Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” (1 Chronicles 21:24)
This one verse speaks volumes to me. David had committed a great sin against the Lord in numbering his military might in Israel and had suffered great punishment because of it, both himself and all of Israel. He was trusting in his numbers and prideful of their strength—but there is no strength without God, and just as easily as He gives, He can take away.
The Lord gave David three choices of consequence: fall to famine, fall into the hands of his enemies, or fall into the Lord’s hands. Knowing His God was merciful and loving and kind, he chose to fall into the Lord’s and after a severe loss, we see the Lord relent and we come to David’s response.
“I will not offer the Lord that which costs me nothing.”
What does it cost you to follow Jesus? What price are you willing to pay? Is your love and devotion to Him sacrificial? O that we might evaluate this in our lives and realize how worthy He is of our everything—no matter the cost and no matter the pain of bearing that thing or laying that thing down. Lord, may we respond to you as David did—knowing our sins are grievous and great, but forgiven! May we freely give as we have been freely given, no matter the cost!
ALL OF YOU LORD. 