What Cost?

David was man after God's own heart. A man who was always conscious to please God and prioritize Him over everything. There are so many good patterns and principles that can be drawn from his life. He trusted God from his young age and killed the bear and the lion creating a testimony bank, His sincerity in worshiping Him, his divine musical capabilities which was not only soothing and creating excitement but also driving out the evil spirit, his priorities to honor God, the military strategies, the business strategy model and so on is commendable. Even today, the beautiful book of psalms, which is the best devotional that suits individuals, families, churches, and gatherings are noteworthy. 

I want to draw your attention to one incident, which I think was simply amazing. David was found guilty after he numbered the Israelites and was punished too. He falls at the feet of the Lord, he found acceptance and received forgiveness. He was then instructed by the Lord to build an altar and offer a sacrifice. God came to David that day and said to him, “Go up and set up an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 2 Samuel 24:18 CSB .  

 It is seen that king David reaches to Araunah and presents his request. Araunah immediately obliges to the king's request by saying everything is readily available and belongs to the king and there is no need for the king to request. He can take it and use the same at his freewill, moreover it is for the Lord.  Hmmm this is quite an appealing deal, isn't it? when you have power and Influence and you are in leadership position you can get things easily. It can come without any cost most of the time. Moreover for the giver it can be a privilege to contribute to the great leader and be recognized lifetime, especially when it is something for God, anyone would love to give or share their resources. 

David was just different and his response was amazing.  "The king answered Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for twenty ounces of silver. 2 Samuel 24:24 CSB. Wow! That's a man with great principles and divine values. He ensured to pay a cost when it comes to doing the business of God. We see God was pleased and accepted his prayers and restored the land.  2 Samuel 24:25 CSB .

We cannot do a service without paying any cost. It becomes all the more crucial when being in a leadership position. We see this precedence magnified manifold when the son of God made the greatest sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.  The key verse from the Bible John 3.16" For God so loved the world in this way...."  it did not stop there, the love was demonstrated "that He gave His only begotten son...:", the immeasurable cost God paid to save us from all the wretchedness of sin. 

There is always a challenge when we actually have to pay a cost from a situation where our financial status may not be favorable or from a situation where our support system is not very strong. Irrespective of such challenges how are we prioritizing God's work and serving Him?  The cost required to pay can be many other factors beside our financial resources. Can we take stock of the cost we have paid for following and serving Him? Its worth pondering.

Blessings.