The marvels of the electronic and computer age constantly amaze me. All the talk of the radical changes taking place in the transmission and use of information sometimes could be a bit intimidating to one who can recall the wonder and thrill of the early eras of radio and television. But I am sure some might be surprised that some sixty-five or so years ago I routinely sat at a desk and chatted via a keyboard with other airmen halfway around the world.
Even though I have watched the development of all the wondrous gadgets that bridge these eras and sometimes might have to ask my son or a grandson to help me along the way, I have never ceased to be impressed.
One area of fascination has been the development and proliferation of radar, satellites, gps and other electronic navigational devices. Man is now able to pinpoint his position to within a few millimetres in a vast sea or in the vastness of space. He can fly giant aircraft automatically with absolute accuracy. (But sometimes seems unable to locate one that has been obviously flown into a disaster.)
He can fly an armed missile through a window from a ship hundreds of miles away. He can send a moon rocket through a window of opportunity with the same accuracy required to hit a fast flying bee with a bullet at a thousand meters.
During the Korean conflict I was involved in military communications. On occasion I worked with those who used what would now be viewed as very primitive Ground- Control Equipment to guide crippled or air medical evacuation planes loaded with wounded to a safe landing. The key to it all was being able to electronically penetrate the thickest cloud or fog and plot a path of safety through the storm.
I will never forget the tenseness of the moment of truth when a plane broke through a very low ceiling and made a safe touch down. Even harder to forget are the few that did not make it. Good guidance was essential and the gratitude expressed by those who received it was really appreciated by those who went through the agony of having the lives of others absolutely dependent upon their ability to accurately use primitive guidance equipment.
All of this has often made me think of the greatest guidance marvel of all. The infallible ability of the Holy Spirit to guide God's people through the troubles and storms of life. His all seeing eye is in every place beholding both the good and evil. He knows the end from the beginning and all that lies in between. His ability to assure a safe landing and good conclusion has no parallel. There is no cloud of trouble or fog of despair too heavy or storm of life too severe for our paraklete. He is able to work all things together for the good of those who love the Lord.
It is marvelous, but true, that our Lord knows the way in the wilderness of this world and all we have to do is follow! We can be sure He will land us safely on the other side!
Even though I have watched the development of all the wondrous gadgets that bridge these eras and sometimes might have to ask my son or a grandson to help me along the way, I have never ceased to be impressed.
One area of fascination has been the development and proliferation of radar, satellites, gps and other electronic navigational devices. Man is now able to pinpoint his position to within a few millimetres in a vast sea or in the vastness of space. He can fly giant aircraft automatically with absolute accuracy. (But sometimes seems unable to locate one that has been obviously flown into a disaster.)
He can fly an armed missile through a window from a ship hundreds of miles away. He can send a moon rocket through a window of opportunity with the same accuracy required to hit a fast flying bee with a bullet at a thousand meters.
During the Korean conflict I was involved in military communications. On occasion I worked with those who used what would now be viewed as very primitive Ground- Control Equipment to guide crippled or air medical evacuation planes loaded with wounded to a safe landing. The key to it all was being able to electronically penetrate the thickest cloud or fog and plot a path of safety through the storm.
I will never forget the tenseness of the moment of truth when a plane broke through a very low ceiling and made a safe touch down. Even harder to forget are the few that did not make it. Good guidance was essential and the gratitude expressed by those who received it was really appreciated by those who went through the agony of having the lives of others absolutely dependent upon their ability to accurately use primitive guidance equipment.
All of this has often made me think of the greatest guidance marvel of all. The infallible ability of the Holy Spirit to guide God's people through the troubles and storms of life. His all seeing eye is in every place beholding both the good and evil. He knows the end from the beginning and all that lies in between. His ability to assure a safe landing and good conclusion has no parallel. There is no cloud of trouble or fog of despair too heavy or storm of life too severe for our paraklete. He is able to work all things together for the good of those who love the Lord.
It is marvelous, but true, that our Lord knows the way in the wilderness of this world and all we have to do is follow! We can be sure He will land us safely on the other side!
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