10 September Leviticus 1

An aroma pleasing to the Lord.

The pleasing aroma, a symbol of the offering's spiritual acceptance, is mentioned in connection with the various offerings in Tabernacle worship and is commanded by:

Leviticus 1:9 (NIV) “You are to wash the internal organs and the legs with water, and the priest is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord”.

Leviticus 1:13 (NIV) “You are to wash the internal organs and the legs with water, and the priest is to bring all of them and burn them on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord”.

Leviticus 1:17 (NIV) “He shall tear it open by the wings, not dividing it completely, and then the priest shall burn it on the wood that is burning on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord”.

When they laid a hand on the head, they acknowledged that this animal had become their sin and, therefore, an atonement for sin. Now, this was done in all the offerings, the animal became the atonement for the people. After sacrificing an animal, they had atonement with God, which means they had a relationship again. The only way to a relationship was through atonement, and without that atonement, they would never be able to have a friendship with God, as God so desperately desired.

The “pleasing aroma” was, in fact, due to atonement; it was due to relationship, friendship, and more than just the act of sacrifice. Moreover the pleasing aroma of animal sacrifices is pleasant to the flesh and a shadow of what is truly pleasing to God, namely to: “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a pleasing aroma and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 (ESV) “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”. Compared with Ephesians 5:2 (NIV) “and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”.

In the Old Testament, burnt offerings were necessary for the atonement of sins and God’s mercy. The fragrances that wafted upwards from these animal sacrifices were “pleasing to the Lord” In the New Testament, Jesus offers Himself the perfect fragrant offering to God to atone for our sins, enabling us to live in righteousness with God. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV) “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing”.

We offer our bodies as a sweet-smelling living sacrifice, which is the highest form of worship and rejoicing we can give to our God. Romans 12:1-2 (AMP) “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]”.

In conclusion, the "pleasing aroma" concept in the Old Testament represents more than just the physical scent of burnt offerings; it symbolises the spiritual acceptance of atonement and a restored relationship with God. The sacrifices were a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice to come, Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect, fragrant offering to God. Through His sacrifice, we can live in righteousness and maintain a true relationship with God. Today, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ in our daily walk. This act of worship is the highest form of devotion we can give, aligning ourselves with God's perfect will.