Wednesday, February 17, 2010

59

2 Corinthians 2: 14-16 9 (The Message)

"In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse."

I have always loved this scripture, and with my vivid imagination picturing myself with my head held high, leaving a sweet smell everywhere I go, I am so excited every time I read it. Now, if you don't feel like a VIP after reading this then read it again, because maybe you didn't get it. "Everywhere you go.." you are walking in a victory parade. You always win! You are part of the team that brought home the gold! Everywhere you go you let off the sweet perfume of who Jesus is to those around you. Not only that, you bless the Father because He can smell it too and it's beautiful! So it doesn't matter where in the world you find yourself, what job you end up pursuing, who you marry, where you end up, with Jesus in you, you are a sweet smelling aroma to the world and to the King and He will accomplish the work He needs you to do in the church on earth and the world. There is a little catch... because you "smell" like Jesus, the ones who don't know Him, living their lives for themselves, could possibly hate the aroma (reminding them that they are lacking and dying inside). It's a tricky thought, but Jesus did warn us that some people may reject and hate you as some of them did Him. Don't worry though! Keep walking with your head humbly held high, and imagine the spiritual scent you are leaving behind you. It's beautiful and holy and tells people that there is a Jesus; there is a saviour. What more could we want?

What is the scent? It's the Spirit of Jesus in you manifested in your whole being. Maybe it's the way you speak to people, or the way you react to rude people and tough situations? Maybe it's how you love the unlovely or always treat people equally, bringing justice to the broken world you are traveling through. So don't be discouraged, perfume sometimes lingers with the person wearing it, but sometimes it stays behind after they have walked passed. So let God in you, the sweet smelling aroma, be all that you need to be for the world. And remember that God will always cause you to walk with your head held high and triumphant in all situations. You always win. Praise Jesus.

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