Portal to the past

The period before 1935 was called the "Mechanical Television Era". There were televisions then, just nothing like what we have today. In fact, the screen was only about half the size of a business card and really gave no picture at all. Owning one of these television sets was virtually unheard of...there was no reason to because nothing was being broadcast. It was not until 1935 that television stations began to broadcast...mostly test...with a handful of televisions in the hands of consumers.

That being said...the image here is of a radio that I recently acquired. I like this radio for two reasons. First of all, I have a broadcast background and I have always liked old radios. Secondly, I like this radio because it is from 1928. This is significant. You see, television was not around then. Radio was the form of entertainment. When a family finished a meal, they would gather around the radio and listen to their favorite shows. Shows like Amos 'n' Andy, Abbott and Costello, The Bob Hope Show, Gene Autry, Buck Rogers, Batman, and many others. I can picture a family sitting around this very radio. Spending time with one another and enjoying a common interest. Much like a family gathers for a favorite show or movie, families gathered around this radio.

When I think about it, the Bible is just like this radio. Many years ago people gathered around in groups to hear the Scriptures read to them. It was quality time that they spent with one another. They enjoyed listening to the Word of God read to them. It is what they did. So, each time I pick up the Bible I am participating in something that was a central source of entertainment for many people a long time ago.

The problem is this...Families do not gather around the radio anymore for their favorite shows. In fact, radio ratings are based on 15 minute time frames...maybe because people are not interested in it for long periods. The interest in radio has turned from a central means of entertainment to background noise. Many times, we do this with the Bible. The Scriptures become background to our own experiences and other things around us. When the radio took a back seat to the television, people stopped appreciating radio. When the Bible takes a backseat to anything, we stop appreciating the Word of God.

I am guilty of this...like all too many of us are. The television has replaced the radio. What has replaced the Bible in your life? What is your "television"? Think about it...figure it out...it is important. I am trying to figure it out for myself as well.