A PARADE OF PRAISE
(2 Cor 2:14)
"Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ and make manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."

As a teenager, it was my privilege to be part of a group called, The Walbrook Silverliners, a Drum and Bugle Corp marching unit about 100 strong. I can remember traveling extensively to participate in parades. I still thrill whenever I see a marching unit or hear a good Drum and Bugle Corp with blaring bugles and pounding drums. To this day, I'm still ready to join in the parade.

Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, speaking about an unscheduled journey to Macedonia, suddenly breaks out in praise. It appears his mind was drawn to the Roman parade of triumph. Roman generals, following a great victory in which their enemies were defeated and new land acquired for the glory of Rome, would often have such a parade through the center of Rome. With great pomp and ceremony, they led their enemies captive through the cheering multitudes. Paul shares three reasons for the Christian's triumphal parade of praise.

PRAISE OF THANKSGIVING
"Thanks be unto God"
Paul realized that God is the One who gives victory. He is the reason for joy. We have nothing in ourselves that warrants praise. Yet, God in His grace has reached down and touched believers with victory. Our victory is found in Jesus. "Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:57). Jesus has overcome the Christian foes. He has paid the price with His own blood, now we can enjoy all the blessings that go with His victory. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (2 Cot 9:15). The gift of His Son for our salvation. The gift of life for us through His Son. Is your heart filled with praise and thanksgiving today? Have you reason to rejoice in victory? lf you know Jesus as your personal Savior, the answer is a resounding YES! Also, Paul talks of the

PRAISE OF TRIUMPH
"who always causes us to triumph in Christ"
Paul rejoices in the fact that our victory is complete. "Always", not just once in a while. Regardless of circumstances or difficulties, trials or suffering, we can triumph in them. The word "Triumph" carries with it the meaning of a joyful procession. As the victorious Roman Generals marched through the center of Rome leading their captives, so Christians march victoriously, following the Lord Jesus Christ. "Nay in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Rom 8:37). Triumph, victory and joy are all ours in Christ. He has overcome. We can look back with gratitude and look forward with confidence. Paul concludes this verse with the

PRAISE OF TESTIMONY
"and make manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place."
The word "manifest" is to declare or show. "Savour" is fragrance or smell. Again it seems Paul has in mind the Roman parade of triumph. During this parade, incense was often burned, and no doubt the aroma to the victor was sweet, but to the defeated bitter. Our lives are to be such an aroma. Show others that you belong to Jesus by living a life that pleases Him. To fellow Christians, such a testimony brings great encouragement, to unbelievers, just the opposite. Regardless, God has given us our marching orders,"Go ye therefore and teach all nations..." (Mat 28:19). Let's keep our lines straight, get in step and lift up those feet.

Following Jesus, rejoicing in His victory, living to please Him and being a testimony of His love and grace. That is the Christians privilege today. Are you in the parade? Are you living a life that pleases God? Can there be improvement? Speaking for myself, the answer is yes. By God's grace, let's be all that He wants us to be. As someone has said, "Thanksgiving is good, but thanksliving is better". God bless.