Fragrance

Years ago our family visited the Fragonard perfume factory, in Grasse France, and we learnt that perfume was invented there. One of the first users were leather workers to hide the smell of tanning animal hides. The men would rub it on themselves before they went home! But centuries ago perfume was also used in India. The bride of the Maharajahs would clothe themselves with a tent like dress, then light a perfumed incense candle under the big dress, till the smoldering fragrance, got into every pore of her body. In the Bible, Esther was chosen by the King, but before she went in to the see the King, she underwent special fragrant treatments, to make her smell nice. She needed to smell just right for the King. It seems both ordinarily people and kings like the smell of perfume. Even the King of Kings!

The priests of Israel had to anoint themselves with the holy anointing oil, to cover the smell of their natural flesh, as they came into Gods presence. The flesh has a fragrance of its own; it is the smell of man, without God. A great theme in the Bible is that husband and wife should be equally yoked to each other. They should have the same “fragrance” about their life. In the Song of Songs, we find the bride groom and the bride have the same perfume. The fragrance is a picture of the fragrant anointing of God Spirit upon our lives.

Friend, God has chosen us and provided us with the fresh, clean and holy garments of righteousness and they smell great to the King. The fragrance of the Holy Spirit upon you, smells just like Him too. Draw near he’s approving and waiting on you!