What's that smell? - Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I'm not going to lie. I've never been a big fan of Jesus as "sacrifice" language. It made sense perhaps for the Jewish population of first century Jerusalem. But for 21st century Christians? 

I think it can cause us all kinds of complications and isn't really something I think we can easily wrap our minds around. 

I won't give you a treatise on my problems with substitutionary atonement theory (if you want more information, here is something Richard Rohr wrote that I found very helpful:http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Richard-Rohr-s-Meditation--Love--Not-Atonement.htmlaid=iXa_UNn2YaQ&soid=1103098668616).

However, there is something about the sacrifice of the Jewish people here that is worth investigating. 

Sacrifice offerings were fragrant.

I can attest to that. Apologies to those of you who are vegetarian or vegan, but is there anything better than the smell of a good BBQ?

Or a steak thrown on a charcoal fire pit?

What does a really great smell do for you? 

What does it do TO you?

Imagine God just relishing the fragrance of the very best smell.

That's what we're being called to be. That great smell. That BBQ. Or steak.

Or if you prefer another great smell - a rose, or fresh baked bread, or freshly ground coffee, or fresh mountain air (hmmmm..."fresh" seems to be a connector here!)*

Be that smell, Paul is saying to the Ephesians. Be that smell.

Because a great smell does something wonderful to you. And whether you like sacrifice language or not, Jesus - like a great smell - does something for us.

So go forth and SMELL like you mean it!

Lord, let my praise and prayers rise up like incense. And let me scent be pleasing to you and to your people! Amen

* if you are interested, here is a list of the best smelling things in the world from Ranker. Is your favorite on this list? http://www.ranker.com/list/best-smells/jacob-shelton