Offer the second lamb at twilight, along with the same kind of grain offering and drink offering as in the morning. It is a fire offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.     Numbers 28:8 HCSB

I’ve heard people say they disregard the Old Testament because it’s just the history of Israel, and what’s important is the gospel. After all, the New Testament begins with Jesus’ birth. The gospels give the details of his ministry here on earth and his death. And the books after that talk about the beginnings of the church. Revelation tells us what to expect with the rapture and the tribulation.

So, why do we need to study the Old Testament? Why must we go through the repetition in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers where they talk about the tabernacle, priests, and various offerings? Why do we need to know all the rituals they performed, as they are no longer required of us today?

Well, allow me to answer these questions. As a fan of the Old Testament, I can tell you there are many valuable history lessons in there. Many things that we want to make sure we don’t repeat as an individual and as a nation. For our nation, it may be too late, but that’s another issue altogether.

Our Scripture passage for today is an addition to the previous command issued by the Lord. Here, God is telling them to add a burnt offering to their daily offerings. No big deal, right? We don’t have to give burnt offerings today, so again, why do we care?

What I want you to focus on is the part that says an aroma pleasing to the LORD. These burnt offerings showed their total dedication to the Lord. They were to be offered morning and evening.

This is just one thing we would be wise to pay attention to in the Old Testament. Let’s just use this one offering as an example. Every morning, they were to present a burnt offering to the Lord. There were other offerings that went along with this, but let’s just focus on the burnt offering. The offering that showed God that they were totally devoted to Him.

How is this relevant today? I’m so glad you asked. It’s relevant because we would do well to do the same. No, I’m not talking about loading up a lamb and bringing it to your church and burning it on the altar. I’m talking about just taking a few minutes to start your day with Jesus. Show God, as you start your day, that you intend to devote yourself to Him. Show Him that He is the most important part of your day. I can assure you while there may not be any smells you notice, it will be a pleasing aroma to the LORD. This will please God.

And when the end of your day is busy with finishing up work, doing household chores or preparing dinner for your family, take a minute to thank God for all you have. Take time to show Him how much you love Him. This will please Him also.

They had to offer those sacrifices because Jesus had not yet come to be the ultimate sacrifice. When He shed His blood on the cross, the veil was torn. We gained direct access to God through Him. We no longer had to go through priests. We no longer have to bring animals to sacrifice because He paid the ultimate price for our sins. Jesus is woven into all of these books of the Old Testament as they are preparing the world for his humble arrival.

I ask you today, are you willing to sacrifice a few minutes morning and evening to dedicate yourself to Him? Are you willing to show your love for Him by spending time in Bible study and prayer? By the way, this is how we converse with Him.

When you read all that the Israelites had to go through in order to be forgiven of their sins and show their love and dedication for the Lord, it should really make you appreciate Jesus Christ. This is why it’s so important that we study and appreciate the Old Testament.

Have a great day!