King David Pays to Offer Sacrifice

Passage: 2 Samuel 24:18-25.

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

We know that King David was devoted to the Lord, the God of Israel. A few times he sinned, but he repented. Now was one of those times when he made amends with his God. The Lord commanded him through the prophet, Gad, to go to Araunah and build an altar on his threshing floor to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Now Araunah bowed to the king and offered whatever David needed for the sacrifice. The king's response was insistent. He would not accept a gift, because he would not sacrifice to God something that was free. We might say, "How is it a sacrifice if I don't have to pay anything?"

Question 1: At what sacrifice do you work on this course and advance your education and career?

Question 2: At what sacrifice do you care for your family? Even more important, at what sacrifice do you devote yourself to God? This is a tough question for even the most devoted Christian, so do not be afraid to be honest!