Today’s scripture: Isaiah 31:1-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Jeff Cope):
My wife and I have been watching the History Channel’s show “Vikings”. It is a semi-historical portrayal of the Viking’s conquests. The Vikings were a group of pagans that raided English villages; stealing treasure, occupying land and forming alliances out of force.
One thing that struck me about the show is how they portrayed the Vikings staring at their plunder like it was mystical. Specifically, anything made of gold would give them this look of wonder. This act of idolizing reminded me of Isaiah 31:1 “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!”
The way the Vikings were acting around gold appeared so familiar to me but I couldn’t put my finger on why. Then it hit me…In today’s society we look at our phones the same way the Vikings looked at their gold. We are enamored by our phones. They are with us all the time and almost an extension of self. In my case it’s the first thing I look at in the morning and the last before I go to bed. Even my wife and I can be sitting in the same room and we’re both tapping away on our phones while talking and catching about half of what each other is saying.
Occasionally I’ll see videos of people at music concerts and there are numerous people in the audience watching the concert through the camera on their phone. Like they are literally at the concert yet they are watching it on a 6″ screen.
These phones have become the center of our world and I think if we’re not careful to find balance they can detract from so much that’s going on in the real world. I think it actually seems quite fitting that iPhone comes in gold since we treat them like they are made of it!
Thought for the day: How often do you step away from your phone while you’re spending time with someone important to you?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.