Scandalous I

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, (1Co 1:23)

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? (2Co 2:15-16)

Do we spread the Gospel? As a matter of fact, we are gospels whether we open our mouths or not. The world will see and smell the aroma of Christ in us.

And what of this aroma? Of life or of death? The gospel; a reason for reverent fear, or for despicable refute. Christ crucified; a stumbling block, foolishness and probably a most scandalous event. There is much cliche in Christiandom. We have gotten used to, and gloss over because of repeated hearings over years in church and Sunday Schools.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, (Joh 3:16)

We love this verse; it speaks of God’s love for the world. But a careful re-read will invite disgust for a scandalous act. What kind of father, will give his son, for whatever it is that he so desires? If our fathers would give us away, for his own satisfaction, would we really appreciate his doing so?

And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luk 1:28-33)

Consider, an unwed virgin receiving this visitation by an angel of the LORD, pronouncing favor and promise, that the son she would bear will be great, called the son of the Most High, made king forever, and of his kingdom, there shall be no end.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" (Joh 19:26)

Then see, that Son on a cross. Scandalous? Simeon’s prophecy could not have been more apt when he said that “a knife would pierce through your soul”. For Mary; what ever happened to all that was announced? Why could she not scream "Fraud!"? What was clearly presented before her own very eyes? Promises? Of the Most High?

Consider the cross, and our crucified Lord. An aroma of death to some, but of life to us. A reality appreciated?

God bless.



/ckh