Discover His heart: He comfort to us enables us to comfort others and transforms us into His Christ-like fragrance
I love this time of the year when we celebrate Easter, a glorious day! For Jesus, the week before His crucifixion and resurrection was filled with travel, teaching, great moments in prayer and also with fragrance. Yes, fragrance. “While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head…‘She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.’” (Matthew 26:7,12)
As He prepared Himself for the greatest challenge of His life, the cross, His fragrance permeated His surroundings. No doubt this fragrance blessed and comforted those who loved Him but disgusted those who were seeking to kill Him. Because He was victorious on the cross and defeated death through His resurrection, we, too, can be victorious in our challenges and fill our world with His fragrance.
@ 2 Corinthians 1
Sometimes we wonder why we go through the challenges we face. Ultimately, God is concerned not so much about why, but with what we do with our challenges. How do we respond to them? “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (4-5) In light of this, I have to admit that my flesh doesn’t really desire to be all that helpful to others in this way – I’ll pass on the trouble, but thank you for offering.
On the other hand, I also know the incredible joy that comes from comforting someone who is passing through a difficult place where I have been. Solving the troubles of others may or may not be our task, but encouraging them with the hope of moving past their problems through our testimony is invaluable to them. Acknowledging the presence of the Lord through all of our own troubles offers comfort and strength found nowhere else. While I’m hesitant to ask the Lord to bring it on regarding trouble, I’m confident of the abiding comfort He will give me when I need it most. In the process, I truly desire to share the fragrance of His comfort with others.
@ 2 Corinthians 2
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” (15) In the United States, we are excessively concerned about our personal fragrance, our smell. I’ve visited several countries around the world where I dare say a more conscientious approach to personal hygiene would be welcomed, but Americans are extreme in this. By the time I have finished grooming each morning, I am wearing no less than eight different scents, which more than likely contribute to my allergy problems. However, Paul was speaking of a different kind of fragrance.
“But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (15-16). Only those who are washed by the blood of Jesus, cleansed from the stench of sin’s decay, are adequate to represent Him by wearing His fragrance. To fellow believers, we are a life-giving perfume, but to the lost, we are a constant reminder of their need for cleansing. Oh, that they would tire of the dreadful smell of doom and instead run to the cross, allowing His fragrant perfume to fill their lives. I’m forever challenged to smell just like Him.
Moving Forward: Through the eyes of the Spirit, I will look for those in need of comfort, sharing His comfort with them, wearing His Christ-like fragrance.
Tomorrow @ Exodus 13-16
Phyllis Benigas 