“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 odor. Our bodies when not cleansed with fresh water or moistened have a tendency to produce an odor that makes un pleasant 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 odor of death, for those that have no knowledge of Christ. They are lost. By sharing the Good News, we though 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.
Related upcoming events
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19/04/2024 - 20/04/2024 All day“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” ( Isaiah 43:19).
Just before fire was unleashed down on Sodom and Gommorah, Lot was told to pack up with his wife and two daughters and leave their homestead. Now, once out of danger, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” ( Gen 19:26). Perhaps here we might pause and ask why she was bothered to look back.
Of course it could have been that old “curiosity killed a cat” mistake! Yet, it could also have been Lot’s wife was not sure where she was going and longed for her old life back. This is a common error. There was nothing stirring to look back. Just before Lot’s neighbors had attacked his house eager to rape his visitors. “They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them” ( vv 5). Was there anything worth looking back to!
The case of Lot’s wife could be anyone else’s experience. The Lord has plucked you out of some mess. You have been delivered to a new life. Yet, somehow you decide to look back, as though there was anything good and worth longing for. Sometimes it is a bitter past you have been delivered from. Other than rejoice in your new blessings you keep being drawn back!
A wise caution goes, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly” ( Proverbs 26:11). If the Lord has just led you out of a certain mess why look back like it was much better! Instead look ahead, for “he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” ( vv 17- 18).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for delivering me from the darkness of the past and I look forward to a bright new future in you, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
