TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)
When Rome conquered an enemy, the captives were led through the street of the city in a solemn parade. The conquering general rode down the Via Sacra (which means “Sacred Way,” the main street of ancient Rome). His chariot was followed by his troops, condemned prisoners, captive kings and princes, and other trophies of victory. Fragrant clouds of incense wafted over the procession, and spectators lined the way in witness of the grand display. The parade ended at Capitoline Hill, where the prisoners were led off to execution, or thrown into dungeons.
In our scripture for today, Paul uses this imagery to describe another procession of captives. Followers of Jesus who were once slaves to sin have been captured by Jesus. We who have surrendered to the Lord are led in a triumphant procession that also ends at a hill. But this hill is named Calvary, and at this location a great act of mercy occurred. Christ paid the death penalty that we owed by dying on a bloody cross. Those have received Him, will not be condemned and executed, but rather saved and set free. Hallelujah…spread the news!
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