When the Bible was written, the media as we know it today not only wasn't known, it wasn't even in the realm of imagination.
People got their news primarily by word of mouth or through letters hand delivered by friends or acquaintances.
But the Bible isn't a normal book.
It contains prophesies and glimpses into the future that the writers could record, but didn't understand.
Does the Bible give a glimpse or hint of our modern day media such as television, radio, and the internet? The initial response most likely would be "no.
" But if you take the time to investigate, you'll find there is at least one example of today's media within its pages that gives a clear picture of the media impact on the world, not just the Middle East.
Revelation 11 tells about two witnesses who are empowered to spread the gospel for three and a half years.
At the end of those years, they are killed and their bodies left in the street for three and a half days.
During that time, the scriptures say "They of the peoples and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies...
" Revelation 11:9 (KJV) Verse 10 goes on to say, "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them...
" When John wrote those words, there was no way that could happen.
The only ones who could see the dead bodies would be those who were there in person.
But now, between live news feeds and streaming video from cell phones it can and does happen.
Today on the internet, you can watch live feeds from a watering hole in Africa, eagles nesting in a tree, Old Faithful spouting off, and a host of other activities.
Between the internet and news media, any event can immediately be broadcast throughout the world.
So what does this mean? Is it simply Bible trivia that Revelation shows the effect of today's media or are there some nuggets of truth that can benefit us? The first thought that comes to mind is the reliability of the Word of God.
This book was written before the internet was even in the realm of imagination and yet we see a picture of the results of its use.
If God's word is accurate on something that small, it's going to be accurate in all other areas.
You can trust God's word and depend on his promises.
The second thing is that in this passage the media is used in a bad way, to promote the deaths of two of God's spokespersons.
Some may condemn the media as a result and say we shouldn't have any part in it.
The Bible doesn't condemn or endorse it but shows one way it is used.
While the internet, television, social media, and radio can be used to promote wrong ideas and thoughts, they can also be used to promote the gospel and godly ideas.
Rather than stay away from it because some people use it for wrong, we should take advantage of the potential and use it for good.
The third thought is that this is a reminder time may be short.
Twenty years ago someone reading Revelation 11 would have to stretch their imagination a bit to imagine people all over the world seeing events through live streams.
Today it's fast becoming old news.
Many things in Revelation couldn't be explained twenty years ago, but they can now.
Jesus is coming back soon.
He may delay for some time but that's doubtful.
What if he were to come back today? Would you be ready? Are there others who aren't ready that could be if you shared with them? Are you doing things that would cause embarrassment if Jesus came while you were doing them? Are you focused on your own comfort or on winning just one more for Christ? The writers of the New Testament lived in expectation of Jesus returning in their time.
They didn't have the advantages we have.
Today there is much more evidence to believe that he can return at any moment.
The question is: do you live life as though Jesus could come back at any moment?