Title: It Costs Me/Topic: Giving

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:24
24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

Observation: Araunah offers to give his field and oxen to David to make an offering to the Lord in order that the plage might be stopped. But David insists on paying for it. Why? He understood that when we offer something that costs us nothing, we have little regard for it. It makes no impression in our mind, nor does it affect our attitudes in any way. What is the purpose of giving to God anyway? He is GOD, he certainly doesn't need anything we have! He created everything. He doesn't need us to give, we need us to give. Giving is commanded by God for our benefit, not his. It keeps us focused on the fact that we are not our own source and that God is the one who has given us everything, richly, to enjoy. It helps to keep us from being greedy and selfish. We appreciate God more when we give to him.

Application: I have often had the experience of giving somebody something for free (camp scholarships, seminar fees, etc) and had them not even go when it came time for the event. It ended up being a waste of my money. I've learned through these experiences that if people get something for free and it costs them nothing, they tend not to value it at all. It is why it is important to me, as it was to David, that what I give to God costs me something. The “sacrifice” focuses my attention on God and all he has done for me.

Prayer: I could never “out-give” you, Lord. You graciously give to me until I am overflowing. How could I not show my deep gratitude to you by giving back just a portion of what you have given me? Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done and continue to do in my life. Bless me abundantly that I may be able to give even more into your kingdom.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.