I Chronicles 21:24
‘Nevertheless, King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will certainly buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.”’
This makes sense. An offering should cost something. I love David’s wisdom. The Psalms are full of it. Oddly enough, it’s not what many expect. He shares another bit of wisdom in 2 Samuel 12:21-23, ‘Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you got up and ate food.” And he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, and the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I am going to him, but he will not return to me.”’ David had such a keen understanding of God’s goodness.
Back to the topic of sacrifice. This is part of many religions, however greatly misunderstood. In the Old Testament, some offerings were thank offerings while others were guilt offerings. The latter were to cover sin. The animal pays for the sins with it’s blood. It’s a temporary covering as Jesus will eventually pay for them in His blood.
The word sacrifice implies there some disposition. When one tithes he is taking money that he needs and gives it to God. The giver has to cover his expenses with less money. David is sharing that fact To Ornan. He says he will pay full price.
When one comes to Christ he accepts God’s gift of salvation. In return that one makes Jesus lord. God will ask for obedience here and there. We are to obey the Ten Commandments along with all the other things the bible teaches. That individual is sacrificing his freedom to do this. That is a cost.
I believe the Lord speaks to our hearts and tells us things to do. Sometimes this is uncomfortable. But it’s a sacrifice.
Some may say, “Why serve God if there’s so much sacrifice?” Because what we give is nothing in comparison to what we get. First off our sins are forgiven and fellowship with God is restored and we are guaranteed heaven for all eternity. That is enough, but it’s just the beginning. Because fellowship with God is established, He fills our lives with Himself. That brings much peace and satisfaction. We are in relationship with God. He guides us in life. He gives us opportunities and blesses us. He builds godly character in us.
He blesses our finances as we give. He stretches our dollars and gives us wisdom in fixing things. We couldn’t prove it to an unbeliever, but we know. He gives us the respect of others. “He prepareth a table for me in the presence of my enemies”, (Psalm 23).
Hebrews 11:6 shares a fact about God, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. That’s why the believer is blessed. He is a generous God. What we sacrifice to Him is nothing in comparison to what He gives in return.
Yes, coming to God requires some sacrifice. There are costs that we feel. But oddly enough it’s for our good. It’s not easy to see that at the outset, but it’s true. Just like a child may not understand the parents guidelines.
I used to be leery of what God would ask. My religious upbringing had an emphasis on sacrifice. It was out of balance. I didn’t understand God’s goodness. As the years went by I began to understand it. My fears and suspicions melted away. I began to believe Hebrews 11:6, that He was a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Thank You, Lord for who You are. Even though we do sacrifice, You greatly make it up to us. We get You and eternity in heaven in return. We get a full life that is blessed beyond what we could imagine. Thank You, Lord.