Waft Jesus Their Way

Spring’s upon us, and I know because the forsythia has already blossomed.

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and you know, when I used to live back east in Maryland, I loved late February, early March when the yellow forsythia would bloom. Up and down the streets, along the fence in the backyard that bright, happy yellow color – it was a, I don’t know, it was a reminder of that spring was not far away. And I beg to disagree that forsythia does not have a fragrance like most flowers. I love its freshness. It’s got this fresh scent that smells so clean and new. It’s like a cool, earthy scent. When I would cut branches of forsythia and place them in a tall vase, the whole room would be filled with the freshness of an early spring day. Yep, this time of year I’m loving all the outdoor smells. You know how it is – the cold wind shifts, carrying on the breeze the scent of a seasoned-wood fire from a neighbor’s chimney. And yeah, it’s still cold enough to have fires. Or you lean out your window on a bright, sunny day in early March and draw a deep breath, and you can smell the scent of pine from a nearby woods. Or somebody baking pie next door. I love this time of year because of the wonderful new aromas in the air. It’s amazing how a scent – even a fragrance – evokes powerful feelings. 

And 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 evoke something else that’s powerful; it’s the perfect passage for a day like this. And this is what it says: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” Now that should tell you about the power of fragrance. Yes, you and I as Christians, we waft the aroma of Jesus to others, whether they are being saved or among those who are perishing. But consider with me the very first part of this verse. Because get this – we are the fragrance of Christ not merely to others. No, it says we’re the aroma of Christ to God. Wow! You forget about that part, but it’s so key; it’s so amazing. Because when it says that we are the fragrance of Christ to God, it’s really saying, “Oh, friend, live in such a way that your actions will perpetually remind God of the obedience and the sacrifice and the devotion of his Son the Lord Jesus. I mean, don’t you want your words and your deeds to bring to God’s mind fragrant memories of the earthly life of his Son.” Talk about a privilege! Talk about a high honor! I mean, think of it that your obedience today, and mine, might remind God of the obedience of his Son, Jesus. That our sacrifices remind God of the sacrifice that Jesus made? That our devotion reminds him of the devotion of his own Son? Man, that is nothing short of amazing. 

What’s more, our godly actions and deeds not only remind God of his Son, but remind others of him, too – whether they believe in Jesus or not. To be obedient among the fellowship of believers is to carry with you the fragrance of Christ. To be obedient in a wicked world is to remind others of the stench of death. But that’s not bad! Sometimes the wicked need to face their own mortality and be awakened out of their spiritual slumber. So no matter how others interpret it, just be certain to waft Jesus their way. Yes, for me the scent of forsythia brings to mind memories of Maryland. And in the same way, may your life of obedience bring God a memory of his Son, Jesus.

© Joni and Friends