THE FRAGRANCE OF VICTORY

In ancient Rome, when a victorious commander returned from battle, the whole city would gather for a grand celebration called a “Triumph.” This wasn’t just any parade. It was a spectacle of victory. The streets were lined with cheering crowds, soldiers marched in their shining armor, and most importantly, incense was burned everywhere. The fragrance of that incense filled the city, proclaiming to everyone that victory had been won.

St. Paul uses this imagery to describe what it means to live in victory through Christ. He writes, “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. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

Friends, when we’re walking with God, our life carries a fragrance—the fragrance of triumph. It’s not about avoiding struggles or pretending the battle isn’t real. It’s about knowing, deep in your heart, that the victory has already been won. You’re not fighting for victory. You’re fighting from victory! Lord Jesus has already conquered sin, death, and every obstacle that stands in your way. He’s leading you, just like that Roman general, in a triumphal procession.

But here’s the thing—triumph isn’t just about you. St. Paul says God diffuses the fragrance of Christ’s knowledge through us in every place. That means your life is meant to leave an impact. When you walk into a room, people should sense something different. When you speak, your words should carry hope. When you act, your kindness and love should point people to the One who leads you in triumph.

So, let’s face our trials, not with fear, but with the confidence that comes from knowing we are part of Christ’s triumphal procession. Let’s go out and spread that fragrance of victory in Christ. Whether it’s in our families, our workplaces, our communities, or our churches, let’s be the aroma of life to those around us. And let’s stand firm, knowing that our God is a God of triumph, a God of grace, and a God who leads us in victory every single day.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
November 27, 2024