Focus: 1 Chronicles 21:24 - KJV
24. And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.
Matthew 21:1-11
Those who do know the worth of their Lord will be ready to spend and be spent for His purposes. Those who do not so value Him pay lip service to His lordship over their lives and because such lip service costs them nothing, it is not uncommon to find them in denial of the goodness of God, joining others to grumble, murmur and cast aspersions on the person of their God. This played out in the life of Christ while He walked the face of the earth. In the account of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Jewish nation had assumed that He was going to manifest as a carnal warring savior to confront their Roman imperialists, according to their understanding of the scripture about the messiah riding on a colt. Hence, they sang His praises when they saw Him on a colt. Three categories of people showed forth in that scene: the first were those who valued Him so much that they offered their coats for Him to ride upon. That cost so much to do. The second were those who would not give as much but at least went to the extent of cutting palm fonts to lay down for Him to ride over. Though it did not cost much, it was at least at a menial or some cost. Then comes the third group who only went about shouting praises. This must have formed the nucleus of those who said “crucify Him” when they saw Him answering to charges and not warring against the Romans.
All of these categories are found among us today, also. There are those like David who will never give worthless sacrifice unto their God. It must be a painful thing to draw and deliver, else it will not be worthy of the Lord. Jesus took time to watch what people gave as offering in His days and He took special note of the widow with the two mites. He specifically said she gave more because it was all she had. They that gave their coats at the entry to Jerusalem had no spare to ware at the occasion. Making offering to God must be something heavy, to be worthwhile. There are also those who will just pull what is available in the pockets or purses: things that they give to street beggars ordinarily. And there are those who only come to shout and dance in the congregations but have nothing else to offer. They do the most dancing and loudest noise. But when push comes to shove, they are those to first say the Church is the problem of man. It is another way of saying crucify Him, when their expectations appear not to be met. Let your offering unto God be the costly one for it is such that moves God. When Noah drew an animal and offered to God, it was a lofty sacrifice that drew great blessings. Let us offer such costly things that will provoke God to bless us manifestly.
Father, you are the great provider and you provide seed to the sower as well as bread to the eater. We are ready to be your treasurers to hold whatever you give us in trust for your purpose to use in whatever way you direct. We therefore pray that you please load us with resources that we may deploy to the use of your kingdom, in Jesus’ name. Please fill our barns with plenty, and give us the heart of benevolence that we may give costly offerings to the course of your Kingdom at all times, in Jesus’ name. Please forgive us for having offered valueless offering unto you in times past, in Jesus’ name.
If you are blessed by this post, kindly share with your contacts, as well as others, that they may be blessed also. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly as you do so, in Jesus’ name.
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