Posted July 12, 2007
Information by itself is not enough. We have to understand what it means.
Lately I have been reading a lot about the trend in newspapers toward mostly local coverage. Many of the large metro newspapers have cut their foreign news operations. I read awhile ago that the Boston Globe had done this.
A past PBS Frontline series on the "news wars" focused on the ongoing woes of the Los Angeles Times. Viewing the shrunken profits and newsroom staff, one analyst was arguing that this venerable old paper should focus its efforts on local news and forget trying to be a national paper with an international focus.
Many newspaper executives feel this is the best way to do the job, while maintaining the attention of a younger, wired audience. And they are right. It is the future of newspapers and content delivery. Whether we will see the demise of newsprint is debatable.
But we are definitely witnessing a sea change in the way news is delivered, viewed and understood. More news is available to us than ever before. I can sit at my computer and gather information, including photos and video, from news sources throughout the planet. Most of it is free. We are awash in information.
Information by itself is not enough. We have to understand what it means. And we cannot fully understand today's world events without an understanding of BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy. A balanced, thorough knowledge of this unique source makes history come alive and helps us understand the complex, rapidly changing events of today's world.
If people's tastes are more to local news, they will not be keeping up with major international events that will shape our world beyond today.
Local news can be helpful. But it will be events in the Middle East, China, India, Europe and South America that will determine much of our quality of life over the next two decades. As America discovered on 9/11, we cannot take a holiday from history. Events and people can come knocking on our door with devastating consequences.
In RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 16:12-14 we see described a gathering of armies from the east and other parts of the world in a "place called Armageddon" (verse 16), in modern Israel.
There will also be a time of great spiritual deception worked by Satan. Christ pronounces a blessing on those who will watch and discern those times, thereby avoiding involvement with that satanic power. "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (verse 15).
So, go ahead and keep up with the scores. I do. But keep your eyes on the international horizon. There is a lot going on there that you need to be aware of. We will do our part to keep you informed.
Keep watching.
