David sinned. He chose to number the people of Isael and Judah. Though warned this was a sinful choice, he followed through with his command. His decision demonstrated a heart of pride and reliance upon himself, and not God. Having been given great victories of the past through the Lord’s power, he now wanted to know his resources in moving forward, trusting in his ability. In the Lord’s rebuke, David was given three choices for consequences to his sin. One would bring a three-year famine; one would place the people in losing battle for three months; and one would bring three days of deadly pestilence in the land. What appeared to David to be an innocent command, brought severe results. He chose the third option – ravaging the land with death. As the death angel was about to destroy Jerusalem the Lord stopped him. David, in great sorrow for the trouble he had brought upon his people and in repentance followed the Lord to offer sacrifice. The place was identified as the threshing floor of Ornan, the Jebusite. When David approached him to purchase it, Ornan was willing to give it to him. However, David replied, No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing (1 Chronicles 21.24). He recognized that sacrifice was not sacrifice if it cost nothing.
We are not called to make sacrifice for sin, for that has been secured for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But the Lord does call us to offer our lives as living sacrifices to Him, that which is holy and acceptable to Him, and is our reasonable worship (Romans 12.1-2). This is a commitment to give Him our all – our time, abilities, desires, and course of life. In light of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s grace in salvation, we are called to not focus on just what we want, but to have our primary focus on the Gospel of Christ as we seek to live in harmony with the Scriptures and in a manner ever pleasing the Lord.
Resting in the sacrifice of Christ – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 