It Smells Like God
by Terrence G. ClarkIt All Makes Sense
Does a tree make a sound if it falls in the forest and no one is there? The principles that govern sound or any physical law are true regardless of human attendance. Although, there are properties of light (electrons) that respond and act differently when humanly observed than when not. And, the effect of physical laws, maybe different if humans are not present. Gravity existed from the beginning, but the effect it had on Newton’s head was only because Sir Isaac was there. Here’s Another Have you ever wondered what outer space smell like? Sci-fi movies are probably most people’s source of a description of the universe. Presently, media devices don’t project the relative smell with the visual. We are left to our imaginations or acceptance of a two-sense universe—sight & sound. Truthfully, some odors are best not communicated. Where heavenly expanse is concerned, it still leaves to thought. Scientifically, it’s not easily expressed, because, to smell the universe, breathable atmosphere would be needed. And since the universe is essentially a vacuum, empty of atmosphere (apart from that which is surrounding certain planets). I gather, the time smell would register on the human senses, the smeller would no longer be alive to share it. Traces of scent carrying particles would remain on space suits—available for the senses to explore in the ship. By the rational that govern sound and the falling tree, cause and effect would exist in space regardless. In light of the objects in space—the sun and stars, and the fusion that sustains them, the expanse probably smells on fire. Supportively, according to an article in the Reader Digest, astronauts who have walked outside in space, report the universe smells pungent like spent gunpowder. Other descriptive smells include metal, charred meat, and welding fumes—or raspberry, referring to a dust cloud in the center of the Milky Way, which contains a substance that smells like the fruit. So now that I have gone out on a tangent. At the time of this article, the early days of spring have settled. Cherry trees call to tourist. Even before the arbors are in full bloom, lilies, forsythias, and other flowers have begun their familiar scents. Things not only look beautiful, but they also smell beautiful. In our human relativity, we tend to link things that look beautiful and sound good to also having a good smell. |
There is no one more beautiful than God himself who created all things. He also gave creation the ability to enjoy itself. To man, created in his image, he gave five senses to experience and navigate in the tangible world.
The question is, what does God smell like? Does he have an aroma? Since he created man in own image and likeness, then there must be some connection in the divine imagination. We know he has nostrils. Certain aromas please him and others are repulsive to him.
Okay, Scripture declares, God is a spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. So, we can spiritualize the many references to smell or take them literally. What we do know God surrounds himself with fragrance.
The question is, what does God smell like? Does he have an aroma? Since he created man in own image and likeness, then there must be some connection in the divine imagination. We know he has nostrils. Certain aromas please him and others are repulsive to him.
Okay, Scripture declares, God is a spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. So, we can spiritualize the many references to smell or take them literally. What we do know God surrounds himself with fragrance.
The Fragrance of the Temple
It's conceivable the Jewish temple had some odor of blood and barbeque according to the daily and annual sacrifices. Apparently, it was harmonized by waves of incense—a special formula which included frankincense, stacte, onycha, galbanum, balsam, myrrh, cassia-cinnamon, spikenard, crocus, costus, cinnamon, bark cinnamon, saffron, and salt—burned before the veil of the Holy of Holies where God would visit. One article says the temple incense could be smelled twelve miles away. |
Combining with the sacred odors was the smell of the Presence Bread—changed weekly, set on its table, inside the Holy Place. Cross the room to it continued the smell of olive oil burning in the Golden Menorah.
The Lovers Smell—Song of Solomon
The exchange of the lovers, which some believe express Christ and the Church speaks of the enticing fragrances such as Spikenard oil, green figs and grapes on the vine, ointments of all spices, the smells of Lebanon—Cedar resin, sweet-smelling myrrh, sweet flowers, lilies, apples, and all manner of pleasant fruits.
The Fragrance off Worship and Sacrifice
Even though it was by command—every sacrifice wasn’t pleasant to God. If a burnt offering was given with the wrong heart that which was normally pleasant, stank in Yahweh’s nose.
The altar incense wasn’t of a human recipe, it was holy spirit crafted. One of the key ingredients in the heavenly smoke was Frankincense (Frank Incense)—"Frank” meaning pure.
The Lovers Smell—Song of Solomon
The exchange of the lovers, which some believe express Christ and the Church speaks of the enticing fragrances such as Spikenard oil, green figs and grapes on the vine, ointments of all spices, the smells of Lebanon—Cedar resin, sweet-smelling myrrh, sweet flowers, lilies, apples, and all manner of pleasant fruits.
The Fragrance off Worship and Sacrifice
Even though it was by command—every sacrifice wasn’t pleasant to God. If a burnt offering was given with the wrong heart that which was normally pleasant, stank in Yahweh’s nose.
The altar incense wasn’t of a human recipe, it was holy spirit crafted. One of the key ingredients in the heavenly smoke was Frankincense (Frank Incense)—"Frank” meaning pure.
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The Fragrance of Jesus
Jesus had a fragrance. Wisemen left him frankincense and myrrh at his birth. A woman poured an alabaster box of expensive perfume on feet before his passion. Above any sensory aroma that was resonated from Yeshua, I am sure the love of God infused it.
The blind, the lame, the sick, and the tormented were healed as his fragrance rested in their noses. The women, with the issue of blood, pressed her way to touch him. As she crawled through the crowd did his scent guide her to know where he was.
And on the cross, the stench of dried blood, joined with the riff of vinegar, running down his chin, after tasting the gall, he was offered. Three days later, before they could apply more spices to his dead body, he posed as a gardener, resurrected with the fragrances if Eden.
Jesus had a fragrance. Wisemen left him frankincense and myrrh at his birth. A woman poured an alabaster box of expensive perfume on feet before his passion. Above any sensory aroma that was resonated from Yeshua, I am sure the love of God infused it.
The blind, the lame, the sick, and the tormented were healed as his fragrance rested in their noses. The women, with the issue of blood, pressed her way to touch him. As she crawled through the crowd did his scent guide her to know where he was.
And on the cross, the stench of dried blood, joined with the riff of vinegar, running down his chin, after tasting the gall, he was offered. Three days later, before they could apply more spices to his dead body, he posed as a gardener, resurrected with the fragrances if Eden.
Incense of Evidence
For certain God’s fragrance is linked or evidence of his presence and his work. When people sweat after accomplishing a work or exercise assignment, they usually sweat, whether or not moisture is seen. The resulting perspiration reveals that work has happened. Sweat releases an order. The sweat order becomes associated with the labor done. Sometimes, when cologne or perfume is worn the slightest exertion will activate it. Scripture says-- But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV) |
When a believer triumphs in life, they give off a fragrance, that fragrance smells like God. Smell serves as evidence. God’s smell reveals he has manifested. It’s also proof that he most definitely will.
One Sunday morning, sitting on the front pew waiting for service to begin, a dear sister sitting next to me turned and said, “Jesus is coming!” Without thinking, by the unction of the Holy Ghost, I swung my nose up into the air. I heard myself say to her.
“I know it! I can smell him!”
Like the astronauts, who can’t smell in the vacuum of space, we can be aware of God’s aroma on our physical live and spiritual clothes. It becomes the proof of our being in his presence. Isaiah 61:3 says to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
One Sunday morning, sitting on the front pew waiting for service to begin, a dear sister sitting next to me turned and said, “Jesus is coming!” Without thinking, by the unction of the Holy Ghost, I swung my nose up into the air. I heard myself say to her.
“I know it! I can smell him!”
Like the astronauts, who can’t smell in the vacuum of space, we can be aware of God’s aroma on our physical live and spiritual clothes. It becomes the proof of our being in his presence. Isaiah 61:3 says to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
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The atmosphere a person spends time will discernably seep into their clothes. A person cleaning fishes all day will smell like fish. A secret cigarette smoker’s clothes will eventually unveil their vice. A woman’s perfume will transfer to her husband’s shirt.
I remember praying in church one weekday morning. I was going to say alone, but assuredly the Lord was there. When finished, I left. Later that day one of the pastors came into the sanctuary. He didn’t tangibly know I had been there. I hadn’t left any physical evidence. When we talked that evening, he asked me, if I had been at the church?
He had discerned my presence--which was distinct to me, as much as any person’s physical aroma—natural or artificial (cologne or perfume) is distinct to them. Translated, that may be what smell equivocates to in the spirit. It’s that distinctive part of a person, beyond the audible explanation of themselves that uniquely identifies them. God’s smell would translate to immeasurable love, delivering light and abundant life.
Jesus is God’s living Word made flesh—tangible. Therefore, Jesus is God’s fragrance made smellable. To a blind man—he is the smell of sight, to a sick person—the smell of health, to a tormented person—deliverance, to a poor man—prosperity, and to a sinner—salvation.
And yes, like the smell of explosives released by the great stars that he made—filling the space of the universe—is also smelled, God’s miraculous power. His power, distinct from the wisdom of any other, reveals his unique fragrance—his alone. And that eternal aroma released in love, on the cross, will never desist. It smells like redemption in my nose, it’s the sweetest incense I know.
I remember praying in church one weekday morning. I was going to say alone, but assuredly the Lord was there. When finished, I left. Later that day one of the pastors came into the sanctuary. He didn’t tangibly know I had been there. I hadn’t left any physical evidence. When we talked that evening, he asked me, if I had been at the church?
He had discerned my presence--which was distinct to me, as much as any person’s physical aroma—natural or artificial (cologne or perfume) is distinct to them. Translated, that may be what smell equivocates to in the spirit. It’s that distinctive part of a person, beyond the audible explanation of themselves that uniquely identifies them. God’s smell would translate to immeasurable love, delivering light and abundant life.
Jesus is God’s living Word made flesh—tangible. Therefore, Jesus is God’s fragrance made smellable. To a blind man—he is the smell of sight, to a sick person—the smell of health, to a tormented person—deliverance, to a poor man—prosperity, and to a sinner—salvation.
And yes, like the smell of explosives released by the great stars that he made—filling the space of the universe—is also smelled, God’s miraculous power. His power, distinct from the wisdom of any other, reveals his unique fragrance—his alone. And that eternal aroma released in love, on the cross, will never desist. It smells like redemption in my nose, it’s the sweetest incense I know.