September 18, 2005

HE LEADS IN TRIUMPH

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

 

   "Thanks be to God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place. (For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved and in them that perish. To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other we are the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?) For we are not as the many who corrupt [huckster] the word of God: But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).

   Paul alluded to a scene then common but unknown today. The victorious Roman Legions, upon returning to Rome, would parade the valiant troops followed by two bands of prisoners. Prisoners all, yet some were spared to live while other prisoners were appointed to be slain. An incense of sweet fragrance was spread all around the prisoners who were promised liberty. But a putrid malodorous fragrance was strewn over the captives who were to die. Christ is the Victor pictured as leading both bands. Those who are being saved are the "sweet savor of Christ," and those who are perishing are a savor of something else. Regardless of the response of the hearers, Paul's proclamation was a "sweet savor of Christ."

   Upon her defeat and capture Cleopatra said, "I will not be led in triumph," and killed herself. Here Paul was glad to be lead in triumph by so great a Victor as the Lord Jesus Christ. It is no shame to be His prisoner of love!

   This same illustration is used in Colossians 2:15, where Christ "...blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of the openly, triumphing over them in it " (the cross). God will be glorified in the triumph of Christ over all, whether being saved or perishing, for that is the same scene where "every knee shall bow." Paul faithfully proclaimed Christ's victory without corrupting, bartering, or huckstering in any way. May we speak as Paul and also stand in that glorious throng, a sweet savor of life unto life!

 

Ivan L. Burgener