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 death and consumption. 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.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012

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