4G Is Just the Beginning

I’m in the market for a new cell phone, but I keep putting it off. By the time you invest in one device (and take the time to learn how to use the darn thing), it is quickly surpassed by the newest, latest, and greatest!

So, should I wait until the 5G smart-whatever comes out?

I’ve done my homework, and for a while at least, 4G will maintain its reign.

But I know this: 4G is just the beginning.

Each “generation” of technology has transformed the way our world operates. Literally. We are living in an era of history making. Because of this, we like to think we’re special, but two thousand years ago, another 4Gs reshaped the world and transformed our lives even today.

1G: It started in Gethsemane. Jesus was born under some “special circumstances” and lived an extra-ordinary life, yet the ultimate purpose of his life led him to the garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus surrendered himself to his Father’s plan and subjected himself to his friend’s betrayal.

2G: The soldiers dragged him to Gabbatha, the court where Pilot agreed to let them crucify Jesus (John 19:13).

3G: Carrying his cross, Jesus climbed Golgotha (John 19:17). Beaten. Torn. Crucified. He gave his life. The ultimate, perfect sacrifice.

4G: They laid His body in the Grave and went home to the darkest Passover in history. When they returned, the grave was empty.

But 4G was the just the beginning.

The empty grave gave way to grace.

5G: Under the new covenant, Grace is not a physical locale but a spiritual one.

It doesn’t matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. His grace washes sin’s grime and makes all things new. Including me. Including you. This gift of grace is for everyone – everyone who chooses to receive it.

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22)

To live a life without blemish and free from accusation is to live a life of grace.

6G: The mystery of this grace leads to Glory. Not our glory. His glory.

“To [the saints] God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

Christ in you, and in me, the hope of glory.

Because of these 6Gs, we can call the King of kings any time, any place.

* * * * *

Today, I am thankful for . . .

76. Gethsemane, the garden of surrender
77. Gabbatha, the court where God’s will is accomplished, despite people’s intentions
78. Golgotha, the execution where suffering transforms death into life

With gratitude, I am reminded of . . .

79. An empty Grave, a fulfilled promise
80. The mystery of His Grace
81. Christ, the hope of Glory

While reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, I started keeping a list of the things I am thankful for. What are you thankful for today?