Genesis 8:20 “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.”

Noah’s offering: Noah’s offering was one of gratitude. Noah brought the best for God. He had unclean and clean animals with him in the ark, but chose to bring the clean animals as a sacrifice to God.

We can say that he didn’t bring Him the wrinkled up dollar bill he had left over from shopping that day. Neither did he only give him the only 5 minutes he could spare from his busy schedule.

It all comes down to decision making really. Noah made a choice, but it was an easy one for him. When we realize who God is and what He has done for us, it’s easy to choose. It’s easy to decide to bring Him the best.

The bible says that Noah BUILT an altar for God. I think it’s interesting that Noah didn’t ‘come to an altar’ but he built one for God. Talk about work! As if Noah wasn’t exhausted from building the ark and taking care of the animals and his family. He then BUILT an altar for God. Also, remember that Noah was over 600 years old here. Nevertheless, Noah was a grateful man. A man who knew God was due some worship through offering. He didn’t just bring one offering but he brought offering(s) to God. He brought more than one to the altar. One wasn’t enough for Noah, he wanted to be sure God knew what strong feelings of gratitude he felt.

Why bring an offering to God?

Noah was grateful for what God had done. He had spared him and his family and gave them the gift of life.

However, a monetary offering is just one kind of offering you can bring to God. There are many types of offerings you can bring through worship, devotion and your time. All of which show gratefulness towards God.

Take a moment now to reflect on your own life. What has God done for you this year? this month? today? Is there a reason to bring Him an offering? ask yourself these questions and you will come to the conclusion that the answer is YES. There is good reason to bring Him something special, something that costs you, something that will show Him just how grateful you are for what He has done in your life.

When was the last time you brought God a special offering? Although it could mean a couple hundred dollar bills on the collection plate that really cost you time and energy. Building an altar can be something more special, something deeper, unique and personal. Something that will move the Lord’s heart. Remember, your altar will be different than your neighbors altar.  Your reasons for gratefulness towards God might be different than everyone else’s.

If you haven’t done so already, dedicate an entire day to God; to reflect on His word, to worship Him and tell Him beautiful things. I promise you that the Lord will receive that as pleasing aroma, just as He did Noah’s offering.

Filed under: Devotionals, Reflections by Ruth Palacios