Triumphal Procession

     "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." ( 2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV) The Holy Spirit through Paul is referring here to the Roman custom of celebrating the victorious general of a decisive campaign. Prior to the inevitable debasement under the later Empire, this honor was rare. The Senate of Rome voted on it, and the commander so honored was allowed to parade through the streets of Rome, displaying booty and captives, cheered by the populace in the manner of people nowadays if a sports team of their city has won a national championship. As more than conquerors ( Romans 8:37) disciples of Jesus Christ are always in triumphal procession.
   Lately I am beginning to receive tastes of this. On Friday the congregation with whom I am fellowshipping had a day of prayer and fasting. Admittedly the group is not that large. Still it is the first time in many years that i have had the privilege of fasting with the entire church with whom i am connected. ( Go Brazilians!)
   Arriving home this afternoon i was telephoned by a man who had invited me to preach at his local church on the theme of discipleship. He indicated that his wife had been approached by another woman in the church to receive discipleship. She wanted some pointers, which i was delighted to give.
    I'm understanding this as fruit of preaching the kingdom of God. Just now i found at least fourteen explicit references to this in the New Testament with many more implied. Examples are found in Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 10:7 and 24:14 which reads "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Jesus is not the only one to preach the Kingdom. Philip is recorded doing it in Acts 8:12, and Paul in Acts 20:25, 28:23, and 28:31. And Jesus will deliver the Kingdom to the Father. "Then comes the end, when he (Jesus) delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power." ( 1 Cor. 15:24)
    We have the honor of serving in this kingdom, in part by preaching not just the gospel, but the gospel of the kingdom. King Jesus, please help me to excite people about your Kingdom.