the perpetual victory parade

2 corinthians 2:14-16

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

i live on the sidelines, in my pop-out chair on the sidewalk with an average size gutter separating me from what is happening in life. what kind of parade is this? this parade that i watch so diligently and applaud as it passes me by? this is a victory parade. this is a perpetual victory parade. i sit and watch and breathe it in. i breathe in deep and fill my lungs with the exquisite fragrance. i recognize it. i spectate it.

But i don’t dance. i don’t know the parade route. i have 42 excuses to not be a part of the parade. beyond formal engagements, it is difficult to get out of the chair. i got the shady spot on the sidewalk and it’s easier to watch it. celebrate the victory with a gutter separating me from participation.

but it’s draining to just sit there. i want to be in it. i want to be caught up in it. from place to place. the perpetual victory parade. i need it. i know i do. i can feel it pumping through my veins. i can feel it screaming in my chest. i can feel it in my elbows.

i rest in this: that YOU bring the knowledge of CHRIST. it is through me. through us. but it is YOU that is bringing it. i just have to get in the parade. i just have to dance. get caught up in the perpetual victory parade.