Victory Parade

14But 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. 15For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.16To 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? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Thoughts: Paul pictured Christ as the ultimate triumphant person.  In Roman society that would be the triumph parade  of a general.  The politicians would come first, then the trumpeters. Then came the spoils of the land and pictures or models of citadels conquered. Then a white bull would be paraded through to be sacrificed.  Then the conquered princes and leaders would come- eventually to be pardoned to become Romans or killed.  Then priests would come swinging incense- the aroma of victory- right before the general would arrive in his chariot pulled by four horses.  To those on the victorious general's side, the smell of the incense was an aroma of victory, but to those who were the conquered this smell was the aroma of defeat.
     We are part of Christ's victory parade.  For us the victory aroma is a blessing.  Others are adamantly opposed to Christ for His victory means the defeat of their pride.  

Prayer: Lord, let me proudly march  in your great victory parade.  May I rejoice that you are victorious and therefore I am as well.  

Titus Arch Image- part of General Titus' victory parade