51. We've Given You . . . Your's

David loved the Lord because of what God had done for him. He wanted to do something to show God how much he loved Him. But what could he do? God already owned everything. "I could sacrifice 10,000 lambs, or 20,000 oxen," David thought. "But would that please Him?" David knew that mere sacrifices wouldn't please God, because God wanted David's heart.

"What can I do to show God I love Him?" David asked again. Then it came. "God lives in a tent, while I live in a palace. I'll build God a temple to dwell in?" But God had other ideas. "You can't build a temple," God said, "because your hands are stained with blood. I will have Solomon build it." David was disappointed, but he felt good at the same time. At least one of his son's would build the temple. "But I want to help," David thought, "so I'll gather money and materials for the work."

David gave a huge offering from the royal treasury. When the people saw David's willingness to give, they decided to give too. They took their gifts to their tribal leaders and these men took them to David. They gave willingly, because they wanted to show God how much they loved Him.

When David saw it, he glorified God. ". . . who am I," he cried, "and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." (1 Chr. 29:14)