A Pleasing Aroma

In the first three chapters of Leviticus, the phrase "an aroma pleasing to the Lord" shows up at least half a dozen times. It is always in the context of a burnt offering, usually some kind of animal.

At this time of year, I love putting out holiday candles, particularly candles that smell like pumpkins or spices. They have a pleasing aroma to me - just the smell of the candles around the house puts me in a better, calmer mood. It feels like fall is here, the season has begun. I wonder if that is how God felt when His people sacrificed burnt offerings to Him.

The Old Testament, particularly these first two books, are filled with so many laws and rules and so much rigidity. Sometimes it is hard to plow through such dense material. Of course, this is why my "walk through the Bible in 90 days" is turning into a little bit more than 90 days. Actually, it will still be a grand total of 90 days of reading, just spread out over about 120 days.

We may not make actual living sacrifices to the Lord anymore, but I hope that at the very least, through the upcoming holiday season, I can dedicate everything that I do to Him. Whether it is waiting to hear about a job, picking pumpkins with my family, or lighting candles around the house while I clean, I will try to let everything I do be an offering to God.

Beware the blood and infectious diseases

Just a word of caution. Don't read Leviticus while you are eating lunch.