First, God opened the way for restoration (1-17). God is now talking to the younger people (2) who were born in the desert (2). The Israelites had fallen into deep sin inviting judgment on themselves. But God made a way for his people to be restored through offerings pleasing to the Lord. The offerings were expensive, a ram, a bull, olive oil, grain and wine. It required faith to offer such things. This way of sacrifice was open for the Israelites and the foreigners among them. God was confident that these people would enter the land and live a spiritual life, approaching him in the prescribed fashion. Second, God was looking for faith in the offering (18-21). The people were to give the first of their ground meal. A person who makes a 'first portion' offering expressed faith, for they were not sure if there was more to come. Therefore these offerings were a pleasing aroma to the Lord because they expressed faith on the part of the giver.
Application: Lord, thank you for opening a way for sinners to be restored unto you. I come to you by faith.
One Word: Be restored through a pleasing offering