Text:
1 Chronicles 21: 21-28
Memory Verse:
“And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the Lord; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering” (1 Chronicles 21:26).
Satan had caused David to sin by taking the census of the men of war in Israel. As punishment, an angel was sent to kill men in Israel. David, realising his error, prayed to God in repentance. At prophet Gad’s advice, David erected an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:18) and, though Ornan was willing to give the land and the animals to be used for sacrifice free to David, he would not accept a gift as an offering to God. Rather he paid for all he needed, built an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. God answered
him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.
God is no respecter of persons. As many as worship Him in spirit and in truth
will be accepted by Him. To be approved like David, you must:
1. Repent of your sins and confess them.
2. Make your sacrifice to God in an acceptable way. Micah 6:6-8 says that God is not as interested in burnt offerings as He is in people walking before Him justly, loving one another, being merciful and living in humility.
3. Offer the sacrifice of praise with your mouth and heart (Hebrews 13:15).
4. The sacrifice that will bring heaven down to earth must cost you something. Do not expect God to send down the fire, if you are not willing to expend your time and resources and place your heart on the altar.
Prayer Points:
1. Accept me, O Lord, as I offer myself as a living sacrifice to You.
2. Lord, help me to sacrifice unto You in a way that will please You.
