2 Corinthians 2:14-15
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
“Do you smell that?” I really love these verses because I am a smell person. At our office building, the back door is difficult to fully close. At least once a week, sitting at my desk, I will smell the unmistakable fresh and clean ‘outdoors’. I head down the hall to find the door wide open, breezes or full-out wind blowing in, clean and refreshing. It is a welcome and pleasant interruption to my work, because it reminds me of life outside of the office. Can we as Christians do something similar? Can we be that positive, fresh presence in the room? Can my Christian identity add something positive wherever I go?
Holy Lord, Today as we grow closer to our beautiful Thanksgiving gatherings, I thank you for every blessing. I ask that you allow me to be a blessing to others. May I be that fresh, clean air which carries your love to others. Amen
Becky, transforming
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Are we thankful for being captives? Paul used the image, common and relatable at the time, of a victory parade with the victorious, conquering hero leading a procession of the spoils of battle, including the soldiers that had been captured. The image then gets flipped upside down when Paul describes the captives in this victory procession as sweet-smelling ambassadors for their conqueror. The message for me is that there is only one thing in this life worth being a thankful slave to, and and that is falling under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Prayer - Lord, may the identity and sovereignty of my conqueror never be in doubt to those who encounter me. Make me a participant…