The Fragrance of Christ

Some years ago, a Philadelphia newspaper published an article with the following caption: "Couple Sells Candles That Pastor Smell Like Jesus." "Now there's a candle that lets you experience the scent of Jesus, and they have been selling out by the case. Light up a candle called "His Essence" and its makers say you will experience the fragrance of Jesus. The formula for the candle is spelled out in Psalm 45:8. It's a Messianic Psalm referring to the return of Jesus and that His garments will have the scent of myrrh, aloe and cassia." This is the aroma that the candle gives off.

The concept of the "fragrance of Christ" is found in 2 Corinthians.

2:14-15 conveying the idea of the spiritual influence that Jesus and His followers have in the world. The true fragrance of Christ is not emitted from a candle, but from the presence of Jesus in the life of the believer. This is what Paul is referring to in these verses. He is saying that a believer's life will give off a pleasing aroma as a result of the presence of Jesus in his/her life. While Paul uses the term 'fragrance' and 'aroma' metaphorically, it is clear that he is referring to the influence you and I have as we intermingle with spiritually dead people. Yes, a life filled with the 'beauty of Christ does affect others! I referred to a chorus of a bygone era in last Sunday's message. Here it is again in the context of 2 Corinthians 2:14-15. It is certainly a sentiment that we should include in our praying.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me All His wonderful passion and purity Oh, thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

A sculptor was working with his hammer and chisel on a large block of marble. A young boy who was watching him saw nothing more than pieces of stone being chipped away left and right. But when the boy returned to the studio a few weeks later, he saw to his great surprise a large, powerful lion sitting in the place where the block of marble had stood. With great excitement the boy said to the sculptor, "Sir, how did you know there was a lion in that block of marble?" Like the sculptor, God is at work in our lives creating something beautiful; something that is often beyond our expectations. He is working with who we are.....but. He is transforming us into people who will be 'conformed to the image of His Son." (Romans 8:29) Do you ever wonder what He is creating in you? Ephesians 2:10 gives us a hint, "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD WORKS which God has ordained that we should walk in them." While God chips away our old nature, there is nothing more exciting than to be a part of what God is creating in us! 

Let's submit to His work! 

- Pastor Bruce