Seeing God in Greece: On the road
Sixth of a series
Thousands of them stand along the Grecian roadways. Iconostasis.
Shrines to saints.
They are similar in purpose to the roadside memorials that are
springing up along American highways. But Greek shrines don't
necessarily mean someone died at that spot. Often they thank a saint
for rescuing a person from harm or for helping with a problem.
These shrines are usually more elaborate than our memorials of
plastic crosses and flowers. Some are constructed of brick and stand
over six feet high. A few look like miniature churches. Most are
fully enclosed boxes about 24 inches square and 24 inches high, not
counting the roof. They are mounted on four three-foot long legs. The
front of the box, a glass door, faces the highway. Inside is an icon
(a saint's portrait painted on a piece of wood) of the owner's
favorite saint and at least one candle or oil lamp. Often there are
flowers.
Throughout the Old Testament God's people regularly erected monuments
to mark momentous events. Twelve boulders taken from the middle of
the Jordan River served as a reminder of the way God miraculously
brought Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land (Joshua
4:1-10) Centuries later a huge pile of stones marked the grave of
rebellious Absalom, David's son, as a testimony to God's judgment on
those who seek to overthrow the leaders the Lord installs (2 Samuel
18:17).
Perhaps there's something that we could learn from these monuments.
I'm not suggesting we pray to saints; Jesus has opened God's ears to
us. And I'm not speaking in favor of more roadside piles of plastic
and duct tape. Or even brick, wood, and glass. But I am suggesting
personal monuments to help us remember some of the evidences of God's
grace we've experienced.
A cross - on a bedroom wall or as jewelry around our necks - is a
great reminder of God's love. So are photographs of your
confirmation, your driver's license, and your graduations. A tree
planted in your front yard can mark any number of special blessings.
Hey, there are some blessings that are worth literally carving in
stone.
But the key is to put those monuments where you can see them - and be
reminded of what they represent. The key is to put those monuments
where others can see them - and where you have an opportunity to
explain what they mean.
Roadside reminders. Special places along our path through life.
Memory-jogs that our God loves us, provides for us, forgives us, has
adopted us. Not a bad idea.
Consider the events in your life that might be worthy of special
reminders by clicking here and going on to Deeper
Thoughts.
Links:
James Aderman is pastor of Fairview Lutheran in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. He is also the editor of LivingBold.
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