I don’t know if readers have ever experienced putting something in a saucepan to cook, and then forgetting about it. We were recently watching a TV programme when we became aware of an unfamiliar smell, and it was a little while before we realised that some beetroot was cooking. Not only had the heat been left on high, but the water had evaporated, leaving a very hot saucepan, a very black inside, and a strong smell. Opening the back door and a few windows eased the odour a little, and later we used an electronic “odour dispenser” that took some time for the air to return to an acceptable level.
Somehow, this reminded me of a comment in John chapter 12, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” Many years ago, before the smoking ban became public, it was not uncommon to return home from a visit to a restaurant or public meeting place and be aware that clothes were retaining the smell of smoke. What a contrast to that quoted Bible phrase. I tend to assume that with the house filled with the fragrance, those who later left the house would retain that lovely fragrance on their clothing.
Graham Kendrick may have been inspired by such a phrase when writing “May the fragrance of Jesus fill this place”. What occurred to me, after our recent kitchen experience, made me consider whether the presence of God in our lives has a positive effect on others, especially those we live with.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may our relationship with and closeness to You have a positive effect on all we live with and pass by. AMEN