It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Leviticus 1:13b
The rules of sacrifice seem almost unreal. To spill the blood of an animal and to burn the meat on an altar is such a foreign concept. I don't fully understand why it was necessary. But God established the sacrificial system for a purpose. It brought atonement, and more importantly, it pleased Him.
Sometimes, we simply need to look beyond our own selfish desires in order to please another. It takes work. It is a labor intensive process. The system of sacrifice reminds me of this.
Lord, help me to do whatever it takes to please You. Help me to step out of my comfort zone - to humble myself - to give and not worry about receiving anything in return.