Alien Invasion

I must admit it. I watch Ancient Aliens. Is that a collective groan I hear? No, I'm not a UFO fanatic. The show is filmed around the world in places I've never heard of, been to and will probably never visit. Their stable of experts routinely attempt to explain spiritual matters in purely natural terms. It's disappointing when a commentator with theological training and background can't honestly and biblically explain the supernatural.

None of the experts profess first hand experience with the ancient astronauts or extra-terrestrials. Would they, along with most people be surprised to learn they meet and interact with aliens on a regular, daily basis?

"Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world..."

1 Peter 2:11.

You read that right. Peter called Christians aliens (it even says so in the Greek!). The world has been subjected to a constant alien invasion and occupation for over 2000 years. Who knew? Unfortunately, there is still a substantial portion of humanity who are unaware of the presence in their midst. Some that do know are often repelled by this.

Overwhelmingly on the broadcast, individuals who claim personal encounters with aliens have nothing positive to say about their experiences. They don't ever want to re-live them and would like nothing more than to be able to forget them entirely. I don't blame them. Dealing with fallen angels bent on your destruction would not engender warm fuzzy feelings and a desire for a repeat performance. It's sad that too often Christian leave unbelievers with this same aversion.

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword"

Matt. 10:34 (NIV).

Jesus made it very clear. He was going to and would always be a point of contention. His claims at Messiah-ship placed Him at odds with the religious hierarchy and divided society all the way down to the family unit. It's still that way today.

Destined to turn the world right side up, Jesus didn't resort to pickets, protests and so forth. He did drive money changers out of the Temple, but after all, it was His Father's house. On one occasion He completely eluded a group of townspeople desiring to throw Him off of a cliff. He never advocated the overthrow of the cruel, oppressive Roman government. He even admonished the Jews to pay their taxes to Rome. That point alone can get family members fighting.

Interaction with Jesus didn't produce fear or dread, just the opposite. Most, once they met Him, couldn't get enough and clamored for more. What did Jesus do that endeared Him to people regardless of His teachings that were so controversial?

"...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" Acts 10:38 (NIV).

There's the secret for a successful alien invasion and occupation: do good and heal all under the devil's power through one's intimate relationship with God. Make no mistake, there will be conflict. Jesus said so. What He didn't do was go out of His way to purposely enflame people. He didn't chase them down and publicly address their sin. He dealt with it, but never let it be a barrier between Himself and an individual. They always had the final say and He accepted their decision.

How about you? As a believer how can your alien status impact your interaction with the world around you? What measures do you take to insure that your words and actions are a direct result of God being in you? What types of difficulties/challenges do you experience in your host country? How can you employ Jesus' methodology more effectively?