Daniel had a vision of the last days. As I read Daniel 8 I could not help but wonder if the principalities and powers we face in these last times could be so obvious as are written in this portion of scripture.
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Ephesians 1:21 says "which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." The Greek word translated principality literally means chief or beginning in rank. It's like the role of a king.
There are three kings mentioned in Daniel 8:20-21.
Major Media
Could it be so obvious that one of the principalities the Church has to deal with is the media? The Hebrew term translated media means "middle land." Media is in between nations and helps connects these nations. Think about the role of major news media and how an isolated incident in Charlottesville Virginia can become international news reported by CNN, ABC, Reuters, NBC, AP News.... and a host of other nation's national news outlets.
The challenge is, who rules this voice? Who controls the narrative?
There are three kings mentioned in Daniel 8:20-21.
- Media
- Persia
- Greece
Major Media
Could it be so obvious that one of the principalities the Church has to deal with is the media? The Hebrew term translated media means "middle land." Media is in between nations and helps connects these nations. Think about the role of major news media and how an isolated incident in Charlottesville Virginia can become international news reported by CNN, ABC, Reuters, NBC, AP News.... and a host of other nation's national news outlets.
The challenge is, who rules this voice? Who controls the narrative?
Click to for the book It's the kings, the rulers, the CEO's of each of the major media outlets. Their personal beliefs play a role in their policies in what their organizations report.
Consider Ephesians 2:2 as it offers some excellent insight. It says "in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,"
It's clear we need to see "sons of obedience" who obey laws and who are honorable and truthful men and women of character seated in the place of authority in these companies. Think about it. Would the prince of the power of the air, obviously Satan, want to rule the media mountain? Duh! He's the one at work in the sons of disobedience. Satan wants his family in power.
What spirit would be at work in the sons of obedience? 1 John 4:4-6 reveals it would the spirit of truth. Those who love God and obey His leading and His word stand in stark contrast to the sons of disobedience. 1 John 4 reveals that this prince of the power of the air is also referred to as the spirit of error.
Remember, this is actually an ancient war that spilled from heaven to earth in Revelation 12. Its a war between The Way, The Truth and the Life (John 14) verses the father of lies (John 8).
False Profits or False Prophets
For many, their political ideology trumps (no pun intended) actual, factual, truthful reporting. Whenever the lust for wealth, power or influence trumps the truth then we have the makings of a "false profit." They will change the truth for the sake of a buck!
I like to call this "false profits" which is also a word play. The word play identifies one of the primary motivations of a "false prophet."
Jesus tells us how to decide if someone is a false prophet by looking at their fruit or character. As you go through scripture the common thread between all of the "false prophets" or teachers is a lust for wealth. Greed! A lust for power or control for personal benefit.
Major media seeks ratings. Ratings equates to a larger viewing audience which translates to more influence, more advertising dollars and control. Wealth, power and control usually come together as a package deal. Whenever the lust for power, control or profit trumps the truth, we have, as I said before, the makings of a false prophet.
The next two kings illustrate who'll attempt to use the Media king in order to advance their own personal agendas as well. For their message is also contrary to the truth. The Media king likes them because the message of fear and pride sells. It increases viewership.
Persia
Persia is represented by modern day Iran. It's a nation led by leaders whom their stated goal is to wipe Israel off the map. Their hatred, violent form of Islamic terrorism is well documented. Major media feeds on ratings and fear seems to draw a larger viewership than good news.
Greece
Much of the modern day thought for modern education in the West came from Greek thought. It separated the natural from the spiritual in its thinking and it exalted knowledge. This lays the foundation for (see Colossians 2:18 & 1 Timothy 3:6) for being puffed up with pride. Pride is what led to Lucifer's downfall.
Modern Example
I submit that the exaltation of knowledge combined with pride and a desire for profit led many to advance a false narrative regarding global warming. I mean, just look at how Al Gore has profited. Can you see the pride in the face of growing scientific knowledge that is contrary to his message. Here's another example of a false prophet who is advancing an environmental theology that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (see Romans 1).
Are not terrorism and pride two of the major issues today?
The Principle of Objective
In my book Developing Apostolic Strategy I address the first principle of war and that is the principle of objective. One of the components of developing an effective strategy requires clearly identifying your adversary, their capabilities and if possible their motives.
I submit that God has shared with us the major roots of the deception we have to fight today. We need to:
Consider Ephesians 2:2 as it offers some excellent insight. It says "in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,"
It's clear we need to see "sons of obedience" who obey laws and who are honorable and truthful men and women of character seated in the place of authority in these companies. Think about it. Would the prince of the power of the air, obviously Satan, want to rule the media mountain? Duh! He's the one at work in the sons of disobedience. Satan wants his family in power.
What spirit would be at work in the sons of obedience? 1 John 4:4-6 reveals it would the spirit of truth. Those who love God and obey His leading and His word stand in stark contrast to the sons of disobedience. 1 John 4 reveals that this prince of the power of the air is also referred to as the spirit of error.
Remember, this is actually an ancient war that spilled from heaven to earth in Revelation 12. Its a war between The Way, The Truth and the Life (John 14) verses the father of lies (John 8).
False Profits or False Prophets
For many, their political ideology trumps (no pun intended) actual, factual, truthful reporting. Whenever the lust for wealth, power or influence trumps the truth then we have the makings of a "false profit." They will change the truth for the sake of a buck!
I like to call this "false profits" which is also a word play. The word play identifies one of the primary motivations of a "false prophet."
Jesus tells us how to decide if someone is a false prophet by looking at their fruit or character. As you go through scripture the common thread between all of the "false prophets" or teachers is a lust for wealth. Greed! A lust for power or control for personal benefit.
Major media seeks ratings. Ratings equates to a larger viewing audience which translates to more influence, more advertising dollars and control. Wealth, power and control usually come together as a package deal. Whenever the lust for power, control or profit trumps the truth, we have, as I said before, the makings of a false prophet.
The next two kings illustrate who'll attempt to use the Media king in order to advance their own personal agendas as well. For their message is also contrary to the truth. The Media king likes them because the message of fear and pride sells. It increases viewership.
Persia
Persia is represented by modern day Iran. It's a nation led by leaders whom their stated goal is to wipe Israel off the map. Their hatred, violent form of Islamic terrorism is well documented. Major media feeds on ratings and fear seems to draw a larger viewership than good news.
Greece
Much of the modern day thought for modern education in the West came from Greek thought. It separated the natural from the spiritual in its thinking and it exalted knowledge. This lays the foundation for (see Colossians 2:18 & 1 Timothy 3:6) for being puffed up with pride. Pride is what led to Lucifer's downfall.
Modern Example
I submit that the exaltation of knowledge combined with pride and a desire for profit led many to advance a false narrative regarding global warming. I mean, just look at how Al Gore has profited. Can you see the pride in the face of growing scientific knowledge that is contrary to his message. Here's another example of a false prophet who is advancing an environmental theology that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (see Romans 1).
Are not terrorism and pride two of the major issues today?
The Principle of Objective
In my book Developing Apostolic Strategy I address the first principle of war and that is the principle of objective. One of the components of developing an effective strategy requires clearly identifying your adversary, their capabilities and if possible their motives.
I submit that God has shared with us the major roots of the deception we have to fight today. We need to:
- Pray the veil be lifted - 2 Corinthians 4
- Let us pray for godly kings (ie. CEOs) who'll love The Way, The Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ to fill those positions at the top of the Media mountain.
- Let us pray people would recognize the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
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