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AN AMAZING FACT: One of the earliest types of radio was called a crystal radio and did not require any power source. It got its name because it had a tiny piece of crystalline mineral, usually galena, in its electrical circuit. This enabled it to receive signals and “amplify” them in early earphones before modern diodes were invented. Today most radios amplify the incoming radio signal with a battery or other power source.
It is truly amazing to see how far and fast technology has come in the last 90 years since radio was first introduced. We can mention not only radio and television, but sonar, radar, microwave, and cell phones. Medical technology has also made breathtaking breakthroughs in non-invasive imaging techniques such as CT and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). But probably one of the most influential technological developments has been the personal computer.
At the heart of all of these electronic devices is again another mineral, this time not galena, but silicon. Silicon is a semi-conductor, which means it partially restricts the flow of electricity. When sandwiched into electronic “chips” in the right way, silicon can act as a variable “gate” to control the flow of electricity in response to small input voltages. This results in a very precise control of electricity that is needed in most electronic devices today, and it’s why integrated circuits (made of silicon) are essential in amplifiers of just about every kind of electronic device, including modern-day radios.
When Jesus was riding on the colt into the city, the crowd of disciples began singing and praising God. The watching Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But Jesus responded by saying, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40) Was this a prophecy? Today, the rocks are truly crying out. There are literally millions of tiny pieces of silicon faithfully crying out the gospel message through radio, TV, computer, and other devices.
As God’s people, let us be faithful to not only use the technology He has so miraculously provided for us near the close of Earth’s history, but to be personal, living, breathing witnesses to God’s faithfulness in our lives.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 43:10
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