One of my favorite scents, growing up, was the sweet scent of rosemary. When I caught the scent in the air, I would make a beeline for the kitchen. Was my nose deceiving me? Was Mom really making pizza, my absolutely favorite food? She would begin by mixing warm water, yeast, oil, and a generous dose of rosemary. When warmed, the rosemary would release the most delightful scent. It whispered of delicious things to come and permeated the air with pleasure.
Every Christian can be like rosemary--a sweet savor in God's nostrils. 2 Corinthians 2:15 tells us, "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish…" God is delighted when He smells a sweet spirit, a submissive heart, and a thankful attitude. He rejoices when His children walk in truth(3 John 4). He loves the aroma of willing obedience(1 Samuel 15:22). God delights to hear the prayers of His children(Proverbs 15:8). You can be a sweet smell in God's nostrils.
Rosemary not only fills the air with a sweet scent but also permeates the pizza crust. It imparts a delicious flavour. Like rosemary, you can bless, love, and encourage the people around you. Barnabas was such a faithful encourager that he was surnamed for this virtue(Acts 4:36). Titus comforted and encouraged Paul(2 Corinthians 7:6-7). People will forget your words and possibly your actions, but they will not forget how you made them feel. Will they remember that you showed them the love of Christ? Did you have radiant joy? Did you encourage them to trust in God? You can be a sweet scent to others.
My favourite aspect of the scent of rosemary was that it promised good things to come. I was excited one day to learn that Jesus is the great High Priest of "good things to come…"(Hebrews 9:11) On earth, He guides us, blesses us, and gives us innumerable gifts. In heaven, He intercedes for us before the mercy seat. Someday, he will take us Home and give us incorruptible bodies. He will lead us into the beautiful places He is now preparing. Through eternal ages, we will be with our sweet Redeemer. He will wipe away all tears and fill us with His joy. Isaiah 64:4 declares,"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." What a glorious day that will be…when we enter the realm of Christ's good things!
Rosemary reminds us to be a sweet scent before God. Like rosemary, we can positively affect those around us. It also teaches us to anticipate Christ's return with joy. Though a simple herb, it fulfills its God-given purpose and fills the air with a beautiful scent. Can we do less?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe that may be the scent of rosemary I smell. I simply must see if it is pizza in the making!
There is Joy!
column by: Claudine Broussard