A sweetness...

The Bible is filled with interesting metaphors. This text from St. Paul contains two metaphors:

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere” (I Corinthians 2:14).

The first metaphor is of a victorious general leading his troops in a triumphal procession with the spoils of war following behind. Followers of Jesus are the captives who are making up the spoils of the battle Jesus won on the Cross over evil. Philip E. Hughes describes the truth this way: “We who were God’s former enemies (Romans 5:11) have been overcome and taken captive by Him and are led and displayed by Him to the world, not just on one passing occasion, but everywhere and everyday” (p. 78). Anyone who has experienced the power of the the transformation of the Gospel is a trophy of God’s grace. God loves to parade his trophies to the world. Walk proudly as one of Christ’s captive!

The second metaphor is also from the triumphal entry of the general to the city. While the procession of soldiers and captives went through the streets sweet perfumes were released through the burning of spices. The aroma of victory enhanced the celebration. St. Paul argues that followers of Jesus are bearers of the sweetness of knowledge of Christ. This knowledge is not merely facts of the Good News but the reality of the spiritual unity of Christ and his followers. What kind of sweet aroma do you and I live in our world?

Ronald Friesen © 2015