I don’t believe anyone will argue that we are a people that want the most we can get with the least cost.  Do you agree?  Whether we are shopping for a home, a car, furniture, clothing or even a can of soup, many will shop around and compare which is the best bargain.  In our lesson this past Sunday, we looked the heart of a worshiper through the person of David, in 2 Samuel 24.  In this examination we seen four characteristics, but the one that stands out the most goes against our natural tendency to bargain hunt.

In an attempt to appease God and curb His anger, David was instructed to go to Araunah the Jebusite and build an altar on his threshing floor.  We know from the text that David did according to the word of God and part of David’s actions included the offering of sacrifices.

Now, here is where we scratch our heads and ask ourselves what David was thinking.  The items necessary (oxen and wooden yokes) for the burnt and peace offering were freely offered by Araunah.  In fact, his words were, “Everything, O king, Araunah gives to the king… May the Lord your God accept you.” (vs. 23)  David on the other hand, rejects the offer.  We have a saying that signifies what he did.  He looked a gift horse in the mouth, didn’t he?  Why?  Because David was not interested in making an offering or sacrifice that “…cost him nothing.” 

Friends, as a man after God’s own heart, David makes it clear that to him he wasn’t looking for a bargain.  God wants our love and our worship, and David’s actions indicate that our love and worship should be of a sacrificial nature.  After all, isn’t that the type of love God demonstrated by giving us His only beloved Son?  Today, many are going through the motions of worship without consideration of what they are offering.  Are you looking for a bargain in your worship to God?  Are you looking for the least you can do to be pleasing to God?  The correct answer is found in His Word where we see that the greatest thing God wants us to do is “…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength.”  Do you?  Only you can answer that question.

Copyright © 2003, Nolan P. Rutter