“But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2nd Corinthians 2:14
Personally, I have never met anyone who wanted to be on the losing side of anything! The Bible tells us that believers are on the winning side, but the question is, how far does that victory extend? Paul describes the limitless measure of the believer’s victory, informing us that it permeates into every place!
When a Roman general won a battle that was significant to the state of Rome they were given a “triumph” voted on by the Roman senate. It was a national holiday highlighted by a parade through the streets of Rome. The conquering hero drove a gold (great value) chariot pulled by a white (victory) horse. Attached to the back of the chariot was a chain. At the end of the chain were soldiers of the defeated army, manacled and dragged through the streets signifying complete victory. Bowls of incense were burned. All of this is full of meaning and application.
Prior to salvation we were at enmity with God, but He overcame us not with sword or spear, but by His redemptive love. Now, like those captive soldiers behind the general’s chariot we are being carried along in the victory train of our Master and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as the incense associated with victory alerted all there that day (even the deaf and blind), the believer’s life gives off a spiritual fragrance to all those with which he/she comes into contact.
Sometimes we are successful in seeing people come to Christ, and sometimes we sadly see those who reject coming to Christ. In either case whether seeming success, or seeming failure, they have been confronted with the knowledge of God both by the aroma of the witness of our life and the testimony of our lips. What greater cause for thanksgiving? Thank and praise the Lord!
Jon Moore
