Monday Devo - Keeping Consistent Connections

Mesh 

One of the Christmas presents that I received this year, from myself, was a whole-house internet mesh system (j/k, it's for the whole family too).  One word: Amazing!  It's a game changer.

An internet mesh system allows you to expand your wireless internet throughout your entire home and perhaps beyond.  The mesh system is led by the hub unit that is directly connected to your existing internet modem.  You then strategically place satellite receivers in various locations inside your house.  Broadcasting from the hub to the receivers, the wireless signal permeates and overlaps itself all throughout and maintains its signal just as strong as if you are in the room from where the modem originates.  This type of connection can eliminate dead spots you once had, provide a steady, unwavering signal, and can extend coverage outside of your house thereby expanding your internet further to perhaps stream music while you mow the lawn, or watch a movie off the deck.  The mesh system is meant to keep you connected...to the internet.

Disconnection from the internet can be frustrating, it may lead to a fear of missing out, leaving you discouraged and maybe even depressed.  Disconnection from God is much worse, as it can have eternal implications.  For the unbelievers who don’t buy into the Good News that Jesus sacrificed His life for our sake and for our salvation, there will be no place for them in the kingdom of heaven.  When we, who know the Gospel, are apart from God, i.e. not walking in His ways, not praying to Him, not immersing ourselves in His word, not seeking His counsel, not worshiping Him, we experience a void that cannot be filled by anything this world can offer, thus leaving us incomplete (1 John 2: 3-6).  Think of how the internet, modem and hub unit work together to provide life to the worldwide web.  Our triune God who created everything; who became man and ultimately our crucified savior, Jesus Christ; who sent His Spirit to be our counselor and interceder here on earth, gives us eternal life.

“24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Now think of the church, small groups, youth groups, and any person, group, or ministry that teaches and promotes the Gospel as the “receivers” or “connection points,” reaching us where we are, no matter the “dead spots” or sins that we struggle with.  They should reinforce the Good News, and remind us of how God's love is unwavering and never-failing.  We should receive their love and encouragement, as well as their honesty and admonishment. (Hebrews 10:24-25).  These connection points should also cast their “mesh” or net by discipling us so we can disciple others and share the Gospel further, beyond the walls of our house, into our street, neighborhood and outward. (Matthew 4:19, 28:19).  I say “should,” because they are only as strong as the original signal that’s being received.  Even “receivers” can have disruptions or times when their connection to God isn’t as strong.  As receivers, we need to be enriched (being held accountable; being motivated; and being pointed back to God) by other receivers. (Proverbs 27:17)

Friends, God has strategically placed receivers into our lives to serve His purpose for His glory.  He has also commanded us to be receivers ourselves.  As the body of Christ, let us pray that we encounter the lost, with grace and in love, and become their connection point with the truth of the Gospel.