more fragrance

Psalm 41; Leviticus 1

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(from the Introduction to Leviticus - from the English Standard Version)

Leviticus begins with the people of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai. The glory of the Lord had just filled the tabernacle and God now told Moses to instruct the Levitical priests and the people of Israel concerning sacrifices, offerings and worship, the ordination of Aaron and his sons, ceremonial cleanness, the Day of Atonement, feasts and holy days, and the Year of Jubilee. The central message is that God is holy and he requires his people to be holy. But the book also shows that God graciously provides atonement for sin through the shedding of blood. Most Jews and Christians recognize Moses as the author, writing sometime after the giving of the Law (about 1445 BC).

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While there was a section of laws in Exodus, as well as a lot of detail about building the tabernacle and all the accompanying furniture and vestments, it is still told as a story / narrative. Leviticus really does not have that feel about it. It is basically a book of laws and observances - and recorded as such.

In the midst of the first chapter, on laws on burnt offerings, we hear three times about the "offering with a pleasing aroma to the the LORD." When we are dedicated wholeheartedly to the Lord, when we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1-2), "through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God..." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

At the heart of all true worship is sacrifice. Not that of bulls and goats and sheep and birds. Not of priests and blood and altars and fire. But like Mary (in John 12) as we offer him, in love and service, all that we are and all that we have, the fragrance fills the house and is a pleasing aroma to the Lord, and I think to all those around.