Why is it important to offer God what costs us something? A Moment on the Threshing Floor “Ornan said to David, ‘Take it! My lord the king may do whatever pleases him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for wood, and the wheat for the grain offering—I give it all.’” David could have accepted the free gift, yet the next verse shows his resolve to pay full price. That choice unlocks powerful truths about costly worship. Why a Costly Offering Matters • Honors God’s worth – Malachi 1:8 reminds us that presenting lame sacrifices “would your governor be pleased with you?” Our offerings proclaim what we think God deserves. • Reveals the state of the heart – 2 Samuel 24:24: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” Costly giving exposes genuine devotion. • Expresses faith and dependence – Genesis 22:2: Abraham must trust God while giving up Isaac. The price presses faith into action. • Invites deeper fellowship – Philippians 3:8: Paul counts “all things as loss” for Christ, discovering surpassing joy in Him. Scripture’s Pattern of Sacrifice with a Price • Abel’s firstborn vs. Cain’s leftovers (Genesis 4:3-5) • Widow’s two small coins (Luke 21:1-4) • Mary’s pound of expensive nard (John 12:3) • Believers sharing possessions in Jerusalem (Acts 4:34-35) In each account, the costly gift delighted God and advanced His purposes. What “Cost” Can Look Like Today • Material generosity—firstfruits, not leftovers • Time—serving when schedules are tight • Obedience—choosing holiness when culture presses the opposite • Reputation—standing for truth despite criticism • Comfort—going where God calls, even when inconvenient Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” Every sphere of life can carry a price tag of devotion. Blessings Tied to Costly Worship • God’s presence fills the place of sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21:26) • Needs are met in His economy (Philippians 4:18-19) • Legacy of faith inspires others (Hebrews 11:4) Choose the Full Price The threshing floor still challenges hearts today. Offer what costs; declare His surpassing worth; discover the joy only costly worship can know. |
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