Devotion for March 19
By byFaith Staff

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task (2 Cor. 2:15-16 NIV)?

Some still recognize the name Bobby Richardson. Those who don’t, should know that he was a New York Yankee second baseman, and an outspoken Christian. He played ball with the legendary Mickey Mantle, who derided Bobby’s faith and mocked his life of obedience to Christ.

Many people thought the relationship between the two stunk. But, in one of Mickey’s books he expressed respect for Bobby. Somehow he smelled something genuine in the man who consistently lived what he believed.

So, in his final days, it was Bobby and his wife, Betsy, that Mickey turned to for comfort. At his funeral, Bobby gave the eulogy, saying, “I believe what drew Mickey to me was my relationship with Christ.”

Bobby was right. Mickey was searching for his Savior, and he turned to Jesus. As he lay dying, he urged the nation’s young people, “Don’t make me your role model.” Instead, he pointed all to the Savior whom Bobby had helped him “smell” when the rest of life turned foul.

Bobby Richardson was the aroma of life to a man whose life stank despite his fame and riches. Praise God that the aroma of death was drowned out by the savor of the Savior.

Prayer:
Lord, give me grace me to be a “pleasing aroma” to those who don’t know you so that they may savor the Savior.

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