"But King David replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing." (2 Chronicles 21:24 NLT)King David wanted to build an altar to God. Araunah owned the perfect place for an altar located on the summit of Mt. Moriah. Nice view I'm sure!
When David approached Araunah about purchasing this "threshing floor" (a flat, hard surface), Araunah offered it to David at no cost. Awesome! A prime piece of property for free! What a bargain, right?! But, David refused to take the property without it costing him something. Instead of saying, "Hey God, I'm building this great altar for you, AND I got it at no cost," David says, "I want to pay, and I want to pay A LOT for this place."
Sounds a bit backward in our 'something for nothing' culture, but David understood what we've seemed to have lost: the definition and value of sacrifice.
David understood that a sacrifice costs something. It hurts, but worth the pain, whether physical or emotional. We feel a sacrifice, and if we don't, it's not a sacrifice...it's something much different.
David was telling God, "I wanna pay. You're worth it."
What's worth it for us?
What do we know of sacrifice? In a culture of abundance, credit cards, and self-indulging tendencies, what do we know of sacrifice? To give up something we value, perhaps even need, in order to benefit or honor someone else?
While we may be in short supply of sacrifice, it's still there, and worth every penny, every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears that we willingly pour out.
I can think of several people, and groups that are accustomed to sacrifice, but this Memorial Day weekend I want to acknowledge those who have served and sacrificed their lives for this country. They saw a need, heard a call, counted up the cost, and served anyway. They deemed us worth their lives. Humbling.
I am thankful for the Military families that sacrificed alongside their soldier, willingly setting their soldier free to serve, knowing the dangers at hand. You too are valued, and appreciated. A hug, and kind words do not begin to scratch the surface of our gratitude.
We learn several things about sacrifice from the example of our fallen Military men and women, as well as David.
1: We learn a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn't cost us something.
2: We learn a sacrifice is worth what we've given up.
3: We learn sacrifice is something we should do more of...setting ourselves aside for the benefit and honor of others whether with our time, money, or perhaps one day, our life.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Suggested Reading:
5 Ways to Be Blessed in the Stress: A Military Wife's Perspective
Loving My Soldier: The Hindsights and Insights of PTSD and TBI
Army Wife Tips
Some good thoughts. A big thank you to our military men and women and the sacrifices they have made.
ReplyDeleteSo true....if the sacrifice doesn't cost you something, what is it worth to you? I am so thankful for the men and women who give their time, comfort, and lives for our safety and freedom; but I also recognize their families' sacrifices too. May we never forget and always value our freedom.
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