for 27 MAR 10: Upside-Down Thinking
(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find most of this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)
Some people say it's a good idea to "think outside the box." I joke that when I try to do that, other people stuff me inside the box - and then try to seal it with duct tape.
This time of year offers several cases of outside-the-box thinking. I noticed one this past week at a Columbus Publix store. Instead of simply offering Easter items, the checkout people gave away this book to anyone who asked -- explaining the customs of Passover in English and Hebrew. No, I saw nothing special for marking Cesar Chavez Day next week....
Since Hebrew customarily is read from right to left, the "cover" of the Passover book is on what Westerners would consider the back cover. This is simply one of many issues to be resolved, before we achieve peace in the Middle East.
Notice the plate on the book's cover, showing items eaten in the traditional Passover meal. There's a piece of unleavened bread, some greens and "bitter herbs." Republicans opposed to the health care reform plan probably started early on that last one.
What about three letters in the middle of the plate? I admittedly don't know Hebrew, so they stumped me. But one evening I knelt to pray before my own dinner, at a chair which had that booklet turned upside down....
....and look at what I discovered. When you flip the book over, the word "GOD" appears in English. Now that's a sneaky trick I'm not sure the Israeli Mossad has considered.
The upside-down view of the plate actually makes perfect sense. God should be at the center of the spring holy day season, whether you keep Passover or any other event. If all you think about are eggs, bunnies and a ham dinner -- well, it's like having a football tailgate party when your team has a bye week.
Revelation 4 in the Bible describes a scene in heaven where God is at the center of a worshipful scene. He's not worshiping angels and elders -- it's the other way around. Here's hoping God is the central focus of all your religious activities in the coming days. After all, it's not about matzo - but a Messiah.
E-MAIL UPDATE: We're posting early to clarify something from Friday's blog exclusive. We were trying to joke about the "meddlers" at WGSY-FM -- but the morning host who left "Sunny 100" this past week wants to leave no doubt....
Please make sure it is know that I was NOT referring to advertisers
Thanks
Ed Bostic
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