READING: Leviticus 1-4
“Then the priest will burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a fire offering of a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”
Leviticus 1:9
I want my life to be pleasing to the Lord. I want my heart to be such that God can peer into it and be delighted.
I have a long, long way to go.
Several times in today’s reading, Moses speaks of offerings that were “a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (Lev. 1:9, 13, 17; 2:2, 9, 12; 3:5, 16). That is, the people were to give offerings that pleased God, that brought peace between the worshiper and the Father. They were to give sacrifices precisely according to God’s requirements – and He would accept them gladly, offer grace, and welcome the worshiper. It would be sweet not only to God who “smells” the aroma, but also to the worshiper who receives God’s mercy.
Of course, Jesus—to whom these sacrifices pointed—would be the ultimate “sacrificial and fragrant offering to God” (Eph. 5:2). He was indeed the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His giving His life in my place would please the Father and allow me to become a child of God.
And that’s why I want my life to be pleasing to Him.
ACTION STEPS:
- Prayerfully determine how much you truly want to please the Lord today.
- Ask God to show you clearly anything in your life that is not pleasing to Him.
PRAYER: “God, I give myself to You. Fully. Without reservation. I want to be pleasing to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Leviticus 5-7
