2 Samuel 24:20 When Araunah looked and saw the king and his officials coming toward him, he went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.
Once again, David has messed up. He fleshly humanity is showing. And, eventually, he realizes his error and turns back to God. The verses below are the final step in his reconciliation to God. He wants to buy Araunah’s threshing floor and build an alter to the LORD. Araunah has a generous spirit and tells the king to take it and offer it up, no payment necessary. But David understands that his sacrifice must cost him something for it to be truly meaningful.
2 Samuel 24:21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” “To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an alter to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped.”
Isn’t that the way with so many things? For them to be truly meaningful, they have to cost us something. There are many things in life that fit the bill—training for a half marathon, earning an advanced degree or certification, having a positive marriage, raising children, drawing closer to my Savior. They all cost me something. I have to sacrifice something—time, effort, pride, love, sleep—in order to attain these goals, which makes them more valuable because of what’s invested.
2 Samuel 24:22-23 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up….Your Majesty, Araunah gives all this to the king.” …
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the understanding that for things to be truly meaningful, they have to cost us something. Help me to invest time and effort into my relationship with You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Samuel 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.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.