Scripture

To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are life giving perfume.

Observation

When Paul went to Troas, the Lord opened up a ministry opportunity for him. He was worried about Titus so he went in search of him.

God has made us His captives. He leads us in Christ’s victory parade. To those who are born again, the ministry of believers is a life-giving perfume. Bu to those who are perishing,t it is like the smell of death because it reminds them of their fate without Christ.

The analogy here is a Roman military procession. The prisoners of war were led through the streets. Incense was burnt along the way that was a sweet incense to the victors, but an awful reminder of their impending death for the captives.

Application

To those of us who are saved, the gospel is Good News. We remind ourselves regularly that Christ died for us and we will be raised to eternal life with God. Thos who refuse the offer of salvation will go to hell.

On the surface, it seems odd that people on the so called “progressive” side of politics often hate Christians but support Muslims. Often the Muslims they support have opposing, even extreme, views, on many issues such as LGBT for example. These people hate Christians because to them they are the stench of death; they remind them of the punishment awaiting them.

Of course, Christ’s gift is available to all people. How quickly the stench of death can be turned into life giving perfume.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for dying and paying the price for me. You are the sweet perfume of life. Amen.