Caryatids are female figurestaking the place of columns
Our last day in Athens. Yiannis (Yah’ nees, means John) our very capable guide, had brought us to the Acropolis (means high place, and every Greek city has one). Every few minutes he paused to share historical insights. We twenty-six crowded close to learn.
We heard how Lord Elgin in the early 1800s had been given permission by the ruling Turks to take one of the caryatids back to England – where it remains today. Athens wants it back, and has built a large new museum to prove it.
Yiannis was pointing out the nearby seaport of Pireas, which we could easily see from this height, when two other tourists attached themselves to our group. Yiannis finished his talk and the men followed us to the next spot. And the next.
It didn’t feel quite right. I wondered how this was going to play out. These fellows had latched on to an interesting and knowledgeable guide. Yet they were not part of our group.
As we gathered round, Yiannis made his move. Looking directly at the men he spoke loudly and firmly, “You two are not with this group. You must leave.” The men didn’t budge. “Yiannis continued, “These people have paid Euros to have this tour. There are other guides here. You must find your own.”
The men looked at each other for a long moment, before reluctantly walking away. Yiannis’ brief speech was to the point and effective. He did not tolerate the imposition.
Paul also dealt decisively with a disconcerting imposition. While in Philippi he had been harassed by a slave girl “who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.” She had followed Paul and Silas day after day, chanting after them.
Finally after many days, Paul had had enough. He healed her on the spot of her capacity to “sooth-say.”
When impositions faced him, Christ Jesus took control. He dealt swfitly with whatever opposed his sense of God as Love. He encouraged others to follow his example. So, what would that mean today?
We heard how Lord Elgin in the early 1800s had been given permission by the ruling Turks to take one of the caryatids back to England – where it remains today. Athens wants it back, and has built a large new museum to prove it.
Yiannis was pointing out the nearby seaport of Pireas, which we could easily see from this height, when two other tourists attached themselves to our group. Yiannis finished his talk and the men followed us to the next spot. And the next.
It didn’t feel quite right. I wondered how this was going to play out. These fellows had latched on to an interesting and knowledgeable guide. Yet they were not part of our group.
As we gathered round, Yiannis made his move. Looking directly at the men he spoke loudly and firmly, “You two are not with this group. You must leave.” The men didn’t budge. “Yiannis continued, “These people have paid Euros to have this tour. There are other guides here. You must find your own.”
The men looked at each other for a long moment, before reluctantly walking away. Yiannis’ brief speech was to the point and effective. He did not tolerate the imposition.
Paul also dealt decisively with a disconcerting imposition. While in Philippi he had been harassed by a slave girl “who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.” She had followed Paul and Silas day after day, chanting after them.
Finally after many days, Paul had had enough. He healed her on the spot of her capacity to “sooth-say.”
When impositions faced him, Christ Jesus took control. He dealt swfitly with whatever opposed his sense of God as Love. He encouraged others to follow his example. So, what would that mean today?
For me it means to take charge. Recognize the imposition as an imposition, whatever it is. Size it up – determine what’s going on. Be clear about the solution. Then speak with authority.
Impositions can take many forms. Sickness and pain are impositions on God’s creation. As I see it, God didn’t create them, so they don’t belong.
Hate, anger, resentment, confusion, and anxiety are also impositions. As I see it, God didn’t create them either, so they don’t belong.
So when any of these things come knocking at my thought door for acceptance and identity, I can choose to refuse to let them be part of my thought group. As I see it, they have no place in God’s infinite goodness, and I can with God-given authority stand up to the intruders as suggestions that can be turned away.
It’s amazing how often and how quickly standing up to such impositions has good results.
For other posts on Paul's travels, click here
By the way, for those who may be interested, this tour was hosted and led by http://www.biblicaltravels.com/
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