Halloween may be over, but not America’s obsession with the paranormal. Last month, two animated films about the paranormal were released: Hotel Transylvania about monster/human relations; and Frankenweenie, where dead animals are brought back to life. In the last decade, blockbuster films about witches, warlocks, and vampires became common fodder for our children and teenagers.
In the last half century, the increased fascination with aliens, global invasions, and genetic alterations has been startling. Without a doubt, paranormalization has reduced fear and skepticism of the weird and sensational! ‘So what?’ you say.
Some Bible scholars think the end times, “like the days of Noah,” may include the reintroduction of what-were-possibly fallen angels (Nephilim) on the earth. Whether this forebodes a demonic manifestation in end times is not clear. But if that were to happen, paranormalization could result in naive acceptance. And even if that doesn't happen, paranormalization is still a serious concern. Many Christians have been numbed to the reality and severity of spiritual warfare.
Have you seen “Men in Black 3”? For those who are not familiar, “Men in Black” is an INS-like agency providing passports and ‘green cards’ to extraterrestrials visiting earth. But don't see it unless you can handle green, blue, striped, syrupy, and worse, mucus-covered, oozing aliens.
We used to refer to people unlawfully entering the US as “illegal aliens.” About 30 years ago, it was replaced by “undocumented immigrant.” Though ‘alien’ is an appropriate label for a foreigner, the connotation of a creepy extraterrestrial just didn’t seem politically correct anymore.
But Peter used the word “alien” to describe you and me. Of course he meant those who are foreigners in this world, who do not belong here,in other words, extraterrestrials. He also used the word “pilgrims” or “sojourners,” meaning those who avoid attachments that would impede the journey to their final destination (1 Peter 2:11).
Paul, too, saw himself as an alien from outside of space and time—a foreign ‘life form’ transported through time in a body (1 Cor. 15). But unless you know the reality of your co-death and co-resurrection with Jesus (Romans 6; Galatians 6), I am afraid this idea may be alien to you. Do you think Paul had this in mind when he scolded the Corinthians for acting like “mere men” (1 Cor. 3)?
Some are calling it the “Lost Decade”— net loss in job growth; a decline of middle-class incomes (adjusted for inflation); and a lower Dow Jones average in 2009 than ten years earlier. The only gain was an increase in household debt—117%. After the robust 90’s who could have imagined a decade without profit! You can be sure for the next ten years, our fiscal leaders will be working to make our nation profitable again.
Through the prophet Isaiah, the LORD says “I am the Lord Your God who teaches you to PROFIT and will lead you by the way you should go.” (Is. 48:17). Throughout the centuries men have prayed to their gods to make them profitable! But the profit Isaiah speaks of is not that which the world seeks. The word ‘profit’ comes from the word ‘ascend,’ i.e., to ‘go higher.’ God is saying ‘I will teach you a higher way.’
As aliens on this planet, our home is in a higher place—and we are more concerned about building treasure in heaven than earning profits on earth. Just imagine God as a prudent financial planner who teaches you how to invest your assets to get the best profit. As a wise planner He discerns the path to success—and “the way you should go” is heavenward. Jesus teaches us that denying your own interests and following Him is very profitable. But as any investor will tell you, when considering long-term investing, you’ll need to be patient; and especially Christ’s disciples: their investments won’t fully mature until they reach heaven.
…for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
