And the priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

Leviticus 1:9

Many people are surprised to learn that Mt. Moriah, or Mt. Zion (the Temple Mount) is not actually the highest point in Jerusalem. At 2,428 feet above sea level, it is still lower than Mount Scopus to the north (2,705 feet), the Mount of Olives to the east (2,665 feet) and the hill of Evil Counsel to the south (2,549 feet).

Our friend and tour guide, Ariyeh poses this question: When the ancient pilgrims ascended to Jerusalem, how were they to find the "holy hill" if it was couched lower than the other mountains? The answer he gives in a half-whisper.

"They saw the smoke!"

Rising from the temple night and day was a cloud of holy smoke. Continually burning sacrifices, mixed with sweet smelling incense sustained a pillar of fumes and steam that was the marker and focal point of the "festive throng" that climbed and sang their songs of ascent. Imagine the wonder and awe of turning a corner in the desert, and gazing up at the Jerusalem mountains to the curl of smoke that represented their offering, their worship, their GOD! "We're almost there!" someone would shout, and they'd keep singing "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mt. Zion..." Soon that unique aroma would waft into their nostrils, mingling with the song, making it tangible.

Aryieh brings it home to us today. He says, "Situate yourselves so that all that is seen of you is the smoke."

Aryieh's daughter, Sheli shared this thought with our women one day at a retreat. It struck a chord with every one of us. Are we really offering up a daily sacrifice? And along with the stench of the purging, is there a sweet incense of prayer and supplication wafting heaven-ward? Women quietly sat, walked the gardens, soul searching, weeping, placing themselves again on the altar of sacrifice.

Paul said, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

What is the "therefore" there for? Look at the last three chapters and see God's mercies! For Israel, his love remained steadfast. For the nations, it extended! All of these mysteries are shrouded in the smoke of His own sacrifice. "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!" Paul bursts out. No wonder that four verses later Paul "therefore" appeals to us in this way! Here's our part!

Oh, God, I keep forgetting that the only way to find my life is to lose it in You! (Matt. 16:25). Help me to surrender, and seek first Your Kingdom. I want to be willing to "die daily" (I Cor. 15:31) Make my life produce a pillar of smoke that points up to You and permeates the air around me with the smell of You. For your pleasure, and Your name's sake.