I absolutely love…fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! When I see some, I just have to sample them (just to make sure they are okay, of course)! But even better than eating them is the aroma of them while they are baking…oh my goodness! In fact, the familiar smell is so powerful in its appeal, that real estate professionals have been telling homeowners to bake cookies just before their house is to be shown to potential buyers for years. Why? Because the wonderful aroma of the fresh baked delicacies reminds potential buyers of the smell of home. The familiar smell brings about an irresistible desire to indulge.
The apostle Paul acknowledges the power of an ‘aroma’ in referring to the example of a Roman military commander returning to his city after a victorious battle, leading his troops through a throng of citizens who filled the air with celebratory fragrances of spices and incense…Paul writes: “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 In-other-words, God wants us, his followers, to be – ‘an aroma of life leading others to eternal life’ – making Christ irresistible to the world.
Jesus told his disciples, “You will be my witnesses….’ – Acts 1:8 Our lives are to reflect the love, the joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…all qualities that the Holy Spirit helps us to master. Think about this: Even at the early age of 12, Jesus had such a presence about him that even the religious leaders of the day were taken by his demeanor. (Luke 2:41ff) They could not believe that the son of an ordinary carpenter could speak which such authority and had such a commanding presence about him. Yet he did! And so, should we.
Jesus was the most influential person in history because of his knowledge and commitment to scripture. He didn’t just know it, he lived it. His life exuded the call of scripture. And as a result, his life put off such a sweet aroma to those who came in contact with him that they wanted whatever he possessed. Paul went on the write to the Corinthians, “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” – 2 Corinthians 2:16 The aroma of our lives should be such that we inspire others to want to be like us, not because we are good but because Christ lives inside of us. The joy we reflect is because of the grace and mercy that has been shown toward us, mortal sinners by nature, but redeem children of God because of Christ. And that can only be made possible when we allow the Holy Spirit to live in our life through the Word of God.
Yes, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies will certainly get your attention! But a life lived in Jesus leaves even a greater aroma for others to see!
Psalm 97:10 – “Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hands of the wicked.”
Blood Drive…is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12 at the building. A sign-up sheet is in the foyer on the table by the nursery. For more information please see Ms. Phyllis Kurz.
This week at the Muscatine Church… Our first sermon series of the year has been: Second Chances, a study of God’s grace extended toward us. We bring this study to a close this week as we look at When Grace Happens. I look forward to seeing you for worship at 10:00am on our campus, or it you can’t be with us in person, join us live on YouTube (from our website) or via MPW Cable channel 3. Invite a friend and tell others how to find us and tune in on Sunday mornings!
I love you and pray for you!
DJA
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