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THINK On These Things |
Perfume |
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Philippians 4:8
Perfume. Just the thought is enough to stir one’s interest. It is a pleasant notion. Perfumes often come from the blooms of special plants or from spices. When we think of perfume we think of beauty and peace and comfort. Yes, for most folk, perfume is enticing. It draws them closer to the source. It promises a good experience. Some may even say it is a delight, raising the spirits, brightening the moment.
Are you a “perfume?” When you go forth into the world about you, are people enticed by you? Are they drawn to you? Are you a delight to them? – Can this be?
The great 19th century preacher, C. H. Spurgeon, wrote of exactly this possibility:
“He who comes forth perfumed with the spices of God’s word imparts delight to all with whom he associates.” [Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible, Baker Book House, 1978, pg. 221]
Do you wish to be a perfume? Do you wish to impart delight to everyone you meet? Oh, it is not enough to just smell nice. The perfume must be from the “spices of God’s Word”.
His Word must so permeate your life, so infuse your being, that your very presence is as a perfume. When that is the case, you will bring the promise of delight to everyone who crosses your path. The light of Christ will shine through you and the Holy Spirit will attract people to that light.
Let us ponder the verse of scripture that prompted Spurgeon to make this declaration. It is found in Psalm 119:74. David is talking to God:
“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.”
I have always found this to be a remarkable statement. Let us examine it, part by part:
“They that fear thee . . .”
Not his friends. Not his family. Not his courtiers or his army. Not those who were in awe of him. But they that fear thee. David is speaking of people who fear God. He is one of them. They have unity.
“. . . will . . .”
Not only those few who are there in his presence at that time, but all those in the future also. They too will be glad. This is an on-going response.
”. . . be glad . . .”
They will be happy. They will rejoice. They will experience delight.
“. . . when they see me . . .”
Not when they hear him speak. Not when they hear of his deeds. Not when there are reports of his coming. When they see him, when their eyes fall upon him, when they are in his presence. Then the Holy Spirit of God will witness to them that they are brothers and sisters together.
“. . . because . . .”
There is a reason. There is a cause. It is not because he is king, not because he has won victories and defeated enemies. It is because –
“. . . I have hoped in thy Word.”
Here is the crux of the relationship. Here is the basis of gladness. Here is the cement of oneness. David has hoped in God’s word!
This is not a statement born of pride and self-esteem. It is the report of a seeker, energized by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The prior verse, verse 73, reveals David’s mood as that of a thirsty heart.
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments,”
Later, in verse 97, we read:
“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Yes, David meditated on God’s word all the day, sought God for understanding, and expected God’s people to be glad, blessed, delighted when they saw him, for he was perfumed with the spices of God’s Word, the Word in which he hoped.
Spurgeon saw in this prophecy something beyond the immediate case. He saw that when we are perfumed with the spices of God’s Word we will find that it is not only God’s people who will be delighted to see us. Others will be too.
The spice of Christ, the living Word, that perfumes our lives will be used by the Holy Spirit to attract others, those who are candidates to become God’s people!
How can this happen? This is how!
The Holy Spirit is constantly wooing every living person. God is not willing that any should perish. While we live we are being pursued by His love and grace.
In each person who’s heart is even slightly open to the wooing of the Holy Spirit there is a germ of belief. It is the manifestation of the promise Jesus made to draw all men to himself.
That germ of His presence in them
Will recognize His presence in us.
Do you remember how the baby John leapt in the womb of Elizabeth when he was brought into the presence of Jesus in the womb of His mother Mary? (Lk1:42) In a similar manner, the embryo of faith in the bosom of whosoever should be saved will be delighted by the perfume of the Word flowing from us. It is the work of His Holy Spirit.
They will be glad when they see us.
Our perfume will impart delight,
When our perfume is from the
Spices of God’s Word.
(05/18)
Presented by Bro. Al Salay, Blessed Man Ministries Inc.