ACTS 4:13 – Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

THEME OF THE DAY. CAN THEY TELL? There is another verse in the Bible closely related to today’s scripture. It actually is the result of the impact left in today’s scripture; the impact upon people by God’s people having spent time with Jesus. It is found in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14). Combining these two verses, two very important lessons are drawn for our living in a world needing to see the reality of the Lord Jesus.

First, we are to influence people for Christ. The early church knew this was their responsibility and privilege. And I know that we know this, but we need to be reminded of this . . . a lot. Sometimes life simply gets in the way of our living life the way God intends – to be a representative of His Son in every situation, every encounter, every action, every conservation, every circumstance, and every relationship. Remember what the Lord said of us, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). He also added as His last words on earth, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). If we hope to leave a mark for Christ on our generation, in our families, communities and churches, it starts by being gripped with knowing this is the reason why we are still on the earth. Lose sight of this mission, and what do we offer the world? A people who are nice, moral, will help a neighbor in time of need, but leave those observing us in these “good deeds” clueless when it comes to the reality of the Lord Jesus. We are not nice, moral, helpful or religious people. We are people who have been radically changed by the Lord Jesus who have been directed and privileged to represent Him by conduct AND proclamation of who He is.

The second application is really a question of self-examination tied to Paul’s words to the Corinthians – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14). Here it is . . . what type of “fragrance” are we leaving behind every conversation and encounter with people we have? When we leave a conversation or the presence of people, what will they remember? Will it be the sweet fragrance of the Lord Jesus through our speech and conduct that are full of the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Or will it be the foul odor of ourselves putting forth selfishness and a self-centeredness that never represents Jesus? When it comes to which fragrance people “smell” from us, it will be determined by what we read of Peter and John in today’s scripture – they had been with Jesus. May we spend much time with Him so that He sends forth the sweet fragrance of Himself through us.

PRAYER: “Father, help me to reflect Your Son in every conversation I have, every attitude I hold, and every action I do.”

QUOTE: “The goal in the Christian life is to leave the sweet fragrance of Christ in every place we go.”