(Here is a bit from my sermon for this Sunday, April 23.)
Technology is using knowledge to impact our world in a consistent way. Today we have 2 stories of ancient technology – Exodus 7:14-24 and Acts 8:9-24.
The ancient world did not use the word technology, but notice that the staff that Moses and Aaron use a kind of technology. God gives them something to create a terrible wonder: the waters of the Nile will turn to blood. This is an impressive feat, but notice that it is not really a miracle. It is something that the Egyptian magicians can do as well. They are impacting their world in a way that can be reproduced.
But – Moses and Aaron use this technology of the staff for God’s purposes: God’s people must be free. In contrast, Pharaoh’s court magicians use their technology to keep people enslaved and resist God.
Here we can see that technology is not a new thing. We are surrounded by technology. Consider your shoes. Also your cell phone. God also gave us brains and the ability to create and innovate. We see this in the Bible: Cain built a city (Gen 4:17), God gives instructions on building the ark and the tent of meeting. The Jews will build Jerusalem and its temple. King Uzziah builds machines in Jerusalem to help defend the city (2 Chronicles 26:15).