A Pleasing Aroma (Part 1)
Do you love the smell of a good campfire? We are in luck because the tobacco-curing season is upon us. Barns are starting to fill up with tobacco plants to cure them. That means a lot of wonderful-smelling smoke for us to enjoy. Heather and I have been enjoying early morning walks in the haze. Just the other day, as we walked, I kept thinking about the times in the New Testament when I read about a pleasing aroma. So, over the following few articles, we will take a deep dive into those passages and the effects this aroma has.
The first scripture that came to my mind was what Paul had to say in Philippians 4:18.
“But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”
Paul is wrapping up his letter to this church in Philippi, but before he finishes, he must let these Christians know how thankful he is for their sacrifice. This “thank you” starts back in verse 14. We are informed in this verse and the following verses that this church is supporters of Paul’s ministry, and because of that, he is showing his gratitude.
When I was at Bear Valley Bible Institute and even while I was in South Dakota doing domestic mission work, I felt this same gratitude toward fellow Christians and even fellow congregations of the Lord’s church. We were grateful that people across this country wanted to partner with the ministry to which Heather and I devoted our lives. To be honest, we were overwhelmed with the thought that people had made financial sacrifices on our behalf.
Participating in mission works is a deeply fulfilling aspect of ministry. Here at Hilldale, we are blessed to be in partnership with various mission works across the world. Our support helps supply missionaries with the resources they need to carry out the work of the Lord, and the joy of this partnership is gratifying.
Please understand the greater lesson that is found in this verse. The sacrifices we make are a fragrant aroma pleasing to our God. Sometimes, our efforts seem insignificant because we think all we send is a check or a wire transfer. But for those we are in partnership with, we are sending them an opportunity to share the gospel with a lost soul. And how amazing is that to think about.
Remember, God takes great pleasure in our sweet-smelling sacrifices. He appreciates and loves us for our willingness to give and serve. Let this knowledge fill your heart with joy and gratitude.
— Matt Jones, Preaching Minister