Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Anastasis

Recently my church choir sang a beautiful song entitled, "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)".  Although the word "anastasis" is only listed in the title, I felt led to do a little research on this Greek word.

In my studies, I discovered the depth of meaning of "anastasis.  " It ultimately has multiple meanings which can be applicable for various difficulties in life, including, "recovery from a debilitating condition", "rebirth" or "resurrection". Essentially "anastasis" is a word which inspires hope in the midst of desperate situations.  Needless to say, we all need a little "anastasis" in life.

For example, take the first definition, "recovery from a debilitating condition".  How many people in the world need an "anastasis" from illness, whether it involves an acute or chronic medical condition!   Perhaps you have heard excuses like, "Life would be so much better if  only I didn't have problems with __________ (fill in the blank, e.g. diabetes, arthritis, cancer, back issues, etc.).   Of course, this could also apply to those who are caring for sick family members. 

The second definition of "anastasis" is "rebirth".   How many of us need a rebirth in various aspects of our lives!!  A relationship that has soured, a checkbook balance that has dwindled or a career that has floundered among other things cries out for "anastasis".  This rebirth could be the  revival of a marriage, an unexpected financial blessing (maybe a coin found in a fish's mouth as recorded in Matthew 17:27) or a much better opportunity for employment.  Any blessing, no matter how small, ultimately gives us hope and assurance that everything will be okay.

Finally, the last definition of "anastasis" is "resurrection".  Obviously we should praise our Lord Jesus for His glorious "anastasis".  In addition, there are times when life is utterly and absolutely hopeless, or "dead" if I may use that term and we desperately need an "anastasis".   God, in His wisdom, brings us to this point.  "...Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24).  It reminds me of God's creative power, in that "what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3).  God brings to life something which was totally dead.  As a result, we are able to bring forth fruit in ways we never imagined. A new ministry or a new career develops "ex nihilo" or out of nothing.

Experiencing an "anastasis" should subsequently lead to praise.  Perhaps the illness will be removed, the hopeless situation becomes promising or an exciting new journey erupts out of that which was at one time nonexistent.   I've enclosed the song, "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)" which we sang at church last week.  Hopefully you feel led to sing along also, especially if you've experienced an "anastasis".