Experiencing Jesus Together Through Lentنموونە

Day 13:

Scripture:

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

A Call To: Reflect
It has been said by friends and family that I love people!  Truthfully, I really do!! I have colleagues at praiseLive that say to me, “You know everyone!” Obviously, that is an exaggeration, but it makes me pause and reflect on “knowing everyone.” Jesus knows everyone, He is the creator. He even knew the ones that would betray Him, the ones that would reject Him and the ones that would crucify Him and yet He loved them! Jesus loves you so much that He was willing to be crucified on a cross--that is true love and sacrifice. That is the kind of love I want to strive for, with the help of Jesus, that I would be able to love others so sacrificially. 

What is a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God? Jesus knew that the Father is drawn to pleasing scents - the scent of a holy offering and a loving sacrifice. What does that look like? Jesus released that scent, a heavenly aroma, in this world. His fragrance conveyed the sweetness and beauty of the love of the Father. It is the aroma of love, grace, mercy, kindness, goodness and holiness.  

Jesus loved so much that He gave His life as a sacrifice for everyone, but also as an act of worship to His Father. Jesus smelled Heavenly!!!! His aroma was undeniable and people wanted to carry His same aroma. He draws us to the Father so that we can have eternal life through Him, Jesus our Saviour! 

Reflection: 

What is your aroma? Do you want to release the same aroma that Jesus did? What does love look like in your life when someone hurts you or betrays you? 

Praise + Prayer:
Dear Jesus,

We praise and adore You! You are worthy of all our praise!! Your name is above every other name. You are Holy and there is none beside You! Please show us how to love as You love! To love “everyone.” Jesus, let us have Your aroma to draw people into relationship with You! Let our aroma be a fragrant and sweet offering, a sacrifice, an act of complete worship to You! Amen