- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,539
Now thanks [be] to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NKJV
Paul uses a smell metaphor to echo a sentiment often shouted by people who choose to see only hypocrisy in the church and say, “Those Christians are all the evidence I need.” But Paul’s meaning is antithetical: Christians who follow God as He “leads” are the evidence everyone needs.
Whether or not people believe in Jesus, believers are the “pleasing aroma of Christ” to them. They cannot miss the wonder in the way His followers live and love. Everywhere “the aroma of the knowledge of him” transforms the social stench into a satisfying scent.
Isaiah employed a different metaphor: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice” (Isaiah 9:2-3).
The metaphors of smell and light speak to the unshakable evidence of God’s goodness in your life: “Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
Prayer: Father, help me to follow Your “triumphant” leadership so that the people I work and live with will smell and see the unmistakable evidence of You.
Paul uses a smell metaphor to echo a sentiment often shouted by people who choose to see only hypocrisy in the church and say, “Those Christians are all the evidence I need.” But Paul’s meaning is antithetical: Christians who follow God as He “leads” are the evidence everyone needs.
Whether or not people believe in Jesus, believers are the “pleasing aroma of Christ” to them. They cannot miss the wonder in the way His followers live and love. Everywhere “the aroma of the knowledge of him” transforms the social stench into a satisfying scent.
Isaiah employed a different metaphor: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice” (Isaiah 9:2-3).
The metaphors of smell and light speak to the unshakable evidence of God’s goodness in your life: “Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
Prayer: Father, help me to follow Your “triumphant” leadership so that the people I work and live with will smell and see the unmistakable evidence of You.
