Joel M Bradshaw

14But 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. 15For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.—2 Corinthians 2

Think of the Roman triumphal procession. Generals and armies at the front. Enemies dragged at the back. Incense cranked for the parade. Three basic perspectives here.

1. VICTORY. The triumph was about proclaiming a victory that had already taken place. Christian, here think the cross and empty tomb of Christ. God’s victory over sin and death is a part of your everyday life. Where you go, whom you meet, remember that perspective. You have been made part of the victory parade in Christ.
2. AROMA. That incense would have smelled wonderful to some and horrible to others. God is saving some and not saving others. To the ones leaving their selfishness and being brought to Jesus, it smells good. To others, it is foolish and smells bad.
3. MARCHING. Where would you be in that parade? The captives were marching to certain death. The armies in Paul’s analogy were celebrating their life and hope centered in Jesus. Enemies and disciples were in that parade analogy. The first tastes only death. The second has the hope of eternal life. Who are you?—JMB