If Jesus had chosen to come to earth in modern times, some of His parables may have been a bit different. He used stories and pictures that the people could readily identify with from what they saw around them. For instance, maybe John 15:1-8, instead of being about vinedressing, would have sounded something like this:
“I am the true power source, and my Father is the IT manager. He disconnects every device plugged into me that malfunctions, while every device that does run, He updates so that it can function even more optimally. You are already virus free because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain connected to me, as I also remain attached to you. No device can run without charge; it must be connected to the power. Neither can you process data unless you remain in me.
“I am the power source, you are the devices. If you remain plugged into me, you will process much data; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a device that is at 0% battery and useless; such devices are thrown away and recycled. If you remain plugged into me and my updates remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you run many apps, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
We know that no matter how fancy our phone or tablet, unless it is charged, it is useless. That is how much we need Jesus. He doesn’t just enhance our lives like a pretty cover or phone jewel. Without Him we really can do NOTHING. It all starts with plugging into Him. Without the power of God flowing through our lives, all the potential and talent within us lies dormant. The Bible says we are “dead in our sins”.
However, filled with the “power” of God, the darkness in people’s lives is replaced by light and they have purpose and understand why they were created. They are useful in society and to God’s Kingdom.
The more we use our devices, the more they need charging – in the same way the busier we are, the more we need to continually be filled by God’s invisible power – the Holy Spirit – in order to avoid burnout.
So many people say they are too busy to spend time praying, reading their Bible and being quiet before God, but the truth is busyness is not a virtue and often we just need to sit still, spending time with God, being recharged.
Reading the Bible to learn God’s perspective on our self and our world is like getting regular software updates. The Bible also provides us with anti-virus software so that we can guard against attacks that corrupt our data and prevent us from running optimally.
Come on fellow devices, let’s “switch on”, “power up” and get with God’s “program” in our lives!