November 2026: Mission Musings

Broken Aromas

In Leviticus 6, the Lord gives Moses instructions about the sacrifice Aaron and his sons are to bring to the Lord on the day they are anointed-half of a grain offering in the morning and the other half in the evening. It must be presented “broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord.” 

Fast forward to the days of Jesus incarnate and recall the feeding of the 5000-a breaking of a grain offering to feed the people. Jesus breaks the bread and multiplies the offering.

2 Corinthians 4:8: we are hard pressed on every side but not crushed.

Rich verses, but what’s my point?

At the beginning of the year, I chose a picture of a wine press for our parent training quiz when I talked about our theme for the year-Yield to Yield. Early on, the Lord was speaking about how a yield requires a pressing. The crops get pressed in the combine to become a grain yield. We too must be pressed to produce a yield. Pressing requires brokenness.

Jesus himself exemplifies this at the last supper: This is my body, broken for you.

I should have seen it coming. We’re only three months in and it’s been a year full of deep, hard pressing. Maybe you’re like me and you feel extra broken in this season too. 

A Word for me I’ll share with you: When God presses us, it is to multiply the offering so more can come to know Him. Like Peter, the Lord needs us to feed His sheep, and this requires us to become more like Him. If Jesus himself was broken, why should I expect any less? 

I have begged the Lord for many things in this season. Some days I feel crushed, but His Word says I’m not. His Word says He comes close to the brokenhearted, closer than the air we breathe. He whispers His kindness over us, reminding us that our broken state is a pleasing aroma to Him. 

I look at the broken pieces of my heart and see shattered stains. He looks at the broken pieces and knows there’s no waste at the altar. The outcome is mine to choose: hold on to my sin-stained pieces, or offer them up to the Lord.

Hold on a little longer, Lesa. Your broken aroma is still pleasing to the Lord. Praying you tell yourself the same.