One possible meaning of Isaiah's prophecy is that the "web that is woven over all nations" (Is 25:7) is the Internet, or World Wide Web. The Internet literally is woven over all nations, connected by strands of wire, cable, and fiberglass. Some of you are on it at this instant, reading this very teaching from your e-mail inbox or at our web site, www.presentationministries.com. Thank God for you!
A spider's web is woven for the purpose of ensnaring insects, leading to their consumption and death. Isaiah refers to this web as a "veil that veils all peoples" (Is 25:7). Scripturally, the word "veil" refers to the cloth in the inner sanctuary of the Temple that kept people away from God (see Lv 16:2). However, someday soon the Lord will destroy this web woven over all nations (Is 25:7). At the moment Jesus died on His cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the Lord. Jesus destroyed what had ensnared us and separated us from intimacy with God, giving us free access to the Father (Eph 2:18; see also 2 Cor 3:16).
The Internet brings many closer to God. Yet it also separates many people from free access to God. It can consume many hours of people's time needlessly. Many surf the Web idly for hours instead of building their relationship with Jesus, their spouse, children, or serving God. Many others are ensnared by Internet pornography or destructive relationships through the lures of chat rooms, advertisers, or the greed of sinful webmasters. During this Advent, let Jesus set you free from anything that ensnares you. Let nothing separate you from His Christmas love.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I pray for the conversion this Advent of all those who misuse the Internet to lead others into sin. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." –Ps 23:1 |
| PRAISE: | St. Nicholas gave gifts that didn't lead to further enslavement, but rather, set people free. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College