Read Genesis 8:13-22
And Noah built an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20 KJV
Although we may assume an altar of sacrifice was used from the days of Cain and Abel, especially among the faithful line of Seth, this is the first mention of an altar in the Bible. Imagine how life had changed from when Noah stepped into the Ark to when he stepped out of it. His first response was worship. Perhaps some would think his act was a waste and a horrible way to begin the new world, but in fact it was the only appropriate thing to do! He took of every clean beast and bird and offered them on the altar as a burnt offering. He had taken an extra animal of each clean kind for this purpose. This was not a spontaneous act of the moment but a planned act of devotion. The whole animal was burnt symbolizing his complete dedication to the Lord. Verse 21 calls it a sweet savor to the Lord. God was pleased with Noah, and is pleased whenever we too give Him our all.
Lord, according to your Word we no longer offer up animal sacrifices to indicate our devotion to you. The final sacrifice was that of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross for sin. However our complete dedication is still a sweet smelling savor to you. May the responses of my life to you in the world I live in be sweet smelling to you!
A question to ponder: Does my response to what God is doing in the world today illustrate my complete devotion or my all on the altar for Him?
