THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST
Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 2-3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Underneath the Convent of the Sisters of Zion inside the Old City of Jerusalem, pilgrims can visit stone pavings which are claimed to be the Stone Pavement (Lithostrotos) where Pilate had his judgement seat (John 19:13). This place is considered to be the second station of the Via Dolorosa (the path that Jesus took while carrying His cross on the way to be crucified). The Roman soldiers' game in Lithostrotos pavement can still be seen as shown in the picture above. Markings in the paving stones, indicating a dice game known as the King's Game, suggested this was where Jesus was mocked by the soldiers (John 19:2-3).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:7, 3:18
…so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow….But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
God is doing a wonderful work in the lives of the Corinthian people! What a joy! What has produced a people whose very presence exudes the fragrance or aroma of Christ?
First – As a result of the strong ministry in 1st Corinthians, and their obedience, individuals were changed. Their lives reflected the One they were beholding, Jesus Christ.
Second – They forgave and restored the brother who was living immorally of whom we read in 1st Corinthians chapter 5. Paul’s “anguish of heart” and “many tears” of intercession (2:4) was rewarded with a new unity in the Church.
Third – Integrity, right living, honesty in all things, particularly in the sincerity with which the Gospel is presented (2:17). This is the character of Christ revealed in the administration of the cause of Christ.
The glorious result is that “we all” see the glory of the Lord and “ARE BEING TRANSFORMED.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, please continue the transformation of my life into the image of Christ. I am beholding You (seeing with insight) in the mirror of Your Word each day as I read and pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My meditation brings to mind the words of the Roman Governor, Pilate. When he thrust Jesus forward in front of the crowd, he said, “Behold the man” (John 19:1-11). In so doing he focused the gaze of the ages on Jesus. Jesus was dressed in an old robe of royal purple in order to mock His claim to be the King. The crown of thorns was pressed into His brow. I have just read Psalm 22. I am deeply moved, and I give my life to Him in a renewed commitment.
Paul writes of “so many, peddling the word of God.” As a TV evangelist, I hear that! Many times I’ve been asked, “What do you do?” I’ll mumble something unintelligible, and change the subject to a conversation that may lead to an opportunity to share Jesus. I don’t want to talk about TV evangelists. I just want to talk about Jesus. I weep as I type these words over the poor witness to Jesus that we have often portrayed. Oh how I desire to be changed from glory to glory, so that I may reflect the Person of Christ in a more accurate way.
Yours for the work of “the Spirit of the Lord” in us all,
David
P.S. Rev. Tom Johnstone, whom I mentioned a few days ago, was a Pastor in Montreal. He told the story of walking through a slum area when suddenly he smelled a beautiful fragrance in the air. He looked down the alley, and there were the girls who worked in a perfume factory. They were sitting outside eating their lunch. They were saturated in the aroma of their occupation. Let us be occupied every day in making the fragrance of Christ present everywhere.
It was St. Francis of Assisi who was quoted as saying “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” When you think on it, all of our life is an expression of the gospel to the world … our joyfulness, integrity, honesty, actions, work, play, etc. Never then underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit as revealed through your life to others around you. The Holy Spirit has gifted us in different ways and will call us to undertake tasks under varying circumstances. I think the key is to be open to God working in and through our lives and to be willing to be a vessel by which the Holy Spirit can accomplish those tasks for His glory.
Watched the beginning of “The Bible” series last evening. Our readings in your Blog David, have made the presentation so much more interesting and real. It was definately a “fast forward” but the storyline, acting and special effects were outstanding. Todays reading reminded me of Proverbs 23:7 …”as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”. I pray our Lords countinence to shine upon us in all we think and do, especially as we reflect on the sacrifice Christ paid for us on the cross, and celebrate His resurrection!
I believe we are growing (changing) – our eyes are more open now through this blog. Loved “The Bible” last night.
Don’t get the History channel but a friend is taping ‘The Bible’ series for me; looking forward to watching it. So much to 2 Cor 2-3 to uncover. I started writing a post that has turned into several pages. Paul is so right on–my favourite apostle of all time. He sets the example for us to follow, after Jesus.
Bless you, David Mainse, and fellow saints!
Good blogs, David, Scott, David and Doreen! Feel I have a deeper understanding than a few months ago and I can see the Hand of God blessing me as I put His Word first and giving me the victory! Praise the Lord!
I agree with you, Ger. I, too, feel I have such a better understanding than even a few months ago.
Beverlee, I phoned Shaw Direct satellite and asked them to put the History channel on for The Bible and then disconnected it and they were willing. Would like to read your post. God bless all.
Ger, it is way too much to put on here, but send me an email and I will be glad to share it with you: busch@cogeco.ca
Bless you!
Amen, Amen !
Lianne Hogg
I so much enjoy reading all your comments and I say AMEN !!! to everyone. This blog has meant so much to me and although I don’t leave comments very often, I read all of them and I am so blessed every day. Reading through the Bible with David Mainse and studying the scriptures along with him has given me a renewed thirst for the Word. Thank you David and Reynold and your team for doing this blog so faithfully every day. I want to portray the image of Christ in my life and only through His Spirit living in me am I able to accomplish this. God bless you fellow bloggers.
I think everyone else that knows you would agree with me, but growing up in an age of disgraced evangelists, prosperity preachers and downright charlettons behind the pulpit, you have been a shining example of integrity to me personally through the years. Your ministry has always directed us to Jesus and that is where you have always earned my respect. Getting to know you just as a person, only confirmed my trust in you. I always believed you should never meet your heroes because you will be disapointed: You have shattered that belief! Thank you.
I agree wholeheartedly Yuergen.
a beautiful photo again today, Reynold, and beautiful ‘picture’ David, of being ‘perfumed’ with the fragrance of Jesus each day.
Dear David, and precious bloggers. What a fabulous journey i have been priviliged to be a part of since the very first day of the 100 Words. i starve daily for fresh manna of the 100 Word blog. I have grown so much, and have learned so much, and my deepest desire is for every one i come in contact with would be able to share my Jesus,and all the JOY PEACE and LOVE that he gives. GOD BLESS you all,
I’ve enjoyed being in the company of such Christians!!
Thank you all for your comments too!!
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.
Amen!! Amen!! & Amen!!
Nancy