Space Travel, Anyone? | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Space Travel, Anyone? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Noel Mitaxa
04/14/22
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

The Parthenon dominates the mount of the Acropolis in central Athens. It was dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, whom ancient Athenians claimed as their patroness. Immediately at its southern pillars is a three-hundred-foot cliff that ensures that it can be seen from anywhere in the city.

There’s much to see there, with other small temples to other gods at the summit, and a small amphitheatre cut into the western side.

The slope is much more gradual to the north, where an extensive park offers tourists a range of significant sites. One of these is Mars Hill, a rocky outcrop beside the ruins of the Areopagus, the debating chamber where the Apostle Paul invited the philosophers to recognize the “unknown God” they had honoured with an altar. The chamber is long gone, but Paul’s complete message from Acts 17 is carried on a bronze plaque on the rock at the foot of the steps that lead to the top of this hill.

Opposite Mars Hill is an elegant two-storey museum, with floor to ceiling windows that allow natural light to bathe an astonishing array of magnificent marble statuary and other artifacts from ancient times.

My visit is memorable for a crass comment from a lady behind me in the crowd that was climbing the stairs, “Oh, wouldn’t this make a lovely shopping mall,” she said, with a slight chuckle.

Further north at the foot of the slope, a labyrinth of narrow alleys with their incredibly small gift shops and stalls, eateries and coffee houses lead to Monastiraki Square, where street theatre and entertainment adds extra energy to the whole setting.

The welcome I felt there on a visit seven years ago has stayed with me, as it evoked a sense of my Greek heritage, even though my great grandfather emigrated back in 1851.

But something else had caught my eye in a small jeweller’s shop as I strolled down an alley towards the Square.

A line of engagement rings lay on a shelf draped in white satin. Above them was a sign – Arrabon. They were engagement rings; love gifts of commitment that is yet to be fulfilled in the joy of a wedding and the years of marriage to follow.

This word arrabon is how Ephesians 1:14 describes how God has given us His Spirit Holy Spirit as a deposit – or an engagement ring – a loving commitment to the promise of being fulfilled with Him forever, when we pass into the dimension of His grace that is beyond our capacity to even begin to imagine.

Jesus’ parables describe heaven in the here and now, as we let God rule in our lives, but there is still so much more for us to inherit as His children and as heirs of His kingdom.

Just think: all tears wiped away, no more grief or sickness or pain – and even death will be no more! (Rev21:4)

This is our hope – which doesn’t disappoint us because it’s saturated with the love of God whose Spirit flows through our hearts (Romans 5:5)

What an inheritance - but it’s not the only inheritance on offer…

Eph 1:18 refers to God’s inheritance in us, and Eph 3:10-11 describes how God’s plan is to one day display the church to the whole universe as exhibit A - the clearest example - of His wisdom, love, and power; so the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms will not fail to recognize how great He is.

Wow – we are really going to get around, in a never-ending journey…

So, space travel anyone?

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.