Exodus 30:22-24 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil.
As I was reading today’s verses, the phrase “an aroma pleasing to God” came to mind, and I am reminded of how important the sense of smell is just in the normal everyday sense. A setting can be as beautiful as anything you’ve ever seen, but if it stinks (think rotting fish, for instance), the beauty of the scene is completely lost.
Exodus 30:25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.
Similarly, I can make my life look as pleasing and as perfect as I want, but if the substance is rotten underneath, the aroma will not be pleasing to God. Don’t confuse this with a stinky attitude–those aren’t fun and aren’t great, but they also aren’t systemic. A stinky attitude is a temporary problem. A rotten core is a much bigger issue.
Exodus 30:26-28 Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.
Precious Savior, Thank You that You care not only about what’s on the surface but also what’s underneath. You want my life to offer a pleasing aroma to You that can only come from a heart that reaches for You daily. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 30:29 You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.
Have a blessed day.