Recently, the Lord began to speak to me about offerings that are a sweet-smelling aroma to Him. He revealed that it was not about the scent itself, but rather what it represents.
Leviticus 2:9 says, It is an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.
This scripture referred to grain offerings. In Genesis 8:20-21, we see Noah, after the flood, offering a sacrifice to the Lord.
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma.
Philippians 4:17-19 says, Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
And finally, Ephesians 5:2: And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. This scripture tells us that Jesus Christ Himself was an offering to God…a sweet-smelling aroma.
Did you know each time you give God an offering, it comes up to Him as a sweet-smelling sacrifice? Yes, it does!
Acts 10:4 says Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
Our gifts and prayers ascend to God, rising to Him. When these offerings are a sacrifice, they create a sweet-smelling aroma to God, just as in days of old. Our gifts and prayers ascend to God, rising to Him. When these offerings are a sacrifice, they create a sweet-smelling aroma to God, just as in days of old.
Those times you gave out of simple obedience. Or those times you gave because you loved God so much you had to give…they arose to Him as a pleasing, sweet-smelling aroma…one that pleased His heart.
Isn’t that great news!
Just as the woman who washed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with a sweet-smelling perfume demonstrated her love for Him, giving to others shows our love for God and His people. Such acts are pleasing to Him; He appreciates them. It is the fragrant expression of our love for Him, and He cherishes it.
He is showing me today that each time I give to Him, and each time you give to Him, it creates a pleasing aroma for Him. This makes my heart glad!
Philippians 4:19, in speaking about this sweet-smelling aroma of giving, goes on to say, and my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
My prayer for you today is this: May your gifts, your offerings, and your alms arise unto God today, ministering to Him a sweet-smelling aroma. As that happens, may my God supply ALL YOUR NEED, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This very day. Amen and So Be It.
