Burnt offerings were a pleasing aroma to God. This is a part of His character that I find difficult. As much as He values His creation and demonstrates respect for life in His commands, I don’t believe that His pleasure indicates that He is cruel, although I believe Satan would like for us to be offended by it. This is something to give prayerful consideration as an opportunity to know God better.
Burnt offerings were recognized as a part of worship. It’s interesting that worship cost the people. In a culture where wealth was measured in flocks and herds, sacrificing burnt offerings was like throwing cash on an altar. God doesn’t need or value our cash any more than He needed food. So why did it please Him that they sacrificed their wealth? What does this teach you about right worship of God?
The schedule of their offerings teaches us about God’s desire for His people’s worship. They worshiped every day, morning and evening. An offering would have been burning on the altar continuously. What does that teach you about the worship God desires from you?
There were special observances each week on the Sabbath, and each month at the new moon. Every holiday featured worship of God, which would have made it part of their most treasured traditions as well as their everyday. Do you find Him worthy of including worship in your happiest occasions?