Triumphal Procession
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always
leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the
fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma
of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are
perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance
from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not
peddlers of God’s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of
sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. Nike fought on
the side of the Olympian gods, gaining a victory over the mighty Titans. As a
result, she became a symbol of winning. But Nike’s alleged powers were not just
limited to warfare. She also became a favorite goddess of athletes who wanted
to win in competitive sports. The Romans adopted her into their worship and
gave her the Latin name
In the Greco-Roman world where Paul taught, victory was highly
valued. So when he expressed Christian truth, he used words his audience could
understand. In his letters, he described Christ as the One who leads us in a
military procession of triumph and compared the Christian life to someone
training for the ancient Olympic games.
Paul also used the word for victory in reference to our struggles
with those who intentionally hurt us. This may mean returning kindness for
spite or respectfully setting limits on evil behavior. In either case, an
attitude of love cannot be generated in our own strength. But in Christ, we
have divine power that ancient pagans could only hope for. Jesus Christ is the
genuine God of victory.
God will give us the victory
when we join Him in the fight.
Our Daily Bread – January 22, 2009