Fragrance of Christ

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. —2 Corinthians 2:15

Some scents are unforgettable. They bring an emotional response and pleasant memory of people we loved. 

Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell.

So, what if our lives were a fragrance that attracted people to God? 

2 Corinthians 2:15 says that “we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 

Our fragrance is pleasing to God, but it also attracts others to Him or repels them. 

We who understand the sacrifice of Jesus have the opportunity to be the fragrance of Christ.

We can be a reminder of the Lord Jesus Christ to others.

The sweet scent of the likeness of Christ can be an irresistible pull toward the Savior.

When we walk with God, we leave behind a sweet fragrance that can inspire others to follow.

Certainly, the gospel has a sweet spiritual aroma for those who believe.

The Word of Truth

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself spoke of Jonah and the giant fish, and Noah and the flood, as actual events: "As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be".

"For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matt. 24:37-39). His return will happen when we are not expecting it.

The Lord Jesus Christ compared Jonah’s 3 days inside the big fish to the 3 days He would experience in the grave before His resurrection (Matt. 12:40).

And apostle Peter talked about Noah and the flood when he equated it to a future day when Jesus comes back (2 Peter 2:4-9).

God gave us His Word; it is a book that is filled with truth, and not fairy tales.

And one day, we will live happily ever after with Him when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again and receives His children to Himself.

God Alone is our Helper

"Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands." (Psalm 115:4)

Many things vie for our affection and time and attention.

We need to always evaluate where we are focusing our lives.

Joshua told the people of Israel that they were to give their affection and worship to God alone (Joshua 24:14).

This was significant in contrast to the idols worshipped by the nations around them.

These idols were made of metal and were only the work of men's hands.

They were totally powerless compared to the Lord.

God's people were exhorted to find their security in Him and not in other gods.

The Lord Jesus Christ reiterated this in His discussion of the commandments, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37).

The Lord alone is our help and shield. Let us reserve our worship for Him. Never place someone or something above God!

God, Help us Persevere

"But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

This is God's promise to us.

God promises supernatural staying power and stamina.

Believers who depend on the Lord can persevere long.