“At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.” – 1st Chronicles 21:28 (NKJV)
In part 1, we highlighted David’s story in 1st Chronicles 19-21, which is marked by triumph and tension. God granted him decisive victories, yet David ordered a census – exposing the “I did it” heart. Today God is calling us to strip away the “I did it” pride and self-reliance, or we will not find our threshing floor.
At the threshing floor of Ornan, David built an altar and offered burnt offerings. This act marked a turning point – surrender after striving, repentance after self-reliance, and restored fellowship with God. The fire that consumed the sacrifice was a sign that God accepted David’s offering and extended mercy.
Today, we no longer bring animal sacrifices, yet the call to offer remains. We are the modern-day burnt offering – living sacrifices laid before God daily. Not consumed by fire, but transformed through surrender, obedience, and worship.
So, we must ask ourselves:
- How often do I reflect that I am a “living sacrifice” with no more burnt offerings required? What price would I have had to pay?
- Is there a relationship or situation where God is calling me to reconcile, release pride, or choose obedience rather than forcing my own outcome?
- How intentional am I in offering God my worship, gratitude, and time in prayer, truly yielding my plans to His will?
The songwriter sang,
“It was my cross you bore,
So I could live in the freedom you died for.
Now my life is yours ….”
Let us remember: we are a worthy offering for which Jesus died. Every surrendered choice becomes an acceptable sacrifice before the Lord.
Read: John 5:30; Galatians 2:20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 78:9-16; Acts 17:1-21; 1 Kings 16:8-34; 1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18:1-15