2 Samuel 24:18-24

Introduction:

Indeed , David was a man after God's heart ( 1Sam 13 :13-14; Acts 13:22)

When a man is after God's heart  he posses a heart for God

With a heart for God, he becomes humble;  he's teachable and mendable ; he is ready to change; he is ready to go extra mile for peace sake, etc

From Our Story:

Calamity came when David counted the fighting men of Israel ( 800,000 ) and in Judah ( 500,000) able-bodied men

When David was shown his error, he quickly admitted ( v. 10 )

When his folly attracted punishment , his attitude was humbling ,  ( v. 10-14 )

Note his words , "let us fall into the hands of the Lord "

Note also v. 17, "I have sinned, I. . .have done wrong"

To this end there is the need to build an Altar to prevent further calamity , especially after seventy thousand men had been slain

Although this  threshing floor for the Altar was going to be offered free to King David because he was king, he was not going  to build an Altar for God with material that will cost him nothing.

The question again , What has your decision, commitment, office, position , service, etc cost you

COST in this contest means what you give up

A popular saying is  " wise is that person who knows what he cannot keep for what he cannot lose"  . That is cost

It costs Moses Palace to deliver the Israelites ( Exodus 2: 11-17 )

Noted v. 15 , "but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went ..."

It costs Joseph life of luxury in Potiphar's house to flee for his dear life (Gen 39:1-11 ) .

Note the words, "...but he left his cloak in her had and ran out ... " v.12

It costs Jesus Christ , our Saviour His very life  to make us redeemed saints (John 15:13; 2 Cor 5: 21)

It costs the Macedonian churches their lives to be generous as Paul required

(2Cor 8: 1-4 )

Conclusion:

Today, it's costing some people their lives to preach the Gospel

What has your Christian life cost you?

David would never offer anything to God that cost him nothing

What has your resolve to follow Jesus at all cost cost you ?

What has you following Christ cost you?

What has your Giving to God cost you?

What has your being a blessing to others cost you, in recent times ?

What has your faithfulness cost you in this crooked age?

What has your path of integrity cost you ?

Our Church Ministries Today:

Calls for mor self-denial

Calls for more counting the cost

Calls for faithfulness to the cause/course of Christ

There is a simple principle here :

Every of our services to God must lead us to feel some pinch we may not be able to bear or share

Christianity today and wholistic ministering to people outside the church shows to us that we cannot offer service to God which costs us nothing.

What has your commitment to Christ cost you lately

What will you hold on to , or what will you prefer the Lord spare you with and upon .

Happy nutrients