The Aroma of Christ
Over the Thanksgiving holiday we had the joy of having all of our children and their families with us plus my father. It was great to have them and their seven kids together. Whenever we are able to get them all here, we get the coffee pot out, because they like to drink coffee in the mornings and evenings. I don't drink coffee myself now, but the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee is always so pleasing. It makes me think about having some. That is how a pleasant aroma affects us. Paul draws upon this experience to get across a spiritual truth about us, as believers. (II Corinthians 2:14,15) This may not be something of which we are as aware as we should be.
When the Roman army took over a city, they had a triumphal procession or parade called a Triumph. It was a long procession of the conquering general, his officers, and his soldiers, followed by the conquered army. All along the way a fragrant incense was burned, so that the aroma filled the entire city. That incense was unique to the Romans, and people associated it with Rome's military might. Paul used this picture, under the inspiration of the Spirit, to say that Christ always leads us, as believers, in triumph over sin and this world. Also, we are here to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. Therefore, we are the aroma of Christ to God. We give Him the glory and praise for sending Christ and saving us. As we do that others who are being saved rejoice with us in that victory, while those who are not saved are reminded of their defeat. Hopefully, our aroma will help them be convicted and led to Jesus, so they can live in triumph, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 3-5.
When the Roman army took over a city, they had a triumphal procession or parade called a Triumph. It was a long procession of the conquering general, his officers, and his soldiers, followed by the conquered army. All along the way a fragrant incense was burned, so that the aroma filled the entire city. That incense was unique to the Romans, and people associated it with Rome's military might. Paul used this picture, under the inspiration of the Spirit, to say that Christ always leads us, as believers, in triumph over sin and this world. Also, we are here to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. Therefore, we are the aroma of Christ to God. We give Him the glory and praise for sending Christ and saving us. As we do that others who are being saved rejoice with us in that victory, while those who are not saved are reminded of their defeat. Hopefully, our aroma will help them be convicted and led to Jesus, so they can live in triumph, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 3-5.