THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST
Today’s 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 judgment 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” (2:17). 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 saturated every day in the fragrance of Christ, so that He becomes present wherever we go!
Thank You Jesus for taking my place on that cross. I am the guilty one – You are the One without failure (sin). Alone. The Father not looking upon You as You bore the sin of us all. No “thanks” is ever enough. Please help me to live remembering the price You paid. Amen
Thanks for your prayers yesterday for Jacob & family. I got word late in the day that Jacob came through the surgery well. He will be in the recovery mode now before going back to his Native Village where help is not easily available. Thank You Lord. May Your Hand be upon him through recovery & after. May he & his family realize You are the “Doctor in Charge”. Amen
Amen!!!
Thank you God!!!
Amen
Dear Lord God, thank You for the faithful ones who bring Your Word to this hungry and dying world. Please keep Your people faithful to You, Lord, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen
Very deeply touched!
Amen! So glad to hear Jacob is doing well.
Amen for Rob’s prayer.
Amen , God heard our prayers for a friend of mine. She had breast cancer, had surgery and now does not need chemotherapy or radiation. Praising God today.
I pray for Beverlee, that her move has gone smoothly. We will most likely hear from her when she gets her internet hooked up and gets everything put away.
God bless everyone today.
Amen
Amen
Thank you God for answered prayers!!!
https://youtu.be/BlUsGfXo8Ww
So very thankful for answer to prayer for Jacob.
May the fragrance of Jesus fill his life; all of our lives.
I’m sorry to say that Jacob is not out of the woods just yet. Christiana just called me saying he is on a ventilator now. His lungs had fluid so they are doing further testing. I believe it sounds serious. He is on 57 years old. His wife can be there for one hour during the day but his children had to return home. I told my friend we would keep praying. Thank you folks. I place Jacob before the Lord tonight, asking Him for His Healing Touch on Jacob which will be a great witness to the tribe up North of Quebec. Amen
Yes God heal Jacob and bless the family In Jesus Name Amen!!!
March 4, 2021. Pat Jones. To all of you who write into the blog our Lord is still the healer and He will answer the prayers of His people. Our Lord once us all to stand firm and keep our eyes on Him . God bless you all. Friends in Christ.
Praying for Jacob, and for his wife and family.
May the peace of Christ and His healing power surround Jacob and his family!
Amen to all the above comments and thank you rob for your prayer praying for for Jacob and Beverly k and hopefully her move went well and missing her comments and posts and I pray everybody has a blessed day amen 🙏🙏