We Smell
2 Corinthians 2:14
"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.
To illustrate the strength of the almighty God, and our role in his victory, Paul used a well-known Roman show of strength to drive his point home-the Roman Triumph.
A highlight of Roman life, the Triumphs were the celebration of a victorious army returned from war. The conquering general would parade through the streets, surrounded by his troops and jubilant crowds. Together they would bask in the glory of their army's success, while priests burned incense to honor the gods that allowed the victory.
The pungent scents reminded the Romans of their victory and life. But these same smells evoked fear and thoughts of impending death for others in the streets. Taking up the rear of the parade, shackled and defeated, were the Romans' enemies, held captive and headed to the slaughter for the finale of the celebration.
Some people will read Paul's words in verse 14 and interpret it to mean that Christ is the victorious general, leading his followers (as members of his conquering army) in a grand victory parade. However, Paul actually is describing himself as one of Christ's conquered enemies. "For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena" (1 Corinthians 4:9).
Paul was an enemy of God, and so were we. While we may not have persecuted Christians or sought to end the spread of the gospel as Paul did in his early life, we were born in sin, at odds with God's will. Paul recognized this and the story he tells here is of Christ's triumph over our flesh. Through His sacrifice, He has captured us in love (2 Corinthians 5:14) calling us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25). In doing so, the aroma of Christ is spread around the world.
Just as the Roman incense evoked different responses from people, the aroma of Christ can be either the smell of death or the fragrance of life. The message of the gospel divides the world. To those who receive it and believe, it is an encouragement of life to come. To others it is an ugly thing that reeks of pain, suffering, and death. Yet, when Christians take up their cross and proclaim the victory of Christ, it is pleasing to God. *Therefore be imitators of God, beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us a fragrant offering" (Ephesians 5:1-2).