“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” - 2 Cor 2:15 (NIV).
Fragrances, or what is commonly known as perfumes, have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. They go back to over 4,000 years, and have been found in almost all great world civilizations. They mostly consist of mixtures of oil and crushed herbs or petals, which make a strong and moving scent.
Writing to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul noted to them that there is a different kind of fragrance, than one of oils, expected to lead us. He refers ours as a triumphant journey to “ spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere” (vv 14). And further points out that ours is “an aroma that brings life” (vv 16). Wherever we go we take the “Good News” of the risen Christ, which is the aroma of life.
In ancient Europe the use of perfumes has been linked to infrequent bathing, especially among the wealthy class, who would splash them all over themselves to mask body odour. Our bodies when not cleansed with fresh water or moistened have a tendency to produce an odour that makes unpleasant company. That’s where a fragrance can become useful. It clears that nasty smell and makes us attractive.
In like manner, wherever we happen to be, there is a repugnant odour of death, for those that have no knowledge of Christ. They are lost. But by sharing the Good News, we become the pleasing aroma, bringing to them life.
Today, let us take that aroma of life, wherever we find ourselves that Christ is risen, and has come to give abundant life to all that believe in Him. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I take with me the aroma of life, sharing the Good News that brings life, to the lost, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
