Then there's GPS (global positioning system). Intriguing. How cool it is, that by just typing your destination's address on your smart phone, you can drive through unfamiliar highways and byways and be led exactly to it.
"Arrived," it specifies. And when you miss a turn, "Recalculating," then, "Make a U-turn on the next traffic light."
And upon reaching your residence, it sort of happily says, "You've reached home." How does it even know that?
Updated versions of GPS on your phone show landmarks, e.g., buildings, trees and every bridge you pass under.
Garmin, which manufactures navigation and similar communication devices, informs us that 31 satellites currently orbit the earth—each one doing it twice a day—some 12,000 miles (other sources say 16,000) above us—at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles per hour; with small rocket boosters keeping each satellite flying on its path.
You may drive at maybe just 40 miles per hour. So you can imagine how close to accurate your GPS works even if it falters from time to time.
It's amazing how GPS directs hordes of vehicles—and practically all flying and sea-going vessels—in multifarious directions with hardly a glitch. No mismashes or confusion!
Per GISGeography, these satellites intersect to exactly pinpoint your location. Like your eye from the sky.
So you're searching for the Grand Canyon, or the nearest Cantonese or Jollibee restaurant; no problem, GPS will show you the way.
Current techno-gadgets/systems—smart phones, social media, self-driving cars, drones, etc.—once considered impossibilities and the stuff of cartoons, are now musts for convenient living. Also for decimating enemy installations as countries wage wars.
Charge all these to man's ability to create, invent, calculate and have the gumption to turn their imaginings to reality.
The GPS has come to mimick stars as guides towards destinations. Remember how stars led the three wise men to Jesus that first Christmas?
I think you know where I'm going with this.
Are we really that smart? But we're finite, you and I. We are but dust. How is it that we're capable of incredible feats.
The answer is found in Genesis. God made man in His image and ordered him to take dominion over the earth.
That's why we're problem solvers and tinkerers. That's why we celebrate the Einsteins, Musks, Zuckerbergs, Bezos and all the problem solvers of this world.
Let's not forget Gladys West—a woman, ahem!—who created the GPS.
It's sad though that the more knowledge and gizmos we acquire, the more mankind has revered man and science, and kicked away God as the ultimate source of all these blessings.
Got to give credit where credit is due. Proverbs 2:6—For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Proverbs 4:7-9.
GPS uses trilateration. That's when three satellites intersect to pinpoint specific locations. Literally your eye in the sky!
What a perfect metaphor for our triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He's Almighty God, Creator/Savior/Lord, Counselor. He never slumbers and has His eyes on us 24/7.
We don't know how many more miles of going or coming or flying or sailing is up ahead. With covid, we were almost buckling down. Buckle up. Hold on to your seat. Many more are prophesied.
So in Him alone will I trust. And shelter. Yes, despite our amazing gizmos.
