Daily Reading
Daily Thought
God establishes a litany of sacrifices–“this is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, of the sin offering, of the guilt offering, of the ordination offering, and of the peace offering, which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai” (Leviticus 7:37-38)–and God meticulously lays out his orders for each. God has instructions for the tabernacle, the priesthood, the altar, and the animals and grain. God is telling the Israelites this is how it is done, but more than that, our Heavenly Father is teaching his children to say “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me” and “Thank you.”
These offerings of Israel are described as “a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (Leviticus 6:15). I recognize that smell. Now that I’m a grandparent, I get to watch my children be parents. Soon after one grandkid hits the other, a ritual takes place. “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me” is followed by a hug. I smile, but more than that, I am proud of my children. They are parenting well. They are good parents.
God is good. He finds pleasure not in our offerings, but in us. When we bring our offerings to him, it is not a means to please him. It teaches us to say “I’m sorry” and “Please forgive me” and “Thank you.” It make us into people who are a pleasure to be around, “a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are holy and Your laws are good. I pray for Your kingdom to come in its fullness and restore Your reign on earth, as it is in heaven.
You have made righteousness available to me through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Death is the cost for my sins, and Your Son paid the price. Thank You for Your grace, Your forgiveness, Your sacrifice. I am Yours, purchased by the blood of Your Son. Thank You for teaching me to sacrifice. May my life be a daily sacrifice to You.
Amen
Daily Question
What are things you have done that put a smile on God’s face?
