For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – 2 Corinthians 2:15

Today's Scripture Reading (May 3, 2024):  2 Corinthians 2 & 3

Every once in a while, usually because it is a funeral, I have the privilege of attending a worship service in a Catholic or Orthodox Church environment. Sometimes, the service is conducted in a language I don't understand, but I still find the experience fascinating. Many aspects of these services don't exist in more contemporary churches. And one of those features is the parade of the priest swinging an incense censor through the church. I have often wondered what would happen if I walked into my Sunday morning worship experience, marching down the center aisle swinging an incense censor and letting the incense smoke rise up to the sanctuary's ceiling. (And how much trouble would I get with those who have allergies to certain smells who attend the service?)

The practice of burning incense in worship at one time was thought to cover the smell of our sin in the presence of a holy God. But Paul makes it clear that is no longer the case. We now bear the aroma of Christ that rises to God and those who are being saved. The foul smell of sin has been replaced with the pleasing aroma of Christ through the ministry of Jesus.

So, why do we continue to burn incense in our worship experiences? The purpose of the incense is actually two-fold. The first reason is that it reminds us that, like the incense, our prayers rise from us to God. John, in Revelation, explains it this way.

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people (Revelation 5:6-8).

Incense reminds us of the reality of our prayers rising before God.

But it also reminds us of the reality of heaven. The incense rises and reminds us that there is a connection between this place of our existence and the place where God exists. However, incense is not offered to cover up the stink of our sin because that has already been taken care of by the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4