2006-11-02 - Keyboard.so

Originally Published 2003-08-07

1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (NAS)

I think I've mentioned before that I work with computer systems. It takes a particular kind of person to work with computers. You see, when I talk to a computer I expect it to talk back. Since I am not omnipotent I have to use this conversation with the computer to determine the health of the system. I "speak" through the keyboard and the computer "speaks" back through a monitor or terminal session. The health of the system depends on how well the different software and hardware pieces interact with each other to complete different tasks. The more complex the system, the greater the likelihood for a problem.

The other day I was checking into a problem. I was tracking down the source of one error when the keyboard stopped working. The software that listens to the keyboard had stopped responding. In effect the computer became unable to hear me. At that point, with no one able to get in to correct the problem, things would quickly go from bad to worse.

I was struck by how much this is like our relationship with Jesus. We have the privilege of hearing His voice. Sometimes we hear through friends, our conscience, dreams or through reading the Bible. His ability to speak to us is unlimited. But it should be a two way conversation where we listen and talk back. God is omniscient and knows our spiritual health. Unlike a computer, we have a free will and we can learn. So, rather than just fixing us or our situation like a computer He puts us in situations or allows us to move into situations that stretch us. He gives us the opportunity to grow through obedience. We need the conversation to guide us through these situations.

If the conversation breaks down, like the computer not responding to the keyboard, we are a rudderless ship. This can happen to anyone. The more I know of the grace of God the more I know the wickedness of my own heart. One day we will be freed from this battle, but never in this lifetime. Keep listening, checking what you hear against the Bible. If you are uncertain or need help ask a friend, your minister or family member. Keep talking. Let the Lord know what worries you, your goals and your needs. Yes, He already knows. But He wants the conversation with you. He wants you to ask. God is not a magic lamp or genie. What you want may indeed be noble. But God may have something for you that is beyond that which you think is best.

John 10:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. ³⁰ "I and the Father are one." (NAS)

Trust Him and keep the conversation going.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org