Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though[a] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” (Genesis 8:20-22)
Saved.
Imagine being rescued from a disaster that wiped out everyone around you. Imagine being established again and given the opportunity to grow and prosper. Imagine the sense of gratitude and relief.
Even imagining all that does not put us in the position of Noah as he and his family were finally able to leave the ark. God has not forgotten them. They are blessed by Him to multiply. They have been given a new diet. They are part of the new after the old has passed away.
What can be done as a way of expressing thanksgiving? It’s fascinating seeing Noah’s actions of offering a sacrifice to God. It’s also fascinating seeing God’s response to that sacrifice. The sweet smell of the heartfelt sacrifice moved God to bless. The sweet smell of the heartfelt sacrifice pleases God.
These days we don’t have to go around looking for things to make an altar. We are called to offer up something far greater than the life of an animal as an expression of gratitude to God. In the light of the marvellous rescue that has taken place in our lives by the Son a suitable offering of thanksgiving are lives given completely to god.
It is not just singing songs and saying words of praise that come up as a sweet smell. It is hearts, minds, and bodies devoted to Him.
This is a reasonable response and just as Noah’s response is acceptable, so ours can be too as we look to say thanks for all He has done.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 