April 25 – Reading 115

APRIL 25 – Reading 115

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 25

“THE COST OF REPENTANCE AND REDEMPTION”
(2 Samuel 24:1-25; 1 Chronicles 21:1-22:1; Psalm 103:1-22)

“But King David said to Ornan, ‘No, but I will buy it for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’” — 1 Chronicles 21:24

Have you ever made a decision you deeply regretted? One that brought unexpected consequences, affecting not just you but those around you? David knew this feeling well. When he sinned against God, he saw the devastating effects of his choice—but he also discovered something greater: true repentance, sincere sacrifice, and God’s incredible mercy. His story points to something even more profound—the ultimate price Jesus paid to redeem us.

In a moment of pride and self-reliance, David ordered a census of Israel—something God had not commanded. It seemed harmless, but it revealed his misplaced trust in numbers instead of God’s power. Immediately, he was convicted of his sin. God gave him a choice of judgment, and David, brokenhearted, chose to fall into the hands of the Lord rather than man (1 Chronicles 21:13).

A plague swept through Israel, and as David saw the destruction, he cried out, “Let Your hand be against me and my father’s house, but do not let the plague be on Your people!” (v. 17). His heart was grieved—not just by the consequences, but by the way he had dishonored God.

Then, God gave him a way forward at Ornan’s threshing floor. David was instructed to build an altar and offer a sacrifice. Out of reverence, Ornan offered to give David everything—the land, the oxen, and the wood. But David refused, saying, “I will not offer to the Lord what costs me nothing.”

That place—where David repented, sacrificed, and worshiped—became the site where Solomon would later build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:1). A place of atonement. A place of forgiveness. A place where God’s presence would dwell. 

The Cost of Salvation: Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
David’s sacrifice foreshadowed the greatest sacrifice of all—Jesus Christ. Just as David refused to offer a gift that cost him nothing, God did not spare His own Son but gave Him as the ultimate payment for our sins.

• Repentance is Necessary. Like David, we must acknowledge our sins and turn back to God (1 John 1:9).
• True Worship Requires Sacrifice – David gave generously because he knew true worship costs something. Our worship is not just songs—it’s our lives (Romans 12:1).
• Jesus Paid the Full Price – David bought Ornan’s land at full price, but Jesus paid the full price for our redemption, restoration, and reconciliation with God (1 Peter 1:18-19).

New Testament Connection:

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 — “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (Jesus took the penalty for our sin.)

• Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” (Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness.)

• Hebrews 9:22 — “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Jesus was the final sacrifice for our sins.)

David’s Example—How We Should Respond to Sin and Salvation:

1. Acknowledge Your Sin – David didn’t justify or excuse his sin—he owned it and repented (1 Chronicles 21:8). True repentance starts with confession.

    

2. Accept the Consequences with Humility – David didn’t argue with God’s discipline but surrendered to His mercy (v. 13).

    

3. Offer a Sacrifice of Worship – David gave generously as an act of repentance and devotion (v. 24). Our lives, time, and resources should be given back to God in gratitude.

    

4. Receive God’s Grace – The plague stopped when David obeyed, and the future Temple was established. God’s mercy restores us when we return to Him (Psalm 51:17).

    

5. Look to Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice – The altar David built points forward to the cross. We can’t earn salvation—it was paid in full by Jesus.

Simple Truth:
Forgiveness is free, but it wasn’t cheap. Jesus paid the full price for our salvation. Like David, we must repent, surrender, and worship wholeheartedly.

Reflection & Application:

• Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and seek God’s mercy?
• Are you offering God genuine worship or something that costs you nothing?
• How can you show gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice in how you live? 

Closing Prayer…
Father, I come before You with a humble heart. I acknowledge my sin, my failures, and my need for Your mercy. Thank You for providing forgiveness—not through my works, but through the precious blood of Jesus. Help me to live a life of worship that reflects my gratitude for what You have done. May I never offer You what costs me nothing but give You my heart, my life, and my all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.