Big Data

As The New York Times recently concluded, we live in “the age of big data.” This reflects the growing capacity and speed of computers and the growing importance of the internet.

Data now is exploding, more than doubling every two years. In his recent book on big data, Christopher Surdak explains that the world’s yearly data traffic will reach 1.3 zettabytes by the year 2016. (“If a zettabyte of data was burned onto data CDs, the resulting stack of CDs would be 4.1 million kilometers high.”)

Today, computers “talk” to each other, exchanging information. This (theoretically) can make life easier and better, but also raises serious concerns about privacy. More about our lives can be known, and possibly misused.

When overwhelmed with these statistics, Believers should remember that we serve a God who is much bigger than any computer or data. We see this His bigness in Revelation where we see a picture of the vastness of heaven and a great celebration. How many were there? “Myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.” As far as John’s eye could see, there were living creatures and angels.

This provides important perspectives for our lives. First, when we praise God, we are adding our voice to this myriad of myriads. We also need to realize that all of these people went through the struggles of life. They clearly realize that God is greater than any person, organization, or computer. He alone is worthy of praise.

This vastness reminds us that God already knows everything about our lives. Even better, He loves us, and we can trust Him.

Today, praise and worship God the Father, and give Him thanks. Praise and worship Jesus, for He is worthy. Join the vast throngs of Heaven. Right now!