Apples of Gold

There is currently a lot of hullabaloo revolving around the potential existence of extra-terrestrial beings. Some say the discovery of aliens could devastate the Christian church. I disagree with this presupposition. 

While the Bible doesn’t directly deal with this topic, there are some principles that we can apply to this discussion. 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

The Hebrew word translated heavens is samayim. The meaning of this word is rather broad and not only conveys the visible sky but the abode of the stars and even the abode of God. 

While the Word of God does not tell us that God created other beings, on other planets, it also does not tell us that he did not.  

The concept of a Creator does not rise and fall on this issue. What we can draw from the Scripture is that if there are other beings, God created them too. 

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. John 1:1-3

This is not the first time that some have asserted that the Bible and scientific fact are in direct contradiction. It is also not the first time that they were mistaken.

During the 19th century, the discovery of dinosaur fossils initially sent a wave of giddiness through the Atheistic wing of the scientific community. Unfortunately for them, their lack of knowledge of the Bible caused them to overlook the fact that the existence of these creatures, simultaneously with man, was recorded within the pages of God’s Word. 

A long time ago, in a land faraway, a man name Job wrote a book, probably between 540-330 BCE. Chapter 41 gives a detailed description of a beast referred to as Leviathan. 

Can you catch Leviathan with a hook or put a noose around its jaw? Can you tie it with a rope through the nose or pierce its jaw with a spike? Job 41:1-2

The description encapsulates the entire chapter. For brevities sake I will include a few highlights:

Who can strip off its hide, and who can penetrate its double layer of armor? Job 41:13

Lightning leaps from its mouth; flames of fire flash out. Smoke streams from its nostrils like steam from a pot heated over burning rushes. Its breath would kindle coals, for flames shoot from its mouth. Job 41:19-21

Leviathan makes the water boil with its commotion. It stirs the depths like a pot of ointment. The water glistens in its wake, making the sea look white.  Job 41:31-32

Isaiah also speaks of Leviathan in chapter 27, and David mentions sea monsters in Psalm 74. 

In actuality the discovery of dinosaurs confirmed things written centuries earlier in the Scriptures. 

I assure you that God is not pacing the Heavens wondering if a new creature is about to be uncovered.

No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. Therefore, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God-let us hold fast to our confession. Hebrews 4:13-14

In the early 1970’s, the phrase, ‘Is it live, or is it Memorex?’ was part of an advertising campaign for cassette tapes, boasting that it was difficult to tell the difference between a live performance and a recording. In an age of Artificial Intelligence, and multiple filters and computer enhancements, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish reality from fiction. 

I’m not sure what we expected the Last Days to look like but God already warned us that they were going to be chaotic and rather messy. 

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 Timothy 3:1

And difficult they are! The struggle to stay alert and avoid being overwhelmed is very real. Thankfully we are not in this alone. Lately I feel more like I’m closing my eyes and hanging on for dear life, banking on the fact that my God gets me and he’s got me!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Things might look out of control but God assures us they are not. He has a plan, he is executing that plan. 

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. Hebrews 10:36-38

God has never been afraid of our questions, or new scientific discoveries. 

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness. 1 Corinthians 3:19

While we navigate these uncertain times, we have an anchor that holds firm in the wildest storm. Our Captain has no need of a map, or a GPS. 

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Edward Mote