As the plague was devastating Jerusalem, King David prayed for mercy. The Angel of the Lord commanded the prophet Gad to instruct David to build an altar and offer a sacrifice on Ornan’s site. When Ornan heard of this, he generously offered to freely provide the oxen, wood, and wheat.
But 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, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.”
David paid full price so that what he offered was completely his to give. He prepared the offering, and God answered with fire from heaven on the altar.
It cost David 600 shekels of gold, and Jerusalem received the benefit of it.
Personal Cost
The true nature of sacrifice is to give at a personal cost, the price of which is often known only to God. At times, the price is higher than anticipated. But when love is the motivation, there is also a willingness to do what is necessary.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
None of us can imagine what it cost Him. We were in such desperate need and so He gave! We owe Him everything!
In obedience to the will of God, men and women have sacrificed for you and for me, paying a personal cost that we rarely perceive. The cost may have been financial, or it may have been cost to reputation, friendships, comfort, or sleep.
Men and women pioneered spiritual truth, training, and resources that enabled us to live a more fully abundant life. Doors were opened for us, and connections were made that propelled us forward.
Just as we honor and bless our parents for the position they have in our lives, it is appropriate to honor and bless the spiritual leaders who paid a price for our benefit. May Holy Spirit alert each of us as to how we can do so.
Personal Indebtedness
We live for the Lord in gratitude, knowing that we are bought with a precious price. Our response is a life given over to His will that He may be glorified and His Kingdom increase.
To that end, we partner with ministries as they work to build the Body of Christ. You may not be called to preach, but you can send and support those who are.Those who have poured out for the Gospel have the right to receive back from those who have benefited.
To whom are you spiritually indebted? Who believed in you? Who was there for you? To whom do you owe gratitude and support?
“… For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” (Rom 15:27)
Let us honor and bless spiritual leaders and show our appreciation by helping ministries to continue to fulfill their missions.
As we partner together in sacrifice for the work of ministry, we will also share in the reward when the Lord comes.