2 Corinthians 2:14
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
There are so many fragrances during the holiday season we are in from baked goods and the smell of cinnamon, to Christmas trees, and peppermint to name a few. For many, this Christmas is all different in that the after-effects of Covid for some have left them unable to smell these fragrances. How difficult this is for many who desire to enjoy the delights of the season while others look at it as a perfect aid to not gaining weight over the holidays.
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he reminds them of the gospel and how they should correct those in sin so that the gospel would go forth unhindered. Paul likens the spread of the gospel as a wonderful fragrance. Just like flowers in the springtime or with the smells of this Christmas season, God spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere and He chooses to do this through us. The issue is that this fragrance smells differently to some. To those who are being saved, it is the aroma of Christ but to those who are under His wrath and refuse to repent, the fragrance is that of death. As Paul says in 2 Cor. 2:16, “to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?”
What fragrance are you smelling? What fragrance are you giving off? May this Christmas season not just be filled with the seasonal smells that we are so used to but may we spread the fragrance of Christ to a world that is so used to the fragrance of spiritual death.
Is this not the greatest need of man, that sinful man be justified and reconciled to the Living God? Christ came into the world as prophesied in the scriptures right on time as Galatians 4:4a states: “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” The sinless Christ, The Son of Man, and the Son of God became the perfect mediator between God and man. (1 Tim. 2:5) He shed His blood on the cross dying in our place and then He rose again thus securing our justification and redemption from the penalty, power, and one day from the presence of sin. He now sits at God’s right hand preparing a place for us to eternally dwell with Him (Romans 8:26; John 14:1-3), until the day God the Father sends Him back to meet with His redeemed people.
Rejoice this holiday season in the fragrance of Christ for it is a fragrance we shall eternally enjoy! As we look forward to a New Year, may we reflect on the coming New Heavens and Earth where righteousness dwells and the people of God will be enraptured with their Bridegroom the Lord Jesus Christ!
Recent Comments