THE MASTER OF THE MEDIA

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“in order that Satan might not outwit us.
For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
(2 Corinthians 2:11)

MEDITATION:
The devil is trying to warp the minds of people through the
entertainment industry of radio, television, music, internet and film.
He knows very well how to use these things;
he is even called the ‘ruler of the kingdom of the air’.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which
you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the
ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those
who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1-2)

In our world today, we can see how the media is being used to
manipulate our ideals, our habits, out thoughts, and our attitudes.
More recently, the media is attempting to convince us that we are divided
along racial and ethnic ‘lines of hate’ (which can be easily dispelled when
we have conversations with each other…because we discover that there is
a mutual respect between groups – we find that we have similar ideas,
dreams and goals when the media influence isn’t present).

In addition, the media (when influenced by Satan) is trying to
convince people that structured law and order is evil and should be
eliminated, and that worshiping our Creator together creates another
line of hate which should be eradicated (but ironically, at the same time
they are encouraging the worship of other gods which have been created
by the minds of man).

At first glance, the prophecy in Ezekiel 28:11–19 seems to refer to a human king.
The city of Tyre was the recipient of some of the
strongest prophetic condemnations in the Bible.
Tyre was known for building its wealth by exploiting its neighbors.
Ancient writers referred to Tyre as a city ‘filled with unscrupulous merchants‘.

Tyre was a center of religious idolatry and sexual immorality.
The biblical prophets rebuked Tyre for its pride, which
was brought on by its great wealth and strategic location.
Ezekiel 28:11–19 seems to be a particularly strong indictment
against the king of Tyre in the prophet Ezekiel’s day;
rebuking the king for his insatiable pride and greed.

However, some of the descriptions in this passage
go beyond any mere human king.
In no sense could an earthly king claim to be “in Eden”
or to be “the anointed cherub who covers”
or to be “on the holy mountain of God”.

Most Bible interpreters believe that Ezekiel 28:11–19 is a dual prophecy
which compares the pride of the king of Tyre, to the pride of Satan.
Some believe that the king of Tyre was actually possessed by Satan,
making the link between the two even more powerful and applicable.

Before his fall, Satan was indeed a beautiful creature.
He was perhaps the most beautiful and powerful of all the angels.
The phrase “guardian cherub” could be an indication
that Satan was the angel who “guarded” God’s presence.

Pride led to Satan’s fall.
Rather than give God the glory for creating him so beautifully,
Satan took pride in himself, thinking that he himself
was responsible for his exalted status.

His rebellion resulted in God casting Satan from His presence.
Eventually, God will condemn Satan to the lake of fire for all eternity
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning
sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will
be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10).

Also, Satan was called Lucifer, which is Latin for “morning star”.
These descriptions of the evil one tell us that he is a master of media.
He knows how to allure and tempt us through sound and sight.
He knows our vulnerability to the wrong things we see and hear.

The Word of God tells us,
“The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers,
so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory
of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Look at the increase in the availability of psychics, the creation of
children’s books with dark magic themes, and even games where
young people pretend to murder and rape as part of the game!
Satan has people ‘playing with fire’ and most don’t even realize they
are being led away from God’s world into the dark world of Satan.

We are given a warning in 1 Peter:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Remember, the devil “cannot” prevent the Lord from answering
our prayers, so his strategy is to try to convince us not to pray.

This is why fellowship with other believers
is so important – we can pray for each other.
God said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
Obeying His commandments is how we show that we truly love God.

One of his commandments is to meet together with other believers.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love
and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more
as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

ACTION:
As believers, we need to scrutinize what we hear in the media.
If we allow it to influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions,
we can be easily led in many wrong directions.
God’s Word is truth, so our primary “media link”
should be an active connection with the Bible.
We need to be filling our minds with the truths God gives us
in order to create a defense against Satan’s control of the air.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word of truth. Teach me
to fill my mind with Your truths so that I can detect the lies which
are filling the airwaves. Help me to realize the influence Satan has
on the various media venues, and to weigh the things I see and hear
on the scales of Your truths. Show me how to invite the Holy Spirit
to gain complete control of my mind, so that I can be protected
against the schemes of the evil one.”

blog: UTVOLWOODY.WORDPRESS.COM