
January 2, 2025
Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God accept you.” Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
- 2 Samuel 24:22-24 (NKJV)
Giving is an integral part of our faith as Christians. Today we will explore the power of giving sacrificially.
In our anchor text today, we read about David, who had the opportunity to offer a sacrifice to God at no cost. However, He refused because he understood the true meaning and power of “sacrifice”. David recognized that a sacrifice must cost something; Even in modern times when we see someone sacrifice their life for a cause or another person, we acknowledge the immense cost involved.
The question is: when it comes to God, are we truly sacrificing? We often seek God’s hand to manifest supernaturally in our lives, perhaps to turn around a difficult situation. Yet, when it comes to honouring God with our offerings, do we give the bare minimum, or are we giving in a way that reflects trust and honor to God?
Even when we have little, whether in finances or resources, we can still give sacrificially. God sees and honors the heart behind our offerings. In Luke 21:1-4, we read the popular story of the poor widow who gave “all she had”.
Though the absolute value of her gift was small, Jesus commended her relative value was immense. She gave a large portion of what she had, demonstrating her faith and devotion. The lesson here is profound. God values our giving in relative terms – what it cost us – not just the absolute amount.
For some of us, giving may feel like a struggle because we fail to realize its significance. Numbers 28:1-2 describes our offering as “God’s food”. Every time we give, the Bible says it rises as an aroma in the spirit to God. In other words, God derives great pleasure in our offerings.
If we have neglected giving or approached it half-heartedly in the past, today is an opportunity to reevaluate. God delights in sacrificial gifts. And He is pleased when we give from a place of faith, trust and love.
Song
My Heart Sings
Song by William McDowell
Prayer - Lord, teach me the true meaning of sacrifice. Help me to give, not out of convenience, but with a heart that trusts You fully, knowing You delight in my faithfulness. Let my gifts rise to You as a sweet aroma, and may I honor You with a generous, sacrificial heart. Strengthen me to give, trusting You will provide all I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.