My hubby Bert and I chatted while driving home from a wonderful social gathering weeks ago. With the heat on full blast, we suddenly noticed a strong, unpleasant odor. After scanning for the usual culprits, we spotted no dead animals on the roadside. At last in our driveway, we burst open the car doors and investigated its several compartments. Nothing. Next, we searched beneath the seats, but came up empty again.
We took off our jackets in the house and, voilà, the offending odor hit us. By process of elimination, we surmised an unsuspecting participant’s strong, spicy cologne or perfume had rubbed off on our clothes. And while their cedary, chili pepper scent pleased them, it assaulted our nostrils with its unpleasant odor.
That’s when God’s word flooded in.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. (2 Cor.2:14-16a, NKJV)
Many Old Testament books, including Genesis, Leviticus, and Numbers, talk about a sweet aroma to the Lord produced by grain and animal sacrifices. God required these offerings to atone for the sin of the people.
But, thank God, the New Testament demonstrates that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the once-and-for-all sacrifice. When we give our hearts and lives to Jesus, because of His death and resurrection, God now knows us as the sweet aroma of Christ. Because of Jesus’ righteousness, we become righteous, and an acceptable aroma to God.
No need to worry whether or not we pass the world’s sniff test. To them, we are a defining fragrance. The aroma that calls them to repentance or continued rebellion. As opposed to the scent our clothes picked up at that gathering, the sweeter our aroma to God, the better.
So, let me ask you a personal question. How’s your aroma?
By author eMarie
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Amen, and thank you for stopping by, Stacy!!! Much appreciated!! 🙂
Hi Robby, thank you for stopping by and leaving such a sweet message! And right back at you!!! 🙂
I love this reminder! And, may I say that your life and writing gives off the aroma of Christ to all you meet. Blessings:)
Hi Erma!
I loved your post. What a happy reminder to rejoice in all things.
Blessings,
Stacy
Hi Valerie, I remember when Irish Spring was all the rage!!! Thank God for His love and aroma in/on us!!! <3
Hopefully, good! I remember we had several patients that bathed with Irish Spring. We could smell it in the entryway when they came in and they left their scent in the treatment rooms. It wasn’t terribly unpleasant just strong! Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Becky, thanks for stopping by!! Amen, thank you, Jesus, for your loving aroma for us!!! 🙂
Hi Erma–how’s my aroma? Ummmm . . . you’ve given me something to think about! I hope I have a sweet aroma for Christ, but I’m sure I can work on it for improvement. But one thing’s for sure. Christ’s loving aroma for me can’t be beat. It’s perfect, true, and never runs low.
We need more Jesus lovers in our lives!!! Thanks for stopping by, Dave! 🙂
Oh dear.
What’s that smell?
Oh. Whew! Been rubbing up against another Jesus lover.
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
Great reminder.:)