Exodus 30:22–38 “The Fragrance of Consecration”

Exodus 30:22-38 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Refiner – Maverick City Music
• Holy Spirit – Bryan & Katie Torwalt
• Take My Life – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Exodus 30 Part 3 (Anointing oil, Incense, Olive Oil) – YouTube – Lesson for Kids
• Kids Praise Party: Let Your Light Shine – Hillsong Kids – Song for Kids
• The Fruit of the Spirit Bible Song with Lyrics – Song for Kids
• Cedarmont Kids – This Little Light Of Mine – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Lord commands Moses to make a “sacred anointing oil” (v. 25). It is to be made by mixing pure myrrh, fragrant cinnamon (from the bark of the cinnamon tree), aromatic cane (calamus), and cassia with olive oil. Each ingredient must be measured precisely according to God’s instructions (vv. 23–25). This oil is used to anoint and consecrate the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant, the table and all its utensils and furnishings, making them holy (vv. 26–29). It must also be applied to the priests to consecrate them (v. 30). The scent of this oil allows people to recognize the holiness and set-apartness through their sense of smell.

This oil is to be used for consecration purposes only. The Lord sternly warns against using it for any other purpose or making it for personal use (vv. 31–33).

In addition to the anointing oil, the Lord commands Moses to make a holy incense for the tabernacle. It is to be made by mixing equal parts of stacte, onycha, and galbanum with pure frankincense, then adding salt (vv. 34–35). A portion of this mixture is to be finely ground and placed in front of the ark of the covenant inside the Most Holy Place (v. 36). This too must not be made for personal use or imitated in any way (vv. 37–38).

Meditation:

Those who came to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices would have smelled a unique fragrance that could not be experienced outside. That scent came from the priests, the altar of burnt offering, and the basin. The entire tabernacle would have been filled with this distinctive aroma. This was because every piece of furniture and every utensil had been anointed with “fragrant oil.” The smell of this oil allowed people to sense, through their noses, that everything had been set apart for God.

The priests showed how the people of Israel, chosen as a “kingdom of priests,” were to live in the world. Just as the tabernacle and the priests were marked by a special fragrance that set them apart, God’s people are also called to live lives set apart—distinguished by the holy and righteous “fragrance” of their way of life.

All believers are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) in Jesus Christ. We live among others in this world, yet we are called to live consecrated lives. As royal priests, we are to give off the fragrance of righteous, truthful, and good deeds. This is what Paul meant when he said we are “the aroma of the knowledge of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

That fragrance becomes, for those who do not yet believe, a way to know the Lord— “the fragrance of life that leads to life” (2 Corinthians 2:16). The apostle Paul explained why the fragrance of Christ came from him: “We speak with sincerity, as those sent from God. We speak in the sight of God, in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:17). If we live “before God and in Christ” wherever we go and whoever we meet, then the holy fragrance will flow from us as well.

Prayer:

Lord, may every word from our lips and every meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You. Let the fragrance of Christ flow from our eyes, our speech, and our actions. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Just like the tabernacle and the priests had a special fragrance to show they belonged to God, we also are called to live in a way that shows Jesus is with us. Our words, actions, and even attitudes can spread the “fragrance” of Jesus—His love, truth, and goodness—wherever we go.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What smells do you really like? How do they make you feel?
  • What do you think a “Jesus’ smell” would be like?
  • How can you be a good example at home or school today?
    
• For Youth
  • In what ways can your life reflect “the fragrance of Christ” in your daily routine?
  • Why do you think Paul says our lives can lead others to Jesus like a sweet smell?
  • How can you practice “speaking and living in Christ before God” at school or online?