Until the Last Breath
The history of our country has been the recipient of influences from many cultures. For examples: the influence of Native Americans for sure. Certainly the impact of slavery has impacted our history.
The Pilgrims originated in England. But back before any of these are the ancients: Greeks, Egyptians, Persians and Hebrews.
The Greeks gave us the word “democracy.” But the Jews gave us the concept that “no one has the right to make another his slave.” The answer to Cain’s question regarding the murder of his brother Abel, “am I my brother’s keeper,” is “YES” we are. Our nation is a Republic.
There are three bits of Jewish thought that I wish to share with you.
The first is a physiological word that has an allegorical meaning. The word is “philtrum.” The dictionary defines it as, “The vertical groove on the upper lip.”
A Jewish fable attaches an interesting story to its existence. Everyone has one. The story goes that before birth, every baby has an existence in heaven. Right before birth, an angel touches the upper lip making an indentation. This causes an absence of memory so that the child will never remember what heaven is like.
A corollary to the memory is the philtrum reminds us that all of us are God’s children. We are the recipients of His love.
Then at our death, the philtrum is removed and our memory of heaven returns. This fable or myth parallels others found in Scripture. A basic truth is projected often of the sacredness of all of life. It is a cardinal belief in all of Jewish history.
Second is the love and mercy of Jehovah. David, the Psalmist, captures this idea in the 51st Psalm. God’s mercy is as far as the East is from the West.
A third fundamental belief is that God provides each of us with the power of choice.
This is revealed in the Garden of Eden story which depicts Adam and Eve as having the power of choice. Decisions determine our destiny. That which is unique to humans and motivates is our potential to choose.
The next Jewish legend that has a strong moral ideal is what happens to us after life ceases.
As the legend goes, all humanity is seated at a sumptuous banquet. Food galore. Appetizing as can be. Appetites are stimulated and hunger pangs are wild.
However, there is a problem. Silverware is plentiful; napkins are available. But everyone’s arms are extended straight and stiff ahead like boards.
The solution is simple. But self-centered people or the selfish don’t get it. The answer is the parable of the Good Samaritan, loving your neighbor as yourself. It’s forgetting about the restrictions each person has and feeding the person across the table.
The fable truth becomes clear. As each one feeds another they are able to enter paradise.
The next legend is meaningful to all who are aware of the passing years. When each of us stands before God, He doesn’t ask if we lived for others or if we followed the Ten Commandments.
The only question asked of us is, “What did you do with the talents I gave you?” Years ago there was a coffee commercial that captured our attention. “Maxwell House coffee is good to the last drop. And that drop is good also.” That applies to our lives as well.
WORDS TO THINK ABOUT
G. W. Abersold Ph.D.