I want to return once again to the image of the "triumphal procession" that Paul conjures in 2 Corinthians 2. There are so many phrases that bring mental images to my mind in the passage (2:12-17), and there is some historical background that makes Paul's words come to life even more.
In the passage we encounter phrases like, "triumphal procession", "the fragrance of the knowledge of him", "the aroma of Christ", "the smell of death", and "the fragrance of life". Pretty sensory stuff. You can almost see the "parade". You can think of things that, to you, smell full of life- or even things that, to you, smell like death. These words invite us to engage our senses in the reading.
But there is bit of historical context that makes this passage even more vibrant. When Paul wrote these words it is very likely that he was calling to the reader's mind the image of a "Roman Triumphal". A Roman Triumphal, although not all that common of an occurrence, would have been a well known thing to most everyone at the time.
A Triumphal was an honor afforded to a victorious general in the Roman army. It was a huge event and was a real celebration. But there were certain criteria to earning a Triumphal, and there were certain components that connect here very nicely.
A general could not be honored with a Triumphal unless he had served in the field of battle. No "remote command" here. The general had to have fought in battle. The campaign which the general commanded had to be complete. No Triumphal for winning a battle- it had to be the war. In order to earn a Triumphal, the campaign conducted by the general had to have gained new territory. No parade for successfully defending a stronghold or for "re-taking" lost ground. There had to be positive gain. The victory had to be won against a foreign foe- no prize for winning in a civil war.
The spoils of war were paraded through the streets in a Triumphal, along with captured enemy soldiers and leaders who were on their way to prison and execution. And priests marched along swinging censers filled with incense- so much so that the aroma of the victory parade permeated the city.
Well, there is more, but need we go any further? Wow. Do we see the Conquering Savior here? The campaign complete, (death defeated), the "general" serving in the field, (He came and walked among us...), positive gain bringing new "territory", (victory over death for the Jew and the Gentile)... oh my. What a victorious procession!
And imagine the whole scene with the captives and the incense... That smell- the aroma of the incense- would have smelled wonderful to those who were on the side of the victor. It would have literally been the smell of victory. But to those who were captured and were marching to their execution... the smell would have just reminded them of their defeat and their destiny- the smell of death.
To those who accept the Son of God, the aroma of the triumphal procession that Paul speaks of is wonderful. It is like walking into my Grandmother's house and smelling her homemade noodles in progress. It is like the smell of bread baking. It is like the smell of a hardware store. (Not that I am good with any of the things you would find in a hardware store- but I DO like the smell...) It is inviting- it is comforting- it is appetizing.
But to those who choose not to retain the things of God- to those who reject His son, it is like working with sulfur in chemistry lab. It is like not just passing the skunk but actually hitting the skunk, (for you, Ed) It is like the diaper pail at the end of the week. It is repulsive- it is sickening- and it is dreadful.
I just know which side I want to be on.
Just Keep Swimming...
Jon
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