Spreading the Fragrance

Day 240: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

“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.” - 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Roman triumphal processions were common in the first century Empire. It had to do with slaves the armies led to execution. Paul draws on this picture as he writes that this is the proper view of what Jesus was doing with his life.

Ben Witherington helps us as he wrote, “As God drags Paul around as his slave, the knowledge of Christ emanates from Paul wherever he goes.”

The Corinthians were very unimpressed with Paul’s insistence on humility. His GoFundMe wasn’t flush with cash, and he wasn’t seeking one million Instagram followers. Paul didn't seek to build his own brand. He was in it to sacrifice for his Lord Jesus.

Where does this leave us? We are the true aroma of Christ when we reject self-preservation at all costs. We exist, as Christians, to try and bring life to those who smell us. There is significant risk in committing to this lifestyle, but it is a decision we won’t regret.

It is worth it to follow Jesus, in life or death.

Paul's words are being brought into full view for us today as we see our brothers and sisters in Christ walking through extreme suffering because of their faith around the world.

Oh, the stories we will tell for eternity in heaven of God’s unending faithfulness and the honor of obeying Him.