Altar of Sacrifice


Genesis 8:21

The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

Noah gets off the Ark after the Flood and barbeques some birds and clean animals on an altar. The Lord is quite pleased by the savory smoke and makes a universal promise to never again destroy earth's creatures. A small sacrificial act on Noah's part and a big promise from God.

I love how God notes the evil inclination of the human heart and still responds in Grace. A scent of the Gospel to come.

I made some barbecued baby back ribs for a party Sunday night. It was a three day process where it cost me about $40  dollars in ribs, sauce, and spices on Thursday night, creating and applying the rub on Saturday, and barbecuing the ribs for a couple of hours on Sunday on a low heat. I wanted to rock the party and decided to go all out.

I could have cheaped-out and brought what I call "dude-food" like a bag of Doritos and left it at that. But, I wanted to be a blessing whether people really understood the expense of money and time. If we expect reciprocity in life, get ready to be disappointed. Disappointment calls into question our original motives. Was I in search of accolades?

When we bless it should be without expectation. Freely as we have received, we are to give. For Grace is given to us to be given through us.  When we sacrifice, we smoke, for often it comes at a burning cost. And the Lord is pleased by the aroma.         

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