Homilist 1 Chronicles 21:22-24 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar therein to the LORD… This incident teaches us — I. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS SPIRITUALITY IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO FORMALISM. The spirit of love which now inspired David was something distinct from all outward service, something that could not be expressed by the most valuable of offerings that cost him nothing. Personal sacrifice was required. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit." "Circumcision or uncircumcision availeth nothing." II. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS ENTHUSIASM IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO PRUDENCE. David rejected the offer of Ornan. He repudiated the securing of the higher interests of the soul without any detraction from secular resources. It is ever so where love reigns — all personal interests are in the background; God is the one all-commanding, all-absorbing object of thought. III. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS NOBILITY IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO MEANNESS. IV. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS PROGRESS IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO STATIONARINESS. The man inspired with this spirit would never rest with present attainments. 1. There will be a delight in studying truth. The creed of a true religious man has cost him something. 2. There will be a delight in doing all that is commanded. V. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS REALITY IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO FALSENESS. That the spirit of David is the only true spirit of religion will appear if you consider — 1. What God is. 2. What He has done for us. 3. That all we have and are are His. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people. |
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