12 Now when I arrived in Troas to proclaim the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord had opened a door of opportunity for me, 13 I had no relief in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and set out for Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. 15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing— 16 to the latter an odor from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like so many others, hucksters who peddle the word of God for profit, but we are speaking in Christ before God as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tim Mitry

I had to look into the background of today’s passage to understand it. In the ancient world, when a king returned home after a great military victory, he would sometimes lead captives through the city in a triumphant parade. It seems that Paul is using a word picture to describe Jesus as a victorious king, and Paul himself as someone being led in Christ’s “triumphal procession.” Paul sees himself both as belonging to Jesus the great victor, and as a conquered enemy whose now serves King Jesus by suffering and looking weak. The Christian life looks like being led in triumphal procession as a defeated foe in the service of the king.

I find that I must often remind myself of my security in God – that in Jesus I belong to him. Often I forget that being ‘in Christ’ is the greatest possible position to hold. Remembering this helps me to approach God confidently and remember the life I am called to live. But being ‘in Christ’ doesn’t make me look strong or victorious. We always serve Christ in weakness to proclaim his victory over sin and death.

Paul’s mindset in this passage is also helpful in reminding me that the sacrificial life of service I am called to live doesn’t please everybody. As we live for Christ, to some people we will be like a “fragrance of life.” But God’s Word also tells us here that others will view our living for him as “the fragrance of death”. That comforts me to persevere in Christ’s mission. I shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged when my friends mock my beliefs about marriage, honesty, or sin. I shall push on daily, In Christ. Because even when I look weak and foolish, Jesus’ plan will still be victorious.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.