The Fragrance of Christ!
22/08/10 11:48
Oftentimes,
the days of ministry take Robin and I in different
directions from the moment we awake until we settle
in for the evening. She and I have often been like
two ships passing in the night, something that we
have known for many years. Of course, God knew that
we were fitted candidates for such a task – He
knew that if Robin had to deal with me all day, I
probably would have driven her nuts within a few
years! See, God is merciful. He blesses in mysterious
ways.
Well, the other day when I came back home about mid-morning (Robin had gone to the WOW office) I caught her fragrance when I entered the house. “Ahh! Boy that smelled good.” She stood in front of me in my mind’s eye and a smile came across my face. Her remembrance enlightened my heart and her love for me encouraged my soul. I lifted a prayer of thanks for her and smelled the fragrance once more. It was just a moment in my day, but it was a nice moment, a good moment; a moment that drew us closer together and made me long for the next moment that we would meet.
And because of that little moment, I believe, I do remember that the next time we got together, it was a very pleasant and blessed moment. (I have always thought that those first few minutes when a couple unites again after being separated for some reason, maybe because of jobs or shopping, are very important minutes that can set the atmosphere for their time together. That’s why I think it very important for spouses to ask God for grace for these times. I try to come home with a smile, even if my day is going bad. I want Robin to be glad I’m home. )
But let’s get back to her fragrance. When I lifted my prayer of thanks for her, God reminded me of what Paul told the Corinthians, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ…” 2Cor.2:15 God quickly spoke to my heart that His people bring about the same reaction for Him as Robin’s fragrance did for me! They are brought into His remembrance and because they are the fragrance of Jesus Christ – they are a delight unto His heart. It is amazing to me that God chooses not to remember our sins and wicked past, but He does choose to remember our love and devotion. Jer.2:2
I like what God tells Israel through the prophet Isaiah as well; “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Is.49:15 throughout Scripture God tells us that His people are being constantly remembered and with that, they are delivered, protected and cared for. He has engraved us on the palm of His hand and we are the apple of His eye. Israel was commanded by the Lord (in the Mosaic covenant) to sacrifice to the Lord and that these sacrifices would be a pleasing aroma.
These sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the great Sacrifice of Jesus Christ when He gave himself up for us, as Paul tells us, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph.5:1,2 This begs the question; are we offering ourselves up to God as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto Him? Are we spreading the fragrance of Christ in our lives and to the lives of others? When we are not around does the remembrance of us bring a sweet savor to God and men?
Well, the other day when I came back home about mid-morning (Robin had gone to the WOW office) I caught her fragrance when I entered the house. “Ahh! Boy that smelled good.” She stood in front of me in my mind’s eye and a smile came across my face. Her remembrance enlightened my heart and her love for me encouraged my soul. I lifted a prayer of thanks for her and smelled the fragrance once more. It was just a moment in my day, but it was a nice moment, a good moment; a moment that drew us closer together and made me long for the next moment that we would meet.
And because of that little moment, I believe, I do remember that the next time we got together, it was a very pleasant and blessed moment. (I have always thought that those first few minutes when a couple unites again after being separated for some reason, maybe because of jobs or shopping, are very important minutes that can set the atmosphere for their time together. That’s why I think it very important for spouses to ask God for grace for these times. I try to come home with a smile, even if my day is going bad. I want Robin to be glad I’m home. )
But let’s get back to her fragrance. When I lifted my prayer of thanks for her, God reminded me of what Paul told the Corinthians, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ…” 2Cor.2:15 God quickly spoke to my heart that His people bring about the same reaction for Him as Robin’s fragrance did for me! They are brought into His remembrance and because they are the fragrance of Jesus Christ – they are a delight unto His heart. It is amazing to me that God chooses not to remember our sins and wicked past, but He does choose to remember our love and devotion. Jer.2:2
I like what God tells Israel through the prophet Isaiah as well; “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Is.49:15 throughout Scripture God tells us that His people are being constantly remembered and with that, they are delivered, protected and cared for. He has engraved us on the palm of His hand and we are the apple of His eye. Israel was commanded by the Lord (in the Mosaic covenant) to sacrifice to the Lord and that these sacrifices would be a pleasing aroma.
These sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the great Sacrifice of Jesus Christ when He gave himself up for us, as Paul tells us, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph.5:1,2 This begs the question; are we offering ourselves up to God as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto Him? Are we spreading the fragrance of Christ in our lives and to the lives of others? When we are not around does the remembrance of us bring a sweet savor to God and men?
“To
him who is able to keep you from falling and to
present you before his glorious presence without
fault and with great joy- To the only God our Savior
be glory, majesty, power and authority, Through Jesus
Christ our Lord ’Before all ages, now and
forevermore! Amen.” Jude24,25
Think
about it!
Pastor Jim
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