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PERCEIVING THE PRESENCE

Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? – 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NLT)

            In the Triumphal Procession there was always a burning of incense. The people in the crowd would be able to smell the fragrance as the procession passed by. Both the victors and the conquered took part in the parade. For those on the winning side, the incense brought the smell of triumph. To those held captive, it was the smell of certain death.

            Paul uses this incense to describe the life of Christ followers. Jesus presents the life of each believer to His Father as a sweet smelling fragrance. To God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit this perfume is appreciated and cherished. Those who are alive in Christ also smell the aroma of life. But for those who are without Christ, it is the smell of death and separation. Some celebrate victory, while others mourn their ultimate defeat. The believer is saddened over those who reject the fragrance of life, yet at the same time must not cease to rejoice in the triumph of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, let my life always represent a fragrance that You savor.