How can we apply David's example of giving to our own lives today? Setting the Scene: David’s Costly Gift “But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” (2 Samuel 24:24) David faced a national crisis of his own making, yet he chose to meet God with a sacrifice that personally cost him. He would not shortcut worship, because genuine devotion carries weight and value. Worship Should Cost Us Something • Real worship involves sacrifice—time, energy, resources, reputation (Romans 12:1). • The value is determined not by the amount, but by the heart behind it (Mark 12:41-44). • Costly giving keeps God first and guards against complacency (Matthew 6:19-21). Practical Ways to Give Like David • Budget first for the Lord, not last—honor Him “with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Give purposefully: set aside an amount ahead of time (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Give proportionally and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). • Offer skills and abilities, not just money—service that stretches you displays sacrificial love (Hebrews 13:16). • Pursue anonymity when possible; unseen gifts seek God’s approval alone (Matthew 6:3-4). • Invest in ministries that advance the gospel and care for the needy (Galatians 6:10). Heart Check: Motives Behind Our Gifts • Gratitude—recognizing every good thing as from the Lord (James 1:17). • Obedience—responding to clear biblical instruction (Malachi 3:10). • Faith—trusting God to supply future needs (Philippians 4:19). • Love—reflecting Christ’s self-giving nature (John 15:13). Seeing the Greater Son: Jesus and Costly Giving David’s costly altar foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who “loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). Because He paid the highest price, our gifts become joyful echoes of His generosity. Encouragement for the Week Step out in faith with a gift that costs you something. Whether it’s finances, time, or talent, let the value of the offering mirror the worth of the One who first gave everything for you. |
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