Sometime it's fun to go back to reread tales of Greek mythology, with all those gods and goddesses, and all their shenanigans. Before Jesus arrived, it seemed almost everybody and most cultures all over the, then, known world had their own roster of gods and goddesses - like a vending machine, you could pick your choice. One of the more popular myths was the one about Adonis and Aphrodite; he that beautiful man, and she, the world's most beautiful woman - the Roman's Venus.
It seems Adonis had caught the eye of the ravishing Greek goddess, herself the queen of love. Whether boon, and happy-ever-after, or bust, and heartbreak, mythical lyrics would tell.
One day Adonis went out hunting and, sadly, was killed by a wild boar. When Aphrodite received the news of Adonis' death she went crazy, becoming consumed in overwhelming grief. Lamentations, wailing, cursing, stomping, pulling hairs, total disarray followed. Aphrodite did what any wounded heart would do; she called on her benefactor. Aphrodite called on Zeus!
Zeus, the chief god of all the ancient Greek gods and goddesses, sat high on Mt. Olympus. Aphrodite was a Zeus favorite, pampered among all the lesser deities. Now her mournful cries pierced his ears like bolts of lightning. "O great one my heart is dying; for my lover, Adonis, is dead". "Please, great one, do something; please return my love to me".
Zeus could be a fickle fellow, a changing god. One day he'd favor you, another day he'd will some terrible calamity to befall you. Aphrodite's entreaties found him in a good mood. Yes he would hear her cries, he would salve her broken heart.
Zeus would allow Adonis to return to Earth from Hades, the underworld - but only on something akin to an installment plan. Adonis could spend six month back on Earth, romping and cavorting, with Aphrodite or anybody else, goddess or mortal. The other half year he would have to stay put - in Greek hell.
Now for the flowery part.
Aphrodite and Adonis, like so many star-crossed, literary lovers of old (can you say, Troilus and Criseyde; Romeo and Juliet), did have moments of bliss, before their love affair(s) would die one sad death or other. Our lovers, Aphrodite and Adonis, would die together; their blood, by the will of Zeus, would blend together. From their sorry would spring, 'daughter of the wind', the lovely whitish blossom, of the Anemone plant.
Greek gods and goddesses are fun to read about; some of their stories ring apocalyptic. None of these tales, however, all conjured by men, come even close to the truest love story: the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. The Son of Man, our savior, on the Chesapeake Bay, all over the world. He is anything but fickle.
As I sit here beside the calm waters of the Bay, my thoughts turn to His undying, unchanging, love and mercy. My eyes scan the shoreline, his countless creations. His Anemones and more, blooming around me. My certainty comes in knowing, just as this warm Summer followed the rebirth of Spring, His promises will follow forever - one after another. From Earthly birth and death, to eternal life with Him. No changing gods and goddesses here, no clouding the way to salvation. My God. His Word. The Bible. Each is true, all the time.
I like nice stories, Greek myths and all; they can help pass long Summer days. Along the Bay, however, it's the beauty of God's unchanging wonders and glory, that is the real story. The story is everywhere for all to have and hold; turning placid days to starry nights - heartbreak to happiness.
All of God's, stories are true. If Adonis and Aphrodite could have only known Him.
Come to Him. Come to the Bay. Bring your Bible.
'Bible By the Bay'. Get back to us.
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