But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. 2 Corinthians 2: 14 (NLT)
I love the way The Message paraphrases this passage, too.
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. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
For some reason this passage of scripture took me back to my elementary school cafeteria, where the scent of barbecue wieners (and know, I don’t mean grilled ones either but ones covered in some kind of weird barbecue sauce) would set off a gag reflex in me. Now for those who enjoyed that little delicacy, it was no doubt a pleasing aroma. Each of us was served the same meal but smelled something very different. Likewise with the message of Christ—to one it smells sweet yet to another it stinks.
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You do write some very inspirational posts Wanda and this one is no exception. A pleasure to read.
Yvonne.
Cafeteria lunch room aroma – you made me laugh! Seriously, it was a great analogy. Thanks for sharing it.
It is so true!! You wrote a great analogy to drive the message home lol! Weiners!! haha!
I love the whole imagery provoked by 'aroma, fragrance' scriptures and I LOVED how the Message worded this. Straight to the point.
Well done and have a great WFW Wanda!
Wanda – I had to smile at the cafeteria smell. I think we had those same barbequed weiners in our cafeteria. (And I agree about the smell.)
Your post is so full of truth. Often people reject the message of Christ – it isn't pleasant and sweet to them. Oh, that they would know the glorious riches of knowing Him.
Blessings,
Joan
Hi Wanda,
I find it interesting that God uses our sense of smell to distinguish those attracted to Him against those opposed to Him. Often, my sense of smell made the decision for me without really knowing whether a certain type of food tasted good. As a child, I hated the smell of Black-eyed Peas but years later, after tasting them, I grew to love Black-eyed Peas. Too often, people reject God without ever having a genuine relationship with Him.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
BBQ wieners! Hilarious! But so true, because I love those little things. 🙂 What a unique way to put a great truth. Love it!
I love the message and I love the imagery you've shared. Thanks so much!
Blessings,
penny
Love the message AND the imagery! Gonna remember this one!
Awesome Word and picture to go with! LOL about cafeteria food. 🙂
Have a blessed day!
Sherry
Ahhhh yes, the fragrance that follows us…This is great Wanda, as usual!!
Forget the cafeteria…for me it was coming home to smell mom making liver and onions for dinner…may I NEVER smell like that…;)
peace,
lori
Blessings Wanda… Beautifully done!
Love the way you wrapped the graphics around the "fragrance".
I, too, agree that it's really helpful to have this vivid imagery,
(I'm like that about some foods and smells also, like my neighbor's strong burnt coffee smell) and the comparison of the versions!
This verse was one that became very REAL to me, and was the first verse I chose to memorize in
2009
after reading a wonderful book. And I could not find its title but I'll let you know when I do.
EnJOY WFW!
Peggy
Great word! Something we need to be reminded of often!!
Beautiful picture and verse Wanda!!
I love how you describe it too.
Like others said it is great how some of us are just attracted to Him!
I love this. As someone with allergies, even a "sweet" smell can trigger something ugly. It's not the aroma so much as my ability to receive. When I prepare though, I can handle the smell. As I was reading this post, I thought back to John The Baptist, and how even Christ had a way prepared for Him, so His presence would be received. I really thank God that He makes it so that a way is prepared so those who desire the aroma of His presence can be prepared to receive.
Such a good message.
That's a shouting verse! I love that.
Nice to see you again as I have posted little lately.
Ginger
ooo I did one like this a few years back! I just love the verse and what it resembles!
It IS a sweet perfume! I'm hoping a few people will be 'spritzed' through the challenge. Thanks for linking up with Scripture & A Snapshot this week!!
Great message Wanda! Happy WFW!
You know,the more I read The Message the more I like it!
Thanks for visiting my blogs each week like you do. Really appreciate your kind comments and encouraging words! Have a happy WFW and rest of the week.
Great image and powerful message:)
Thanks for this!
reading blogs since last night gave me the impression that God's telling me to share Him to others. and your blog post for WFW confirmed just that. yes, in my own little way, i will share Jesus to people.
A beautiful WFW, thank you ~ Blessings ~
But to those who know the Lord, oh how sweet His fragrance!!
BLESSINGS, Wanda!
I "ditto" the sentiments of Ms. Sharon Kirby. I certainly pray that I emit a sweet fragrance of Christ and that it is received that way to believers and unbelievers alike. The unbeliever may not recognize the scent, but my prayer it will be attractive enough for him/her to follow his nose. 🙂
Blessings to you, dear Wanda!
I love how you did this, how our senses can take us so many places and how what is good for one, isn't for another at that moment. Perhaps we are just on a different page at that second in time~
That is a fabulous analogy to solidify your point. I never thought of it like that. Excellent.
Love this verse and graphic!!! Great job, thanks so much for sharing for WFW! 🙂