Shortly before Jesus died, we see that Mary anointed him with oil. Not just any oil, but highly valuable and expensive oil used as perfume. Upon Jesus’ death, he was once again anointed with oils of fragrance to mask the smell of decay that usually occurs a few days after death.
The interesting thing is that potentially Jesus was resurrected before his tomb began to fill with the stench of death. Since he rose from the dead a mere 3 days after death, in an enclosed tomb, it’s very plausible that he still smelled of the perfume and fragrances that he was anointed with prior to his burial.
As Jesus rose with the fragrance of worship and care by his disciples, it reminds me that we also are to be a fragrant offering to God, and by this also arousing the interest of those who don’t know him.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” — 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
As believers, we are to live out our faith in ways that encourage others toward the gospel. We are to display the glorious salvation that we have attained through the sacrifice of the One who was without sin. As we walk the talk of faith, we will bring glory to God because we are testifying of the changes He has done within us.
Without Him, we are dead in our transgressions. Yet with Him, we are alive and have the opportunity of displaying His heart-changing work among our neighborhoods & community.
Our salvation has a fragrance. It draws others deeper into understanding the work of God in our lives.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2
How are we doing at imitating God? Not that our good works and efforts to live like Him is what saves us; but because we are saved, how are we living our faith through walking in love and as a sacrifice to God?
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” — Romans 12:1-2
May we be filled with the fragrance of Christ as we worship Him, learn from Him and follow Him. May we be a fragrance to those around us, whether saved or unsaved, and may it draw others to His mercy and grace offered in salvation.
Let us pray and walk faithfully with the Lord to that end.
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I love the word “fragrance” and your statement “Our salvation has a fragrance. It draws others deeper into understanding the work of God in our lives.” is so true. Thank you for sharing, Holly
May we continue to bask in this fragrance and share it with others. 🙂
Happy Sunday!