"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." Colossians 3:1-4 (NRSV)

On Easter Sunday, one of the clues in our Easter hunt sermon was a picture of the amazing Anastasis fresco of the Chora Church in modern-day Istanbul, Turkey (click on the links to see more). Anastasis is the New Testament Greek word for the Resurrection. It literally means "up-rising" and is from a root that means "among" (ana) "stand" (histemi). Think of that! We are part of an uprising inaugurated by Jesus who stands among us. Can you picture yourself as a revolutionary?

What is this uprising against? Some would say Satan. Others would say injustice. Both of those answers are supported by the Bible, but I think the most direct answer is the one portrayed in the Anastasis fresco. The Resurrection is an uprising against the power of death. The power of death is not dying. Once you have died, death can do nothing more to you and is thus powerless. The power of death is fear. If you are afraid of death, you will do all kinds of things to avoid it. Lie, cheat, steal, step on the backs of others to cling to things that you imagine will make you feel more alive. The sort of behavior we associate with Satan and with injustice. And as Paul wrote to the Colossian church, you have already died to that behavior and that power by identifying with Jesus through your baptism and your covenant life.

I don’t advocate leaping madly into “the jaws of death.” Risky behavior, including exposing yourself and others to a potentially deadly virus, disrespects the gift of life God has given us. But the Good News is that you no longer have to be afraid of death. Jesus has crushed it. Be at peace!