Counting the Cost
1 Chronicles 21:24 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.”
David wanted to purchase the ground upon which to build the altar and later the Temple. Ornan offered to give it to him. You might say he was generous, but remember that he was standing in the shadow of an angel with a sword (see vs 16, 20). David insisted on paying full price because it was his sin that brought this situation on his people and therefore his responsibility. Even though it was offered to Davis as a gift it would have still been Ornan’s sacrifice!
It’s very easy to start to claim something as our entitlement from the Lord because we heard some preacher mention it, read it in a book or even for ourselves in the Word. Often this comes from taking something out of context or not seeing that there may be a condition attached to the promise.
How often have we held back from doing or giving something to the Lord because we felt it would cost us too much? Everything comes at a price. Offerings cost. Our salvation came because Jesus paid the ultimate price on our behalf.
We live in a culture where more and more people claim rights but very few accept responsibility. The idea of spiritual things coming at a cost is considered ridiculous. The concept of sacrifice is virtually forgotten.
What are you offering to the Lord? Is it what is left over of your life or time when everything and everyone else has been done? Or is there an understanding that we need to bring Him our best – even (or maybe especially) that which costs us something.