The message on my computer screen said, “Configuration Update #496.” In a moment the screen changed with the following message, “Configuration Update. Do Not Turn Off Your Computer.” This happens with some regularity. Somewhere out there in computer land someone, with no name that I know, is keeping the bad guys out of my computer. When they detect a weakness or an attack they surge into action and send me a shield. I like these nameless guys. It’s like they are living in my machine.
Psalm 68:19 says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” What a great verse. Someone out there, with a name, is watching us but is loading us with benefits. In Ephesians 2 Paul tells us He saves us so He can shower us with grace. Then there is the shield thing. Psalm 28:7 says, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped.” I also might add it seems like He is living in me. He is. Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.”
This is a fabulous metaphor. When Jesus told parables He used everyday things so the people would be reminded of the lesson each time they saw the object in their daily lives. Our computers and our contact with these nameless guys from Windows that send us updates is about as ubiquitous in our lives as anything else. So the next time you receive a message saying, “Do not turn off your computer” remind yourself “Do not turn off your contact with Jesus.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 6, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org