A Pleasing Aroma
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Ng Chai Seng from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
OBSERVE:
Nahum is a book about God’s judgement. God had already shown Himself to be slow to anger but great in power (1:3), a refuge in times of trouble, caring for those who trust in him (1:7). Nahum 3 describes the fall of a defiant Nineveh : it was enslaving nations, practising witchcraft , being wantonly lustful and endlessly cruel. God brought judgement on Nineveh, treating her with contempt (v6), consuming her with fire and cutting her off with the sword (v15).
In contrast, Psalm 56 is a prayer of David entrusting his all to God. He appealed to God to take his enemies to task for their wickedness, not allowing them to escape, but bringing them down (v7). With a contrite heart, David trusted God for His mercy (v1), trustworthiness (v3) and praiseworthiness (v4). God was His deliverer and the light of his life (v13).
APPLY:
Two questions came to mind from today’s readings:
Firstly, how am I heeding God’s call to do what pleases Him? (Nahum 3).And secondly, what does David’s example teach me about my attitude towards God? (Psalm 56).
I need to be aware of what others see me do and hear me say. Sometimes, I can forget to care about the interests of others. My self-focus can be a stumbling block to Christians around me, and more importantly to those who have yet to know the Lord. “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Wesley’s theme for 2025 is Discipleship in Society. The pastors have preached on various aspects of the Theology of Mission. Simply put, it’s praying for someone in need and introducing them to Jesus. I can do my part exactly where I am. For example, where I exercise, at hawker centres, supermarkets, wet markets, my workplace, in my neighbourhood and community.
Unintentionally, we become familiar faces to those around us. I was surprised when a coffee stall owner prepared my breakfast order even before I reached his shop. He said, “I saw you coming.” Other stall holders can recite my order even before I place them. At times I am greeted with “long time no see!” in places that I haven’t visited for a while. People read our lives like an open book.
As I build friendships in these places, I have learned to lend a listening ear to their life stories, giving a word of encouragement when needed, acknowledging a nod with a reciprocal nod, and gesturing a how-are-you greeting to each other. Soon, I am entering into their circle of friends and their community.
DO:
- I will be mindful to walk before God in His light of life and be a pleasing aroma (2 Corinthians 2:15).
- I will count it a joy to build friendships with people in places where I frequent, and pray for their salvation.
PRAY:
Dear God, You are the righteous Judge. Thank You for Your grace and mercy, and Your Word—a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). Please teach me to walk in Your way as I seek You each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
