Barbeques

I love barbeques, especially when the meat is soaked in a good marinade. God does too! In Numbers 28, God tells Moses how to prepare a barbeque that would be pleasing to Him. God told Moses what kind of meat He wanted, what to look for in the meat, and how to prepare it. He then told Moses to pour alcohol over the meat while it was on the grill. As the alcohol was being poured over the meat, I imagine the flames soaring heavenward and the smell reaching the nostrils of God. When the recipe was followed correctly, the aroma that it produced would be pleasing to the LORD.

I have a strong suspicion that this is what was on Paul’s mind when he wrote, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure…” (II Timothy 4:6)

I hear Paul saying that his life has been poured out and mingled with the Lamb of God. Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I hear Paul saying that his life has been consumed with the sacrifice of Jesus, is now rising to the throne of God, and is producing an aroma that is soothing and pleasing to the LORD.

When I think about Paul’s life, he was under fire and in the pits a lot. I don’t think he minded though, because I think that Paul knew that he was headed for a banquet—a banquet fit for a King.