LightGrams
December 3, 2020
Volume 24, Number 44
A piece of technology history is scheduled to be auctioned next week. An Apple-1 computer, one of only 200 that was produced in 1976, will have a starting bid of $50,000, and who knows how high the bidding will go? Making this item especially valuable is that it comes with the original box signed by Steve Wozniak, one of the two cofounders of Apple Computers. (The other was the late Steve Jobs.)
You can buy an Apple computer for much less, of course, and what you’ll have is a device far more powerful than the Apple-1. The 1976 model has been restored, and it comes with a cassette interface. I remember those early days of computing, and I especially remember how annoying it was to try to find the precise spot on the cassette tape where programs or data were stored. What a difference 44 years makes!
But the Apple-1 was the model that launched an empire. Apple is today a worldwide brand, and its product line is extensive. Having the signature of one of the creators of this original machine is what will entice even higher bidding for the computer.
May I suggest that you bear the signature of your Creator? The human body is a more amazing “machine” than anything humans have created. Every part of us shows intricate complexity and design. Psalm 139:14 makes the point beautifully: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
You’ll notice in that verse that the second person pronoun (“You”) is capitalized; that shows that God is being addressed. The psalmist was giving God the credit for all the amazing aspects of his body because he knew God is the Creator of all things.
Genesis 1:1 – the opening words of the Bible – declare to the reader that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In verse 27 we are further told, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs are lauded for creating the Apple computers, but God’s creation greatly outshines their accomplishments.
I mentioned earlier that God’s signature is something you bear; I bear it, too. How so? Consider Hebrews 3:4: “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.” Buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright bear the marks of his distinctive style. God’s “buildings” all proclaim His superior wisdom and craftsmanship. (I would also argue that the DNA found in every cell of your body is God’s signature.)
What all of this means is summed up by a famous quote by the ancient theologian Augustine (354-430 A.D.): “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” To that I say, Amen! What do you say?
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2020, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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