1 Chronicles 21:26: “And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.”

September 9th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

David bought a piece of land, a threshing floor, from a man named Ornan. He was instructed by God to build an altar there in order to stop the plague that had come on the people because he had sinned by taking a census. Ornan offered to give David the land, but David insisted on paying for it. This is also the place where Solomon later built the temple.

David didn’t seem to have any second thoughts about purchasing this mountaintop; but if he did, they were gone the moment the sacrifice was supernaturally consumed by fire. This scene is very similar to the scene that took place on Mount Caramel between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). The Lord was clearly showing His acceptance of David’s sacrifice by consuming it with fire from heaven. David desired to restore his fellowship with God, and God honored that desire by blessing his worship. God has promised that if we will move closer to Him, He will always move closer to us.

Getting close to God works in much the same was as listening to a radio broadcast. The farther we get from the radio tower, the weaker the signal becomes and the more difficult it is to understand the message. But the closer we get to the tower, the better the reception becomes. Perhaps the old story of Ferdinand and Francis is an even better illustration. They were an older couple, driving down a farm road in their old pickup truck. Francis sat pressed against the door, and conversation was sparse. “Ferdinand,” she said finally, “what’s happened to us? We used to talk and laugh and be close. We hardly even communicate anymore.” Ferdinand looked over at her on the other side of the truck and said, “Who moved?” “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

“LORD, we want to be closer to You as we walk though this world today. As we draw closer to You, we ask that You would make Your presence known to us more clearly.”