I’ve discussed this notion of God’s Transponder many times in my classes and in Bible Studies and on this website. Something new popped up last week that I want to share with you.
My aviation friends know that a transponder is simply a radio that constantly emits a signal with a code that identifies my aircraft to radar controllers, how high I’m flying, and generally in what direction I’m travelling. We all want to be “seen” and “known” flying around in the now-crowded skies, so a transponder is a great piece of equipment—unless, of course, you’re an enemy aircraft. A transponder enhances your radar “return” on the air traffic controller’s screen and when you have positive aircraft identification and control, everyone feels safer up there.
When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we also receive His Promised Holy Spirit, and I have articulated that one of the things the Holy Spirit does for us, is act like a transponder constantly emitting a signal out into the heavenly realms, that “this one is mine. This one belongs to the Lord.” Romans 8:16 puts it this way: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Because of His testimony about me into the heavenlies, I feel safer out there.
He does so many other things for us (teaching, reminding). Romans 8:26 tells us that when we don’t know what we need to pray for, or perhaps what’s going on in our bodies, or in the spiritual war ongoing for us, “. . . the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Last week, through some study, I came across another verse that had me chasing my socks—rolled them right of my feet. I don’t know why I had overlooked it. Perhaps it’s because it resides right between two of my favorite verses in the entire Bible.
“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:27)
God’s radar is always in active search mode for the Holy Spirit’s transponder signals coming from His “saints.” Not only is the Holy Spirit broadcasting into the blind, but our existence in the heavenlies is actively sought with every sweep of God’s radar. The God of the Universe, maker of heaven and earth, has always had me on His scope, but my return is even more enhanced as the Holy Spirit broadcasts on my behalf. God has actively searched for that signal since the day I chose for him at age 11. Not only do I feel safe, but I now move confidently about the world doing His will, as He gives me light to see it.
For my fellow aviators, you better believe I’m “squawking.” How about you?