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.
Ephesians 5:2
A sin-offering in the Old Testament was a sweet-smelling aroma. It was not sweet just because it was pleasing to the smell, as a person is pleased with the aroma of a cooking steak. The Father was pleased because the sacrifice symbolized the repentant cry of a sinner to God. In death, Jesus became that Sweet-Smelling Aroma. He made it possible for you to be saved. Just as the sweet-smelling aroma of the altar of incense in the Tabernacle symbolized the continued prayers going up to God, so the present-day priesthood of Jesus is a symbol of His continual intercession to the Father for you. Is the sacrifice of Jesus pleasing to you?
Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love for me. I have learned from Your example of love. I have experienced Your love firsthand, so I will walk in love.
Jesus is a Sweet-Smelling Aroma; His death pleased the Father (Isaiah 53:10). Now Jesus wants you to please the Father by your godly living. Yield your heart to Jesus, and He will help you do it. Jesus wants you to please the Father by yielding your time, talent, and treasure in service. He will help you accomplish much in your service for the Kingdom. Jesus wants you to please the Father with your worship because the Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Magnify the Father and Son today with praise, exaltation, and thanksgiving.
Jesus, because You are my Sweet-Smelling Aroma to the Father, I worship the Father through Your intercession. Amen.
Go Deeper: Mark 15:42-16:1
Jesus is our Sweet-Smelling Aroma to God.
