“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)
A few weeks ago in Show Me Your Glory, we explored how to ask God to reveal His glory. But how can we recognize His glory if we’ve never seen it? We might picture thunderclaps or lightning bolts, yet experiencing a storm doesn’t transform us. Under the new covenant of Christ, God’s glory is not merely external—it is rooted within us. It is a matter of the heart, not outward displays. As Jesus said, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:18).
Paul, writing to the Corinthians, illustrates this by comparing God’s glory to the grandeur of victory parades, where triumphant generals returned home in splendor.
What Roman Victory Parades Teaches Us About Living for Christ
Gary Miller describes Roman victory parades, many of which are recorded in historical literature. Leading the procession, a group carried paintings of the battle, along with boards listing conquered cities, nations, and war spoils. Next came the sacrificial bulls, followed by captured enemies and their leaders, who would later be executed at the temple. Incense bearers then filled the air with fragrant smoke, adding to the gloriousness of the occasion. At the parade’s center rode the victorious general, followed by rescued Roman citizens and triumphant troops. Paul likens believers to the incense-bearers, emphasizing their crucial role in spreading the knowledge of Christ.
The Role of Incense Bearers
Paul gives thanks to God, who leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of His knowledge everywhere. In this imagery, God is the triumphant general, and we are the incense-bearers, spreading His glory. For those asking to see God’s glory—it is revealed when our lives become a living testimony of Christ. Paul says we are the aroma of God, meaning our role is to carry and spread the fragrance of the gospel through both our words and actions.
In this parade analogy, both the saved and the perishing are enveloped by the same smoke. This means the glory of God, reflected in our lives, can strengthen fellow believers and offer a divine encounter to those who don’t yet know Him. The most sobering part of this image is that the perishing are just steps away from the grave—and Scripture reminds us there is no repentance after death. God’s glory is most powerfully revealed when He reaches the unreachable through us.
How Incense Bearers Overcome Imposter Syndrome
The task of sharing and living the gospel can often feel like it’s reserved for the specially anointed—but Scripture tells a different story. Like many, I’ve often felt unqualified to share the gospel or that my life doesn’t perfectly reflect it. Yet, early in my walk with Christ, God showed me that a hidden faith is a wasted faith—and neglecting to share it is ignoring the call He has given to every believer.
Paul puts it best in 2 Corinthians 3:4-6: “Not that we are competent in ourselves... but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit...” In other words, it’s not about our ability, but God's empowerment.
Returning to the parade imagery, the incense-bearers required no special skills. As Gary Miller notes, all they had to do was walk and carry the incense—perhaps wave the smoke toward the crowd. They didn’t create the fragrance; they simply showed up and carried it. Likewise, our role in the gospel is not to generate the power but to carry it—to show up and let Christ work through us. Paul asks, “Who is equal to this task?” The answer: by God’s grace, we are.
Why God's Gospel Glory Surpasses All Before
When Paul asks, “Who is equal to such a task?” or “Who is sufficient for these things?” he quickly reminds us that God has made us competent ministers of a new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). He doesn't say some of us—but all of us. Paul contrasts this with the old covenant under Moses, whose glory was temporary and fading. That former glory, powerful as it was, only pointed to something greater. Paul even calls it “the ministry that brought death,” and, he asks, “Will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?” (2 Corinthians 3:7–8).
Through Christ, we now live under a covenant that brings righteousness and lasting transformation. In Exodus 34, Moses had to wear a veil because the Israelites were afraid of the radiance of God’s glory on his face. But now, as 2 Corinthians 3:18 declares, “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” God's glory is no longer hidden, nor confined to one man—it is revealed in all who belong to Him.
Jesus confirms this in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” This is our calling and our confidence—the glory of God is in us, and we are called to reflect and carry it into the world.
So for anyone seeking God’s glory: we’ve already seen it, and it lives in us. The confidence to carry it has already been given. We need only open our eyes and walk in it. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That is our charge and our calling.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for leading me in Christ’s triumphal procession and for calling me to spread the fragrance of Your knowledge everywhere. Lord, make me an incense bearer—one who confidently carries and shares Your Gospel with sincerity and truth. Let my life be a pleasing aroma to You, drawing those who are being saved closer to Your heart.
Strengthen me, Lord, for this sacred task. Remove any fear, doubt, or hesitation, and fill me with boldness to proclaim Your name. Let my words and actions reflect Your glory, not for personal gain but as one sent by You, speaking in truth and love.
Father, I surrender to Your leading. Use me to bring life to those who seek You and to stand firm in the face of opposition. May Your Spirit guide me as I walk in obedience, always carrying the fragrance of Christ in every place You send me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.