Of course, subtitles are relatively new
And distractingly comfortable at the same time.
AI and such tools have made it easier
To translate the voice into words to read.
I was noticing how the congregation at church
Agreements of “Amen” often made it to a subtitle
Sometimes, it isn’t very clear because those words
Are not coming from the speaker in the camera’s view.
This subtitle issue became abundantly clear as I handled some video edits this past week. A baby’s cry in the back room may drown out a translation or confuse it as the translation tool attempts to understand the noise. Even movement noise can mask the translation. I know. I’ve reviewed some videos this weekend. Translation requires a single sound source to convert the words to readable form.
If this is true for technology, it’s even more true for our ability to hear and understand the subtitles of life.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus had to deal with some life and spiritual issues in Matthew 4. If you’ve read the Bible and began with the first Gospel, then you’ve read these words. Click here to read this chapter online: Matthew 4.
While studying this chapter last week, I’ve concluded the reality of subtitles and subtle thoughts.
In the background of life and our ability to understand,
we often read words without deep comprehension.
It’s just a story, but hidden in the background is understanding.
The Spirit leads Jesus into the Wilderness.
For 40 days, he fasted and prayed.
He focused on conquering the physical realm
Because he will face the Spiritual battle
And he doesn’t need distractions.
The tempter comes and begins to woo.
Let me tell you what you’ll get.
Give up and show me your power, desire, and vision,
And I’ll give it all to you without a doubt.
My mind stops and thinks about Adam and Eve
They were given well-defined boundaries.
But I don’t read a single word
“Watch out for the deceiver!”
Maybe this is a lesson learned later in life.
There are many deceptions we face
That will destroy our existence.
Spams. Scams. And the like… Watch out!
First, Jesus was commanded to turn stones into bread.
If you are God, you have the power! Do it. Sate your hunger. Prove it to yourself and me.
“Man does not live by bread alone…but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Jesus quotes the Law, Deuteronomy 8. You may focus on one verse in particular, but the entire chapter states his case. It is summed in verse 17, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.” After God states his case of protection and direction, it’s often easy to think, “I’m a self-made man. Look what I’ve created.” Subtle deception.
Second, Jesus is taken to the highest pinnacle in the Temple.
If you are God, throw yourself down. Your angels will protect you. Prove it to yourself and me. The tempter is quoting from Psalms 91.
“You shall not tempt the Lord Your God.“
Notice. Jesus is talking to the tempter… Don’t tempt the Lord your God… He’s rebutting the claim of superiority of the tempter over a diminutive power of God. Again, Jesus quotes from the Law. (Deuteronomy 6:16, Exodus 17:2) Subtle deception put into its place!
Third and final, Jesus is taken to the highest point on the earth. The tempter shows him all the kingdoms and glories of the world. “Fall down and worship me, and these shall be yours.”
“Away with you, Satan! It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” There is no subtle deception left. “Away with you!” The Law wins, and Jesus is vindicated. (Deuteronomy 6:13-14, 10:20)
We need to stand up to deception. No matter how many times it shows up. Command it to leave. Prove your place as His Disciple.
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!
(Below, you may find other topics similar to this one. Please read on!)