About CFC
How do you smell today?
By Tim Robinson
10th February 2012 | Category: Join the Journey 2012
Key Verse
Exodus 30 v 34-36
“…make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer… and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I shall meet with you.”
Main Content
Central Truth: When we spend time in God’s presence we will carry the fragrance of God with us – it will be evident to those around us.
Smells of home
Among my many fond memories is one of cycling up our lane from the school bus with my two brothers on a cold winter afternoon, arriving at the back door, walking into the kitchen and being met with the wonderful smell of my Mum’s home baking. The sense of anticipation was heightened as I tried to see what treats were in store through my steamed-up glasses. We were home; a place where we got to enjoy home baking; somewhere we knew love, security, rest, teaching and encouragement (and discipline and correction when needed).
God’s instructions to Moses were clear and specific: from the dimensions and materials of the Tabernacle to the skilled and knowledgeable spirit-filled craftsmen; the formula for the incense to its strictly controlled use. Following these instructions was an act of worship that would glorify the all-powerful God who, through His amazing grace, came to dwell among His people.
The meeting place was special; set apart; fragrant. It was a privilege to be allowed access.
Fragrance of Christ
Through Jesus we can come directly into God’s presence: somewhere we can know love, security, rest, teaching and encouragement (and discipline and correction when needed). While we may know that we serve an omnipresent God, we also need to carry out that act of worship of turning away from the many other things that occupy us to find that special place of intimacy with God. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes it takes effort, but it is always worth it.
When we have been there people will know.
These days I am often greeted by similar, wonderful smells to my childhood memories when I arrive home. The main differences are that rather than my Mum, it could be Alison, Sarah or Chloe at the oven and, because I normally drive home from work instead of cycling, my glasses don’t steam up. While the experience brings back memories, I can benefit from the fullness of the experience again today.
Consider:
How often do I spend time meeting with God – time in that intimate place - close enough and for long enough that those around me will be aware of the fragrance of God?
Do we live on memories or a tangible, renewed experience of meeting with God?
What do we have that distinguishes us, followers of God, from others?
Tim Robinson
Hello. My name is Tim Robinson. I am married to Alison and we have two daughters: Sarah and Chloe, and one dog: Ollie. I was brought up in a Christian family and remember kneeling beside my bed with Dad and asking God into my heart but not what age I was at the time (4 or 5). I have been part of CFC for about twenty years. I am an architect and really enjoy my work, travel, art, music and a good measure of spontaneity to balance the predictable aspects of life.
