Give God What Costs You the Most

Introduction:

God does not desire what is easy, convenient, or leftover. He desires offerings that come from the depth of our hearts—gifts that cost us something. Sacrifice is at the core of biblical worship, and we see this vividly in the life of David and his mighty men.

1. The Story of David’s Thirst – A Picture of Sacrificial Love

In 2 Samuel 23:13–17, David, Israel’s anointed king, was in hiding during a fierce battle with the Philistines. Bethlehem—his hometown—was occupied by the enemy. In a moment of longing, David said:

“Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” (v. 15)

This was not a command—just a heartfelt desire. But three of David’s warriors heard him and acted. They risked their lives, broke through enemy lines, and brought him the water he longed for.

Their act reflects deep devotion, loyalty, and sacrificial love. It wasn’t about the water—it was about honoring the heart of their king.

2. David’s Surprising Response – Worship over Gratification

Upon receiving the water, David didn’t drink it. Instead:

“He refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord.” (v. 16)

David recognized the cost of the water—it symbolized the blood of the men who had risked their lives. He said:

“Far be it from me, Lord, to do this! Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” (v. 17)

This water became too sacred for personal use—it became a sacrifice worthy only for God. Pouring it out was David’s way of turning the devotion of his men into an act of worship.

This echoes the principle found in Leviticus 17:11 (NIV):

“For the life of a creature is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
David saw the water as symbolic of life itself—thus worthy to be poured before God alone.

3. A New Testament Reflection – Christ’s Thirst and Our Response

This story foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Son of David. While on the cross, Jesus cried:

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28, NIV)

This was not only physical thirst but a cry reflecting His spiritual longing for souls, love, and the fulfillment of His mission. But instead of honor, He was given vinegar (John 19:29)—a symbol of contempt.

Yet Christ’s thirst continues even today—not for water, but for faithful hearts willing to respond in sacrifice and love.

In Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus makes it personal:

“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Giving to others sacrificially—whether time, money, or service—is giving to Christ Himself.

4. Turning Water into Blood – What Kind of Offerings Do We Give?

Many people give to God what’s easy to spare. But God is not honored by convenience. The question is: Do we give what costs us?

David refused to offer to God something that cost him nothing:

“I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
(2 Samuel 24:24, NIV)

True worship involves sacrifice. That’s why Romans 12:1 tells us:

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

When we give what truly costs us—time, money, possessions, comfort—we give not just water, but blood. It becomes a holy offering.

Even if it’s small, what matters is the cost. Like the poor widow in Mark 12:41–44, who gave two small coins, Jesus praised her above the rich because:

“She, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

5. The Eternal Reward of Costly Giving

When we give sacrificially, heaven sees it not just as a gift, but as a testimony. Revelation honors those who have poured out their lives for Christ:

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
(Revelation 12:11)

While not all are called to physical martyrdom, we are all called to lay down our lives in surrender. Sacrificial giving places us among the ranks of those who share in the testimony of Christ.

Conclusion: Offer What Costs You

God is not asking for what is easy. He is asking for what is real.
Let us not settle for giving God what is leftover, but let’s offer Him what matters most to us—just as those three warriors did for David.

Let’s give: