Something that costs us

2 Sam.24:24

David had consolidated his position as king. He was now resting. As he rested, he wanted to know the strength of his army and he sent Joab (who was reluctant) to take a census of Israel and Judah. Spending nine months and twenty days, they returned and told the king that there were 8,00,000 soldiers able to draw the sword in Israel and 5,00,000 soldiers in Judah.

But this displeased the LORD. David was also anguished at what he had done and asked the LORD for forgiveness, saying, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant; for I have done very foolishly” (2 Sam. 24:10).

Gad went to David and told him to choose from these three options:

1. Three years of famine
2. Three months of being pursued by enemies
3. Three days of pestilence

David chose the three days and the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel and 70,000 died. As the angel stretched out his hands towards Jerusalem, the LORD stopped him. The angel was by the threshing floor of Araunah. As such, Gad went to David and told him to erect an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah.

As David went to the threshing floor of Araunah, Araunah was more than happy to give David his threshing floor, the oxen and the wood for free. But David refused saying, “No, but I will buy them from you for a price; I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” (2 Sam. 24:24). As David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being, the LORD took away the plague from the land.

Oh, how important this story is for all Christians today. <br><br>

1. The LORD wants His people to depend on Him and Him alone. But many of us give priorities to our own strengths, our members, our finances and properties. This has also become true in our churches today – we want more members, more money, more properties and so on. Indeed, we need these things to live, but in our service and work for the LORD, may He be the only one we trust. David also trusted in his ssrength, and he lost 70,000 in just three days.
2. Whatever we may have done or become, we need to understand that we must act like David in seeking forgiveness to the LORD and in owning up. Being insolent and proud does not go well in His service.
3. How important leaders are! Because of the sins of David, 70,000 died. In such a time, we need leaders who would stand up, take responsibility and cry, “I alone have sinned, and I alone have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house” (2 Sam. 24:17).
4. As David went to the threshing floor of Araunah, he was ready to give whatever David needed for free. At this point, many of us would say, “How wonderful” or “this is the LORD’s doing.” But David refused to do anything that would cost him nothing. He paid for all he needed, saying, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” (2 Sam. 24:24). To expect something from God or feel being a part of the LORD’s ministry while refusing to work for Him or do anything is pure hypocrisy.
5. The LORD is full of mercies and love. When His people turn to Him, He is always ready to forgive their sins and heal their land again.