True Sacrifice
Do you know people like this? They are quick to get excited in worship when things are going
well, but if things are not going so great, they will stand there—arms folded and lips closed
tight. But that is not what God has called us to do. We are called to worship just as much
(or more) in the bad times as we do in the good times. That’s where the true sacrifice comes
in to view.
When the money is low can you still offer up a song of praise? When you are suffering from
a disease can you muster up the strength to lift your hands in surrender? When the world around
you is falling apart—as in David’s case—are you still going to offer your best to God?
You see, David could have taken all of Ornan’s possessions and offered them for his sacrifice,
but he made the choice to give out of his need.
1 Chr. 21:25 through 1 Chr. 21:27 (NKJV)
25So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place. 26And David built
there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the
LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.
27So the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath.
Because David made the right choice and gave out of his need and his pain, God responded to
his sacrifice, and answered his prayer. True worship will take us to a place where God will
respond. Does God respond to your worship? If not, maybe you need to examine your heart?
Take a look at what you are offering to God. Is it someone else’s offering, or is it something
that comes from your heart in repentance and surrender? Does it come from a spirit of greed, or
do you give it freely only to bless the Lord?
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