This week on Geek Devotions, The Healing Place School of Ministry continues our series Gotham City Gospel. In this episode, they compare Batman’s most secretive enemy, The Court of Owls, to Satan. How are they similar and why is it important to Understand how the enemy works? Well, let’s dive into that.
Before we begin, you should know that to create this devotional, this particular team read “Court of Owls” and “Night of the Owls” story arcs (New 52 Batman – Issues 1 – 12), the animated film “Batman Vs Robin,” and “Born to Kill” story arc (New 52 Batman and Robbin issue 3-9). The Court of Owls was a secret organization that ran Gotham from the shadows and has been around since the earliest of days shaping what the city would become.
The Devotion
The leader of the Owls stated that they have been there since the time of the city’s formation. The devil also was here when the world was created. God created him as an angel. The most beautiful angel. His greed and pride got him kicked out of heaven to dwell over the earth.
Isaiah 14:12 (NIV)– How you have fallen from heaven, O Morning Star, son of the dawn. You have been cast down to the earth.
The Owls whispered their desires to the government officials to tell them what they wanted them to do. The owls basically ran the city. The devil also whispers to us to try to get us to do things that maybe we would not normally do; to make bad decisions or do things that we know are wrong. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He will twist the truth just enough that we believe it. He also tries to remind us of our past to plant seeds of doubt, guilt, depression, uselessness, hurt, etc.
Jn. 8:44(NIV)- He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.
The Court of Owls was thought to be a myth. The devil also uses this lie to deceive many. There are many people that think that when you die, you just go to a better place, period. They don’t believe in heaven, in the devil or hell. The devil does not want us to know he is real, that way he has more control and freedom in our lives.
2 Cor. 5:10 (NIV)- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
The people involved in The Court of Owls walked around among the other citizens unnoticed. They blended in, they looked just like everyone else. This is also how the devil exists in our world. This is how he tries to deceive us. He conceals himself in the ordinary things of life, to mislead us or deceive us into not following the truth. If we walk and keep our eyes on the things of God, the devil has no way into our life.
2 Cor. 2:11 (NIV) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of is devices.
Talon used his lies and deceit on Damian to destroy his relationship with Batman. The devil knows that destroying our relationships will cause more fighting and chaos in the world.
Eph. 6:12- (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The Owls wanted to take over and control the city. They wanted to rebuild the city to suit themselves.
Luke 4:5-6 (NIV)– The devil led him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I and give it to anyone I want to.
Just like Bruce was able to discern that the Owls were not what they seemed, we must learn how to discern the tricks of the devil. To have this discernment, we must pray and read our Bible daily. The more time we spend with God, the more evident the devil’s tricks will be.
2 Cor. 2:11 (NIV)- in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Our Challenge
Can you recognize how the devil is trying to deceive you on your daily walk? You need to be submerged in the word of God and in prayer so that the holy spirit can give you discernment to the schemes of the devil.