Susan LaffertyWhat happened? In the unknown, we wonder. What’s the rest of the story?
A specific encounter comes to mind. One seemingly orchestrated. Timely. A divine appointment with gospel flowing.
And genuine interest on her part. Hunger to know. In fact, she relates a series of events. That have brought her to this point. This place.
Sitting in my Karachi living room.
Tucked in the setting of another king’s ebbing allegiance. And his discernible drift from God.
I see it.
The verse often quoted.
Serving as a clarion call for holy commitment. Wholehearted devotion. To the worship and ways of the Lord God Almighty.
Here it sits. Right in the middle of Hanani’s prophetic message. Calling out King Asa.
Someone else’s surrender will not do. David knows this.
Thank you, Araunah, but “I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:18-25)
He buys the threshing floor, the oxen. For a price. Then builds an altar and makes the offerings to God.
Each of us must consider the cost of following Christ. And someone else’s surrender will not do.
