Perhaps the legendary status of the phoenix bird can be easily attested to by its mention in Greek, Egyptian, and Roman mythologies. The myth has it that the bird lived for about 500 years. After that time, it made a nest of twigs filled with spices. It waited for the early morning sun to set it on fire which ultimately consumed it. It is said that a worm came out of the ashes, and over time it metamorphosed into a new beautiful phoenix, and the cycle continues. While we have to receive this myth with a pinch of salt, it bears semblance to the process of spiritual transformation. When a person goes through great trauma and bounces back, he is called a “phoenix”. In a sense, the phoenix typifies a new life.

Life in Christ is also known as the new life. And way beyond the confessional moment of receiving Jesus into one’s life as Lord and Saviour, there is the necessity of constant renewal. Writing to the saints at Rome, Paul enjoined them to distance themselves from the customs of this world. He would rather have them transformed by subjecting themselves to the renewing process of God. Whereas the mythological phoenix sets itself on fire to be made into a new bird, believers wait for the fire of the word and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit working in conjunction with the word is what transforms a believer from one level of glory to another. The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead is willing and able to raise everyone who submits to His authority.