Pray:
Lord, help me to consider what I offer to You and to give a worthy sacrifice.
Read:
2 SAMUEL 24:18-25
Reflect:
How does this passage apply to your life?
David knows his God. He knows that God responds to a humble and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). David sees the impact of his sin on the people (17) and he takes full responsibility for what has happened.
Often, when we make mistakes, our first thought is to try to return to normality as quickly as possible. Sometimes this can cause us to miss important steps in healing a relationship, whether with another person or with God. Had David accepted Araunah's offer to supply the sacrifice, perhaps that would have been sufficient. But David would not settle for a tokenistic response. His repentance had to be expressed through costly sacrifice. The Lord responds to David's prayer and health is restored to the nation (25).
When we try to take shortcuts in relationships they can easily become superficial. Not only his personal relationship with God, but the good of the nation depended on David's thoroughness in dealing with his mistake. He insists on paying for the sacrifice. So 2 Samuel, through David, can end where 1 Samuel, through Hannah, began: with honesty in prayer, and trust in the faithfulness of God.
Apply:
Consider any places in which you have taken shortcuts in relationships, with God or others. Set it right.
Pray:
Lord, may the river of Your life flow without hindrance through me to a thirsty world.
