Sing Into Your Storm ~ Overcoming Adversity Through High Praise

As soon as a Roman army would win a major victory, a messenger would be sent back to the city to proclaim the victory, and the people of that city would begin to prepare for a victory celebration (the victory parade). The first people in the parade’s procession were priests, who were swinging chalices with burning incense that released a special and fragrant incense that was used only during these types of processions. The next in line would be the musicians, playing songs of victory and celebration. Then would come the actual soldiers of the battle, carrying with them the spoils of war they captured. The pageantry was quite remarkable! Then finally would come the conquering General who had won the victory, riding in a beautiful golden chariot. Right behind him would be the General or high ranking Commanders of the defeated army – who would be “ chained to his chariot ” and put on public display. Paul uses this metaphor to describe the fact that we too are being lead in a triumphal procession by our conquering General – Jesus Christ! We too have become “ chained to His chariot! ” We are being lead forth in Christ’s triumphal procession, not our own – it’s His! (If he has truly conquered us)! That special fragrance of incense that Paul spoke about… To the conquered General it was the aroma of certain death. Those who had been chained to the chariot who smelled that special incense knew they were going to their deaths right after the victory parade!

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