The internet is a global collection of computers that know how to send messages to one another. Practically everything connected to the internet is indeed a computer – or has one “baked inside” of it.
In the early 1960s, computers were used only for special purposes, like scientific research. There weren’t a lot of them because they were large and expensive. One computer and its attached accessories could easily fill a room. To exchange data, people would plan time to work together, and one computer would connect to another with a telephone call. Remember that high-pitch AOL dialup screech?
The internet includes not only computers and phones, but a whole host of other internet of things (IoT) devices. You may have a smart refrigerator that has a camera inside of it. When it notices you’re out of milk, it will send a message to your cellphone, reminding you to buy more.
Just about everything is connected to the internet now.
I can’t help but think what it would be like if Jesus walked the earth during our modern times. Would He just do a Tick-Tok video or IG Reel for a morning devotional or post on YouTube to broadcast the Sermon on the Mount? Better yet perhaps head over to the ruins of the Parthenon for a special effect.
Word of mouth was the norm in the 1st Century, today it’s Facebook and Streaming church services.
Does anyone really believe that just because Jesus could reach a larger audience that His acceptance numbers would have risen before He did? Unlikely, most would just have said, there’s one more nut on the internet using special effects to act like He did a miracle.
But, the message would have been the same. He came to set the captives free. We’re more captive today than we’ve ever been with the technology we’ve embraced. Yet, Jesus saving grace and love never changes. Share that truth with someone today.
And that’s the Memo. Steve
