GPS

 GPS

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite–based navigational system used to provide time and location information anywhere on earth. Centered high above earth, the (GPS) satellites share communication signals between 4 or more globally positioned satellites to transmit information from satellites to receivers on the ground. The (GPS) system was developed in 1973 by the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance critical military capabilities, but, as recently as 1994, was seen to have various civilian capabilities and commercial uses; to include navigational devices in our automobiles and the latest cell phone technology. Used today in almost every facet of our society, global positioning systems assist us in everything from air travel to finding the directions to the most convenient places to shop.

However, a centralized system to guide people to specific locations –from above the earth– actually predates the Defense Department’s innovations of the 1970’s and the Soviet’s launch of its Sputnik satellite in 1957.  Even before these innovations, God already formulated a means of directing humanity toward the most important destination in the universe: Heaven. Similar to GPS technology, God’s positioning system coordinates communications from above to guide those on earth to this eternal location already prepared for them in Jesus Christ (John 14: 1-4).

According to the Bible, over 2000 years ago, God sent His only Son to the earth to point us in this eternal direction, for Jesus Himself says…”I am the way the truth and the life” (John 14:6) and even today, when we hear His voice (the Bible), He gives us the proper guidance to help us reach this divine destination and to avoid: wrong turns, roadblocks, and dangers that can delay our commute or cause us to miss our destination altogether.  Based on Christ’s need to further emphasize this truth, one can conclude that the directions to some destinations are too important to miscalculate, and, the cost of not arriving at all, too costly to risk. With this in mind, it will be beneficial for us to gain a clearer understanding of God’s positioning system and the individual components that make it useful. Therefore, we will examine key components of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and compare them with the positioning system made available to us through Jesus Christ.

      1. Reference Point

In order for GPS to be used as an effective means of finding an unfamiliar location, it must first select a known location to be used as a reference point to begin its search.  The reference point has long been a basic element of all navigational pursuits; for it is difficult to know where you are going, if you do not have a clear understanding of where you are. Likewise, many global positioning devices use your current location information to chart your course to a specific location.  GPS devices are programmed to establish your current location as a starting point to determine the best route to your location of choice.

The reference point approach to finding an unknown location is not a novel one; but has been used by God to pinpoint locations unknown to mankind long before GPS came on the navigational scene.  The reference point principle as a navigation rule does not only apply to reaching physical destinations, but also, spiritual ones.  To reach your desired spiritual destination, you must first know your current spiritual position.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23 (NIV) 

    2. Redirection

Another feature of GPS devices is the ability not only to recognize your current location, but, in the event you are traveling in the wrong direction or make the wrong turn, to get you back on the right track. Through a process known as “precise monitoring” the GPS not only instructs, but also, manages the course that it has charted for your commute. Acting as a safety mechanism, the precise monitoring feature is designed to detect any deviation from the assigned route, and instantly, alert the traveler of the error while simultaneously offering the safest and most convenient means of redirection.

Similar, to the GPS systems, God’s positioning system is also equipped with the precise monitoring function; God monitors every single aspect of our lives and He is the first to know when we are traveling in the wrong direction. The good news is that God allows u-turns and because He is gracious and merciful, He grants us the opportunity to turn around and to get back on the correct path.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

    3. Reception

Maybe one of the most important aspects of the GPS system is the receiver. The receiver is the actual component that receives the transmitted signal from satellites positioned in space. In order to navigate your course accurately, satellites have to — regardless of the weather–send clear signals to the receivers on earth. But more importantly, receivers have to be operational and open to receive the transmitted signal from above. This ensures that communication between orbit and earth are clear and that coordinates from space have been accurately transmitted to GPS devices on the ground.

To arrive at our spiritual destination, we will have to receive the truth that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our past, present, and future sins. Without this reception, we cannot realize the awesome sacrifice of the Cross nor appreciate the gift that heaven sent to the earth on our behalf.  A receiver that is operational will acknowledge Christ’s death as a spiritual marker pointing us in the direction of our spiritual destination. The completion of our journey hinges on our ability to receive this truth.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6: 23 (NIV) 

    4. Request Location

Many of today’s GPS systems operate on a system of voice commands. Voice commands allow the driver to focus on the handling of the vehicle while requesting specific information about their desired location. This feature has multi-purposes; it confirms the there is communication between the satellites in orbit and the receiver on earth while also confirming that the travelers requests are correct. This is done by a function of the GPS device that allows it confirm the travelers request by repeating the command back to them.

With voice commands the driver can literally speak and the GPS system will lock in on the desired destination and pin point its specific location: confirmed. Well, using voice commands to secure a travelers arrival at a desired destination, is yet another of the GPS functions that is predated by God’s system. Long before this innovation, God established voice commands as the means of activating your faith in Jesus Christ and receiving a confirmation from above that your are locked in to your desired position. And, while GPS can only lock in your coordinates, God adds and additional function, He assures your safe arrival.

Therefore, if you are aware of your current position; realize that God allows u-turns; and receive Christ’s death as payment for your sins, then use your voice command and confess Him today as your Lord and Savior.

‘That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and with your mouth that you confess and are saved”. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

You can pray:

God, I realize that I am a sinner and I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. I repent of my sins and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I ask you to forgive my sins, cleanse my heart and grant me the free gift of eternal life as you have promised in your word. In Jesus Christ name: Amen.

Welcome to God’s family from Mastersbusiness ministries.