A phrase repeated in the first several chapters of Leviticus stood out to me recently as I was following the church's bible reading plan. As the sacrificial system is being outlined, the phrase "a pleasing aroma to the Lord" is frequently used to describe God's response to the offering. God was pleased when these sacrifices were being offered in obedience. As I read, I wondered what it was that was pleasing to God. Was it rote, perfect obedience? Was it the actual aroma? Or was it a penitent heart coupled with faith in God leading to obedience? I suspected the latter, but I couldn't help but wonder, as a Christian living under the New Covenant, what I could do that would be "a pleasing aroma to the Lord."
As a child of 6 or 7 years of age, I heard a TV preacher challenge the viewers to "give God your best." I had no idea what my "best" was, or how to give it to God, but I was determined to try. I took out a small collection of my favorite treasures - a rock, an old pocket-knife, etc. - and laid them on a rock. After walking a short distance, I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and prayed as hard as I could. When I opened my eyes, my offering was still lying there. So, I tried again. And again. Of course, I kept my earthly treasures that day.
This childhood experience illustrates the futility of trying to please God in the flesh. Romans 8:8 says "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Of course, I know now that God wasn't interested in my meager earthly treasures. So, how do I please God? What offering could I ever make that would be a pleasing aroma to God? This led me to a simple word-study: aroma; fragrance; fragrant; please; pleased; pleases; pleasing; pleasure; pleasures. I love concordances!
In pondering what pleases God, my word study immediately took me to Matthew 3:17: “and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” God the Father is pleased with his Son. Ultimately, God is pleased with us because of our union with Jesus through faith. He is pleased to look on us because of the finished work of Jesus. That said, the New Testament calls us to live in righteousness. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Imitate Jesus. In I Thess. 4:1-8, Paul gives us instructions on how to live a life pleasing to God, calling us to a life of holiness and purity. In Hebrews 11:6, the author tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul prays for the believers to be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Seeking God's will for my life, seeking to know God better, and living in a way that honors God - this is "a pleasing aroma to the Lord."
God be gracious to me. Be gracious to us. For we desire to live lives that please You!
Scott Giles
Church Council Member