*A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING*
*2 Samuel 24:22,24 – 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. 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.*

*MESSAGE*
In today’s scripture, we see King David demonstrating the heart of true worship. When Araunah offered to give David everything he needed for a sacrifice, David refused, saying, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” David understood that a true offering to God must come with a personal cost—it must be sacrificial.

We see this principle clearly in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-5). Cain and Abel both brought offerings to God, but God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s. Why? Abel brought the firstborn of his flock—the best he had—while Cain’s offering was not given with the same level of devotion or sacrifice. This shows that God values the heart and attitude behind our offerings, not just the act itself.

Similarly, in Malachi 1:8, God rebuked the Israelites for offering defective sacrifices, saying, “When you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?” This passage reminds us that God deserves our very best, not what is leftover or unworthy.

This principle is seen again in the story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44). While others gave out of their abundance, the widow gave two small coins, all that she had to live on. Jesus commended her, saying she gave more than all the others because her offering came from a place of sacrifice and trust in God.

Beloved, what are you offering to God today? Is it something that truly costs you, or is it just leftover time, effort, or resources? True worship is giving God your best, even when it’s hard. Remember, God gave us His best—His only Son—so we, too, should honor Him with heartfelt sacrifices.
May the Lord bless and also give you the understanding of His word today in Jesus Name. please stay safe.