What’s That Smell?

The other day, I was cutting some wood with a dull blade. It caused the wood to smoke. The smell didn’t bother me. I kind of like the smell of smoke. Like from campfires and especially from fireworks. I noticed hours later that I could smell the smoke from the burnt wood in my shirt. I found it pleasing. Instantly, my thoughts turned to the incense that burned in the temple day and night.

From the temple found in the Old Testament, the altar incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people. The incense burned day and night. We are encouraged to pray without ceasing. (Luke 18:1) The altar of incense was holy to the Lord and was atoned for with the blood of the sacrifice. Today, it is the blood of Jesus Christ applied to our hearts that makes our prayers acceptable.

In my imagination, I can see the fragrance of our prayers getting into whatever outfit God is sporting that day. Okay, probably some type of robe. And as I did with my shirt and the burnt smoke, I can imagine God turning to one side and sniffing, and the odor putting a big smile on his face because his people are praying.

If they are praying, that indicates they trust in God to do what He does best. It means they are relying on him to meet their needs or the needs of someone else. To deliver or heal whatever the situation requires. It is understandable, then, why our prayers cause him to smile. God loves us so much. He wants to be active in our lives and even give us good gifts.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)

If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Mat. 7:11 (NET)

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