Sure.
It’s basically just a metaphor for the resurrection.
In a way, it is something of a reaction to an unbalanced perspective of life in Christ.
Of the many streams of expression in christian teaching, there is one which put’s excessive emphasis on ‘dying to self’ or ’suffering the cross’.
Don’t get me wrong.
There is absolute truth in this, but even the most sure truth can be abused if taught in the wrong way.
“Phoenix Rising” is my way of saying, ‘Yes! There certainly is death, BUT there is also LIFE!!’
I know that there are many different perspectives on non-canonical literature, but nonetheless, I appreciate Clement’s understanding of how, even in pagan mythology, there can be found, however imperfect (even as we are all imperfect), a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here’s what he says:
***********************************************
(24.1) Beloved, let us contemplate how the Master continually points out to us the future
resurrection will happen, of which He has made the Lord Jesus Christ the firstfruits, by
raising (Him) from the dead.
(24.2) Let us see, beloved, the resurrection which is regularly happening.
(24.3) Day and night reveal to us a resurrection. The night falls asleep, and the day wakes
up. The day goes away, night comes around.
(24.4) Let us take the fruits: the seed and how in what manner it is produced.
(24.5) The sower went out and cast it to the earth. Each of the seeds wherever it fell to the
earth, dry and naked, is dissolved. Then, from this dissolution, the magnificent providence
of the Master raises it up, and from one, many grow and produce fruit.
(25.1) Let us see that strange sign happening in the eastern regions, that is, those
around Arabia.
(25.2) For there is a bird called phoenix. This is the only existing one, living five hundred
years. And now when it has come to the dissolution of its dying, it makes itself a nest of
frankincense and myrrh and the rest of the spices, into which it enters in the fullness of
time, and dies.
(25.3) And the decaying of the flesh produces a worm, which, nourished by the juices of
the dead animal, grows wings. Then, when it has grown strong, it takes over that nest
where the bones of the predecessor are, and, picking these up, continues from the
Arabian region as far as Egypt, to the so-called Heliopolis.
(25.4) And in daytime, in the seeing of all, it lands on the altar of the sun, placing them
there, it starts back.
(25.5) Then the priests examine the records of times, and find that it fulfilled five hundred
years in coming.
(26.1) So, do we consider it to be great or wonderful if the Creator of everything causes a
resurrection of those who were slaves for Him in a holy manner, in the confidence of good
faith, when even by a bird He shows us the magnificence of His promise?
***********************************************
(source: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.ii.ii.xxiv.html)
***********************************************
I understand that this letter didn’t make the canon, but neither does the infinite number of other Christian commentaries out there (including mine).
Brother,
Explain the “PHOENIX RISING” title of you blog for me.
Thanks,
Richard
Sure.
It’s basically just a metaphor for the resurrection.
In a way, it is something of a reaction to an unbalanced perspective of life in Christ.
Of the many streams of expression in christian teaching, there is one which put’s excessive emphasis on ‘dying to self’ or ’suffering the cross’.
Don’t get me wrong.
There is absolute truth in this, but even the most sure truth can be abused if taught in the wrong way.
“Phoenix Rising” is my way of saying, ‘Yes! There certainly is death, BUT there is also LIFE!!’
I know that there are many different perspectives on non-canonical literature, but nonetheless, I appreciate Clement’s understanding of how, even in pagan mythology, there can be found, however imperfect (even as we are all imperfect), a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here’s what he says:
***********************************************
(24.1) Beloved, let us contemplate how the Master continually points out to us the future
resurrection will happen, of which He has made the Lord Jesus Christ the firstfruits, by
raising (Him) from the dead.
(24.2) Let us see, beloved, the resurrection which is regularly happening.
(24.3) Day and night reveal to us a resurrection. The night falls asleep, and the day wakes
up. The day goes away, night comes around.
(24.4) Let us take the fruits: the seed and how in what manner it is produced.
(24.5) The sower went out and cast it to the earth. Each of the seeds wherever it fell to the
earth, dry and naked, is dissolved. Then, from this dissolution, the magnificent providence
of the Master raises it up, and from one, many grow and produce fruit.
(25.1) Let us see that strange sign happening in the eastern regions, that is, those
around Arabia.
(25.2) For there is a bird called phoenix. This is the only existing one, living five hundred
years. And now when it has come to the dissolution of its dying, it makes itself a nest of
frankincense and myrrh and the rest of the spices, into which it enters in the fullness of
time, and dies.
(25.3) And the decaying of the flesh produces a worm, which, nourished by the juices of
the dead animal, grows wings. Then, when it has grown strong, it takes over that nest
where the bones of the predecessor are, and, picking these up, continues from the
Arabian region as far as Egypt, to the so-called Heliopolis.
(25.4) And in daytime, in the seeing of all, it lands on the altar of the sun, placing them
there, it starts back.
(25.5) Then the priests examine the records of times, and find that it fulfilled five hundred
years in coming.
(26.1) So, do we consider it to be great or wonderful if the Creator of everything causes a
resurrection of those who were slaves for Him in a holy manner, in the confidence of good
faith, when even by a bird He shows us the magnificence of His promise?
***********************************************
(source: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.ii.ii.xxiv.html)
***********************************************
I understand that this letter didn’t make the canon, but neither does the infinite number of other Christian commentaries out there (including mine).
Hope this answers your question!
Peace.
Wow man that’s some heavy stuff.
Richard
What city are you in?
Yogi
Hi Yogi,
Metro-Atlanta area.
Thanks for stopping in (…to my blog, that is), and I hope you enjoy your visit.
~J
What’s Johnny up to these days?
Richard
ahh…just lurking around blogoville, hoping to share a little Love.
Well…
It’s not really all that little…..
There’s actually enough for the whole world.
How are y’all?
Every time I think back to my first season of blogging with wordpress, thoughts of both you and Susan flood my heart.
Please stay in touch. I hope that you feel welcome to comment or email me anytime, brother.
Gotta get to bed….
New mercies come early!