Friday, May 26, 2017

The Fragrance God appreciates.




To accept the fact of the Passover sacrifice pointing to Jesus in His redemptive role, there must be some significance in the other sacrifices. The morning and the evening sacrifices are a case in point (Exodus 29:38-41). This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight….a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the Lord by fire.’ 

These sacrifices began and ended the day. They were to be a perpetual sacrifice. Each lamb was totally consumed by fire as it was exclusively offer to God. Other sacrifices were for the benefit of priest and people in the Lord’s presence. C.H. Mackintosh in ‘Notes on the Pentateuch, p.578 said, ‘(the morning and evening sacrifices pointed to) God’s delight in Christ. Morning by morning, evening by evening, day by day, week by week, from one new moon to another, from the opening to the close of the year, it is Christ in His fragrance and preciousness to God ward…the heart of God is refreshed and delighted by Christ.’ This was testified to at His baptism and on the Mount of Transfiguration.

The crucifixion was no chance affair. Political intrigue and personal animosity may appear to have driven the nails and the spear. It was however all in the perfect timing of God’s purposes. We rejoice in the Passover. What is not so apparent is its link with the morning and evening sacrifices. Each morning sacrifice was prepared from 7:30am and sacrificed at 9am. The evening sacrifice was slain at 2:30pm and became a burnt offering at 3:30pm.  We can so easily overlook the significance of what Mark records in chapter 15:25 ‘It was the third hour when they crucified him.’ That was 9am. Luke 23:44-46 (NIV) ‘It was about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour…Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.’  That’s around 3pm. The Passover completed that day’s sacrificial services, which on every other day would have concluded with the evening sacrifice. 

Therefore, what was for us, salvation was combined with the sacrifices which delighted the Father! Ephesians 5:2 ‘Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering to God.’ Because He was accepted our commitment to Him has also made us share in the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15. NRSV)

Of all the sacrifices spoken of in the Old Testament none surpass the morning and evening ones. ‘It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. (Psalm 92:1-2 NIV). Yes, they have been fulfilled! However, when we uphold the Name of the Lord Jesus before the Father’s throne we maintain the principle of the morning and evening sacrifices.

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Ray is the author of a 31 Day devotional series on Biblical themes. You can see his books on http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au  they are available at some Christian bookshops and as ebooks. He can be contacted at ray.haw3819@bigpond.com


1 comment:

  1. I appreciated this, Ray, especially as I'm busy with 2 books on Miriam which of course include the first Passover.

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