2 Samuel chapter 24 verses 22-23 (NIV)
Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. Your Majesty, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the LORD your God accept you.”
1 Timothy chapter 6 verse 18(NIV)
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
I was struck in the reading in 2 Samuel today by the generous spirit of Araunah, who was prepared to freely give land and resources to King David without expecting payment. He wanted to bless the king. David in his turn explained that he couldn’t offer to God that which cost him nothing, so he declined the offer and paid the right price. I’m sure he was still blessed by Araunah’s offer, and I’m sure God was pleased with Araunah’s generous heart too.
Paul reminded Timothy to teach others the importance of being generous and willing to share. It blesses both the recipient and the giver, but most of all, it pleases God, and that’s the most important thing of all.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lesson of generosity we see being lived out by Araunah. Help me in my turn to bless others with the generosity I’ve been shown, and also to be pleasing in Your sight. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.