2 CORINTHIANS 2:12–17
A New York perfumer can identify scent combinations and identify the perfumer behind a fragrance with a single sniff.
Paul’s letter to the followers of Christ in Corinth cites a Roman army burning incense in a conquered city. The general, his troops, and the defeated army would enter. The incense aroma signified victory for the Romans and death for the prisoners.
Paul said we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ’s victory over sin. God has given us the fragrance of Christ Himself so we can become a sweet-smelling sacrifice of praise. But how can we live so we can spread this pleasing fragrance to others? We can show generosity and love, and we can share the gospel with others so they can find the way to salvation. We can allow the Spirit to display through us His gifts of love, joy, and kindness (Galatians 5:22–23).
Do people look at us and declare, “This is the work of Jesus”? Do we let Him fill us with His aroma so that we can then share Him with others? He is the Ultimate Perfumer, and creates the most beautiful scent ever.
May Jesus come afresh to us today.
Happy Advent! Happy New Year!
🎶O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
📷: Christin Hume
