Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Leviticus 9:24
God was pleased. Aaron did everything he was commanded. The burnt offering was laid upon the altar, and God literally reached out and took it. Everything was consumed, and the people shouted for joy.
Lord, there is nothing more exciting than pleasing You. For You to reach out and receive the offerings I present to You brings a satisfaction that no earthly pleasure can match. But how often do I cling to the offerings I should give You, rather than freely laying them down?
Aaron put the offering upon the altar, then he stepped away. It was then that You took it. If he had remained, he would have been in Your way. He would have been consumed by the fire.
Help me, Jesus, to lay down my sacrifice - then to step down out of Your way. Forgive me for holding fast to the things that belong to You. I want to please You and You alone.
Be my all-consuming fire today!