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The Nose of God
Brian Mashburn
August 2, 2009
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The Nose of God
I have to admit, it's a tad awkward talking about God's nose.
Noses, in general, are personal. Yes, they are necessary. We need them to inhale and exhale. And sure, they are useful. We can detect fire with them, we can taste food because of them, and we can enjoy beauty using them.
But still, awkward. Think about it.
You don't regularly draw attention to your nose. Women use highlighter to literally "highlight" their eyes. And they might use blush to make their cheeks more noticeable. The lips literally get colored in with a stick. But the nose? Well, it gets "powdered". Why? To take the shine off to keep it from being noticeable...an attempt to make it blend it to the rest of the face.
When you greet someone, try complimenting their nose. "Your nose looks so great today!" or "You have the most beautiful nose." You will NOT get the standard, "Thank you!" and look of gratitude...guaranteed. God forgive me, but even when scripture tries it... Solomon to his woman: "Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus." (Song of Solomon 7:4). Yikes! That is just wrong.
Try staring at someone's nose in the next conversation you have with them, instead of their eyes, and see what I mean. It will be awkward for both of you. And why is it that if you have food on your mouth, someone will kindly point it out, but if you have something hanging from your nose, they just might not, preferring instead to exit the conversation?
Because, it's awkward! I know it's right at the center of the face, unfortunately, but it's awkward.
Nonetheless, God reveals His nose. Today, awkward as we may feel, we will look square at it and learn about two qualities: one that is in Him that He exhales, and one that is in us that He inhales. What are they?
Wrath and Sacrifice. God's exhales His wrath, God inhales our sacrifice.
May God's wrath be directed at all that opposes you, and may you become a sweet fragrance in God's nose.