JOHN 12, PART 1, THE SWEET FRAGRANCE OF HIS PRESENCE

 

The sweet Fragrance of his presence;

our prayers and oUR praise.

https://momsdevotions.com/2018/07/25/the-aroma-of-christ/

The Scriptures frequently mention sweet smells. There is something very special these word pictures. Notice what is said about the ointment Mary poured on Jesus’ feet. This was an act of worship for her.

 

John 12:1   Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.

2   There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.

3   Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. [NKJV]

The priests in the tabernacles burned incense as they prayed at the altar before the Holy of Holies. The smell of the incense was very sweet and it represented the prayers ascending to the throne of God. God’s Glory descended in response on many occasions. This example from John 12:1-3 motivates us to spend time in God’s presence, to worship and praise Him, and the results of doing so become an expression of our mutual love affair with God. Song of Solomon is my favorite book in the Bible because it’s an amazing love story about the relationship God wants to have with His people individually and corporately. The book starts with mention of the fragrance of His presence in response to the adoration of the people of God for Him.agrance of His presence in response to the adoration of the people of God for Him.

Song of Songs 1:3   Your presence releases a fragrance so pleasing— over and over poured out. For your lovely name is “Flowing Oil.” No wonder the brides-to-be adore you. [TPT]

 

The “brides to be” are the church, awaiting the marriage supper of the Lamb that is to take place. Do you remember the excitement leading up to your wedding day? That “aint nothin’” compared to what is to come. If you don’t have such a love affair with God, then you need to repent and accept Jesus, not just as the Lord of your life, but also the Lover of Your Soul.  (Hear this song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5jxwHjC6Xk.)

Song of Songs 1:12   As the king surrounded me at his table, the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume awakened the night. [TPT]

Song of Songs 4:11   Your loving words are like the honeycomb to me; your tongue releases milk and honey, for I find the Promised Land flowing within you. The fragrance of your worshiping love surrounds you with scented robes of white. [TPT]

 

Do you see the effect of praise? Picture God inhaling it like when we bend over to smell a rose. Our praise is so pleasing to God when it comes from a pure heart. Now let’s look in the New Testament context.  https://eguidemagazine.com/smell-the-roses-visit-tyler-tx/

2 Corinthians 2:14   Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. [NKJV]

This verse provokes a cry from my heart to have such a consistent walk with God that people sense His presence anytime they come into contact with me. We should desire that others just see Jesus in us, not our hypocrisy or smell our proverbial body odor.  

Philippians 4:18   Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. [NKJV]

Even when we send an offering for missions or to ministries that help people in need, and especially when we pay our tithes, it’s like those priests in the tabernacle burning incense at the altar. What is so wonderful about prayer and praise is that it they are stored in a heavenly bucket. When the bucket is full the Lord pours it out as the blessings that answer prayer.

 

What do you see in all this concerning WHAT MAKES JESUS TICK?

Here’s my list. Please add your list in the comments to the post of this blog, or in the comments box at the bottom of the blog.

Ø That really knowing Jesus is an eternal love affair with the King of the Universe.

Ø That Jesus loves to be in a close relationship with people. A relationship filled with mutual overflowing love that spills over to the people around us.

Ø Praising God is an act of love, an expression that says to the lover of our soul, “I love you, Lord.”

Ø That thanksgiving releases victory over trials and the spread of the revelation of Who He is.

Ø Expressing love, worship and praise to God is like opening a bottle of sweet perfume in a room.

 

Prayer:  Jesus, let this verse always be the cry of my heart:

Song of Solomon 1:4   Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

Father, hear us sing this old this old chorus asa we join with the worship team@

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYV0ce3ybEA