and respected King David so much that he could not think of taking money from him. Or perhaps Araunah was willing to give him the land in order to facilitate the lifting of the dreaded plague. Araunah went beyond offering the land and also offered his oxen as the animals of sacrifice and wooden implements for the fire. David could have done his “sacrifice” totally at someone else’s expense.
David had sinned, the plague on the people was his punishment, and this sacrifice was to atone for his sin. David made it clear that he would not sacrifice to the Lord burnt offerings that had cost him nothing! Sacrifice always costs us. It is supposed to! As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to lives of sacrifice. Sometimes, this means not buying something we want for ourselves in order to tithe. Sometimes it means giving of our time when our schedules are already packed. But our costly sacrifices, given in love of God and our neighbor, will be blessed.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on whether your life today involves sacrifice for the Kingdom. Sometimes we find it easier to sacrifice for our families, our careers, and our financial well-being than for Christ. How might you make a sacrifice of time or money or service this week? Remember, sacrifices cost us!
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