Of Fragrance and Sacrifice. Philippians 4:18. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” The acceptable sacrifice Paul mentions here is not for sin atonement but for giving thanks and praising God. The grain (meal) offering and the peace offering that Jews brought in the Old Testament were voluntary offerings made from the heart. The grain offering was meant to show honor and respect to God in worship, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him. The peace offering was a way to express gratitude to God, and parts of it were given to God, the priests, Aaron, the high priest, family members, and the person offering it. This symbolized peace and fellowship with God.
What we offer to the Lord is acceptable to God because of Christ’s sacrificial work and God’s work within us. Our Lord Jesus Christ makes what we give valuable and a fragrance that pleases God. Christ was the perfect substitute for us because He was a perfect man. He gave all He had—Himself—to God for us. Our fellowship with God is possible because of the acceptance, legal satisfaction, and perfect joy His love for us offered to the holy and just God. Our sacrifices delight God because our Lord Jesus Christ does.
No two other things could compare with these in bringing pleasure to the heart of God. The fragrance from within the hearts of those who give to God and the sacrifice seen without that pleases Him and those who receive its bounty. The legal claims revealed in His Word connect them both—one seen and the other unseen—and the purpose of the gifts is fulfilled. The fragrance of holy worship from grateful people and the sacrifice of giving to bless others is a blessing to God from those who believe in Him.
Every person involved in such heartfelt sacrifices is blessed. Those in need are fulfilled, having their needs met; the one who carried the gift is happy to be a messenger of God, bringing blessings to His people. The ones who give from what God has entrusted to them can offer gratitude to God. In various ways, all have returned what was originally God's, and each one has enjoyed the privilege of sharing the burden and the joy that come from giving and meaningful work. Everyone participating in this extends words of praise and adoration to our God and Father, and our Lord and Savior, for the grace and love that provided our salvation.
The angels rejoice when a sinner repents and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ after hearing the Gospel. The workers in the field give thanks for saving souls and being allowed to serve the Lord by bringing in the harvest of precious souls. Those who give come together in the assembly of believers, contribute their gifts, and feel satisfied that they have done what God desires and met the needs of His servants. The effort to provide what was needed is worthwhile, as it enables them to set aside funds that supplement others' contributions. God is glorified as His workers bring into the kingdom those who are lost on the highways and byways. In the future, like sheaves from the harvest, He plans to gather them all to glory with Him, where they will join the heavenly host.