I first heard the word reviresco at a luncheon recognizing volunteerism in Texas. I had been appointed by the Governor of the State to serve on the board of a foundation that was hosting the luncheon. As the speaker explained the word’s meaning, the Lord began to show me some biblical parallels and, therefore, it intrigued me.
Originally a Latin word, reviresco is an encouragement to be overcomers and finish well. By definition, it means “to grow green again; to grow strong or young again.” This is akin to our English word “revival,” and it reflects Biblical promises such as Psalm 103:5, where God says He’ll satisfy you in such a way that “your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
The McEwen clan of the Scots adopted reviresco as part of their family creed. It signifies and declares that they were destined to overcome and return victorious. I remember talking with a friend, former Congressman Bob McEwen, about his family crest and, sure enough, it was written on their shield and coat of arms. He graciously sent a picture of it to me.
As Christian leaders, God wants us to know that no matter what we may be going through right now, we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Roman 8:37).
We, too, can boldly proclaim, “Reviresco!”
We too shall rise again.
We shall overcome.
We shall be victorious.
Regardless of the circumstance or situation we face, we know that in Christ we shall be victorioius.
I’ve personally experienced that: Through every adversity, God shows Himself even greater.
2 Corinthians 2:14 is a reminder to us that God will always bring us to triumph or victory, so that we can be dispensers of the knowledge and fragrance of heaven. Some of the circumstances we encounter in life and in the world around us may have an unpleasant odor; but we are called to manifest the Presence of the Lord and dispense His fragrance everywhere we go and in every situation:
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Reviresco is a reminder that, no matter what we may be going through today, God can bring us victory and renewal.
The Lord can strengthen us with perseverance and courage to rise up and be the leaders He has called us to be.
