There are, maybe, nine billion people on earth. No one knows for sure. But something we do know for sure is there are four point five billion cell phones on earth. People who live decades away from the infrastructure needed for land line phones can access satellites for phone service. They put them in the sun during the day to charge the batteries. This is amazing. This means there are four point five billion different telephone numbers and your number, once dialed, finds your phone in your pocket or purse. People in the jungle or on the African plains can “hear you now.” Masai warriors hunting lions can talk to each other on their phones as they close in on their prey.
Live for five more years and really be amazed. They are called social robots and in the future they will be a fifteen billion dollar industry. Are you too busy to pick up the kids after school? Don’t be concerned. Tell the family robot to take the family car and go pick up junior. Believe me I am not talking foolishness.
I am talking about the exciting and scary world that lies ahead. However, lest you become a bit anxious about it and how you will relate, I have good news. The most important things of life will never change. The God who gave us the minds to produce all this technology loves us and will always love us. The sins we will commit with those phones and robots will still be forgiven the same way sins have always been forgiven, by the power of the sacrifice of our Jesus. As you go to bed this evening rest well in the promise that He holds you in His hand and nothing can snatch you away.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 4, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org