2 CORINTHIANS 2
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
2 CORINTHIANS 2 THE AROMA OF CHRIST IN US
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When God chose you to be one of his children
He made you a sibling of Jesus Christ
Like your brother Jesus, you are also God’s heir
You are an aroma of Christ to your Father
To those who are being saved, you are pleasing
To the unbelieving, you are perishing.
Paul relates to the Corinthian believers in this letter his concern that he didn’t see his brother Titus when he preached in Troas. Although he appreciated the blessing of a door opening for him to preach the gospel there, he was a bit perturbed that he didn’t find his brother there. So, he proceeded to Macedonia and there he found another opportunity to declare the gospel. What a blessing it was that he was directed to leave Troas when he was worried about Titus and was led to find new opportunities to preach the Good News. The Spirit of the Lord shifted his mindset from worry to joy. Joy that he was given all these occasions to declare the word of God and be like the fragrance that is pleasing to God.
Even the strongest apostle of Christ experienced worry over a brother he was hoping to see. Isn’t this very true of us too in our lives? When we love someone whom we have the same beliefs and calling, we long to be with them especially when we face challenges in our work for God. God blessed him with a change in scene so he can change his mind.
REFLECTION
· Share some struggles you encounter as you bring the gospel to the world.
