Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 21:18-27
Following David’s sin of proudly taking an unnecessary census in Israel (1 Chr 21:1-17), God sent a pestilence on the land in judgment. When David repented of his sin, he desired to offer God a sacrifice of contrition. When King David came to the appointed place, the owner of the land, Ornan, offered to give it to him. But David made a telling declaration . . . “King David said to Ornan, ‘No, but I will buy them for full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing’” (1 Chr 21:24).
David was not willing to give God anything that was not a sacrifice to him. It is a significant principle for us to follow. Christianity, among other things, is a life of sacrifice. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).
To follow Christ means sacrificing our time. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Eph 5;15,16). It means sacrificing our energy. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor 4:8,9). It means sacrificing our money for the sake of the kingdom of Christ. "Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. . . . For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Cor 9:7,12). Following Christ means being willing to sacrifice our very life in His cause. "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mk 8:35).
