The glory of God in five senses

        The five senses are usually listed as smelling, seeing, hearing, feeling and tasting. But what do they have to do with the glory of God? I was reading through 2^nd  Corinthians recently (2:14-16) when I came across this unusual thought—Paul and the Corinthians even “smelled” of Christ.—“they were the pleasing aroma of Christ.”  This thought takes us straight back to the sacrifice Noah and his family offered after the suffering and loss of the flood—“The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma.” (Gen.8:21)

        As far as seeing goes, think of the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus’ “clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning” (Luke 9:29)  John, who was there that day, says fifty years later simply, “we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son.” (John 1:14) Finally, think of Paul’s “blessed hope”—“the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)

        Back on the Mount, as Peter was jabbering away, a voice came from heaven that said, “This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him.” I’ve tended to emphasize the last word of that last sentence: “Listen to him.” Today I discovered what may be the real emphasis: “Listen to him.” Another aspect of God’s glory may be perceived by hearing. And I’m inclined to believe that prayer is a two-way street. Imagine a prayer meeting  where everyone prays, then goes home. Have we listened to him? Scripture reading or Scripture-based messages seem essential at every prayer meeting, just to let God speak to US!

        The fourth sense is feeling or touch—now think of Jesus after the resurrection, as he appeared to the disciples. What did he say? “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39) Imagine literally touching the hand of God!

        Finally, tasting. Dare we say that we taste Him in the bread and the wine? Or is it a metaphorical sense of taste? “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8). This is an invitation to believer and unbeliever alike— try some of the good things Jesus has to offer!