Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 24:22, ” Now Araunah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood.’ “

Background

Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use. As the government maintains the roads and utilities of a growing population, it sometimes needs to acquire the property of private parties to meet these needs. New roads and power lines often must go where individuals have homes or property, and so the government moves to take ownership of the necessary area for a fair market price. If the owner is not satisfied with the offer, or feels that the government acquisition is unnecessary or too extensive, he may fight the proceedings in court. But it is extremely rare that the land does not eventually change hands. The price may be adjusted based on a different appraisal, but the government generally gets what it needs. Not surprisingly, even more rare than the government not getting the land is the case where the landowner offers up what’s his for free. Sometimes, owners are very willing to part with the property, as they see it as an easy way to make some money off of land that they can do without. But I dare say it’s unheard of for the owner to receive an offer for his site and counter that offer with the gift of his property at no charge so that the road or utility line can be constructed. 

Application

Oddly enough, we are the ones who have been offered everything gratis, but in turn, seek to earn what has been freely given. God has plainly offered up life eternal and acceptance into His family as a child, but our natures are resistant to accepting such a grand offer for nothing. Surely something must be required of us if we are to enter into heaven. How can we be as bad as the next person, perhaps even doing less than others who don’t believe, and expect to be accepted into glory? On paper, it makes no sense. Except faith doesn’t reside on paper, and the real estate He’s interested in is a heart. If He can have your full heart, then that’s all the domain He wants. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, let God have what He wants. It’s much better off in His hands than in yours.