Devo Week 34

The Air We Breathe -- Humility

Like a table with steaming food, so our life is to emit the fragrance of Christ. When it does, people are drawn to Christ in us. It is the attitude of humility that releases His fragrance. Jesus had all rights to God's power, yet He took on the nature of a servant (Phil. 2:5-11). How we use power, especially when relating to others, will either invite others to Christ or repel them.

Key Concept: Brokenness Releases Christ's Fragrance

By the time Jesus came to earth, the Pharisees had created a very tight culture for the Jewish people. It was so tight that only certain types of people were accepted. This attitude can be devastating to the neglected and poor. The entrance of Jesus created a new acceptance through humility and love. He physically overturned the tables in the temple and continually upset their authority structures and cultural norms.

During a difficult time with the Akha, a wise friend advised us with a word we didn't want to hear but needed to hear: "Thank God that He has brought you to a place of brokenness so that Christ can be released." It's not easy to draw near to people of other cultures, but the fragrance of Christ can lead the way. As we lived and shared life with the Akha on a daily basis, His fragrance in us was being emitted from inside the culture. (Matt. 13:33) This happened most often around the table where acceptance was reciprocated between us. Our brokenness — tasted and seen — can release the fragrance of Christ among the nations. (Psalm 51:17)

We'll never forget one of the most powerful statements made to us by Bu Sheu, one of our key disciples: "Before you came, we only knew about conversion, baptism, and tithing, but you have shown us many more steps in following Christ." The Apostle Paul emphasized that our labor is to present disciples 'complete in Christ.' (Col. 1:28) God wants us to make disciples who grow into the fullness of Christ. He promises His followers the abundant life, a banqueting table both now and in the afterlife.

Key Word Definition: grace (noun)

-- getting what you don't deserve.

-- unmerited mercy (favor) that God gave to humanity by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross, thus securing man's eternal salvation from sin.

Excerpt from Devotional 34 with highlighted word:

"Jesus consistently pushed the boundaries of cultural norms. He shook Jewish power structures, upsetting the religious system, and established new ways of relating. Jesus expressed tough love to the Pharisees (Matt. 22:21), but touched a leper and extended mercy to an adulterous woman. He was both righteous (upholding the law) and full of grace."

Scripture: II Corinthians 2:14

"But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume." (NLT)