There is one sermon that has stayed with me all of my life.
I heard it in Seminary 37 years ago. Whoa, that's long ago.
It was a young student in Preaching Class who delivered it.
I never forgot it - to this very day.
We are all chained to the Chariot! 2 Corinthians 2:14
Now 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. We are the Aroma of Christ . ...
The Romans knew the Grandeur of a Triumphal Procession.
It was a solemn majestic ceremonial honor bestowed on a victorious General
who had gained a signal victory. Clad in a Purple Robe of gold and pearls,
the General, crowned in gold, held a Branch of Laurel as he rode through the city
in a Magnificent Chariot flanked with gold and ivory drawn by 2 white horses.
Pompey conquered Africa and his chariot was drawn by 2 elephants.
Mark Antony, by lions. Heliogabalus, by tigers. Aurelius, by deer.
Musicians and young men led the Grand Procession through the streets
Followed by the Victims who were ready to be sacrificed.
And then came...
The Spoils Taken From The Enemy: Kings, Princes, Generals taken in war!
And then came...
The Triumphal Chariot
Followed by the Senate; closed by the Priests.
The Pomp Parade passed through the Via Sacra, Triumphal Arc
where the victims were slain. And the Temples were opened and incense burned
all over the city. Smells of smoke and incense. All because...
they were Chained to the Chariot.
So here is St. Paul's Grand Triumph over the same people.
Paul's triumph was in Christ. To Christ be all The Glory!
Just like the smoke of the victims burned and the incense lit filled the whole city, so the Fragrance of the Name and Doctrine of Christ filled the whole of Corinth. St. Paul and his fellow apostles triumped over idols and devils and ignorance and vice.
Will I, this day, share the Name and the Doctrine and allow His Fragrance to permeate the places where I live and love.
Chained to the Chariot!
I'm sorry to be in a bit of a hurry but I had to tell you that You ALL smell so good over here!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day seeking Him with all your hearts!
Whoa!
More than glad to be chained to the chariot with this string of pearls. Beautiful word picture Bev,could see all of it in my mind...the Romans and then Paul.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful word picture isn't it!
ReplyDeleteWe are captives spreading the fragrance of Christ in His Triumphal Procession.
His Name be glorified!