The Alien

“You are from below; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world.” (John 8:23)

Dreams of extraterrestrial visitation have occupied the human imagination for decades, peaking in the mid-20th century with programs like Buck Rogers and The Outer Limits. We usually envision space suits and advanced craft—paraphernalia required for humans to survive the vacuum of space.

However, these pop-culture images often make it difficult to recognize the credible accounts of "other-worldly" visitation recorded in Scripture. These visitations began as early as 2000 BC and culminated in the ascension of Christ, witnessed by many. While skeptics often dismiss these accounts as mere apparitions, a closer look reveals they were far more tangible.

The book of Genesis records a striking encounter near the trees of Mamre: “The Lord appeared to Abraham... He looked up and saw three men standing nearby... Abraham bowed low and said, ‘My Lord, if you are pleased with me, don’t pass me by. Let me get you some water... wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat to give you strength’” (Genesis 18:1-5). Abraham recognized these were no ordinary travelers, addressing one as "Lord," yet he treated them as physical beings by offering water and a meal. Eusebius, the early Christian historian, identifies this visitor as the pre-existent Word—Jesus Christ.

Joshua, the successor to Moses, had a similarly formidable encounter near Jericho: “He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand” (Joshua 5:13). When Joshua asked if the man was friend or foe, the figure replied, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” Joshua immediately fell on his face in worship. The command to remove his sandals because the ground was "holy" mirrors Moses' encounter at the burning bush. Again, Eusebius identifies this "man" as the pre-incarnate Christ.

This pattern continues with Jacob, who wrestled with a "man" until daybreak, eventually concluding, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered” (Genesis 32:30). These were not mere dreams; they were physical encounters with the Divine.

The most profound accounts of visitation, however, are found in the Gospels. Jesus stated explicitly, “I am from above,” and “I am not of this world.” Pontius Pilate was so unsettled by Jesus’ presence that he asked point-blank, “Where are you from?” (John 19:8). Pilate knew Jesus’ earthly origins were in Galilee, but he sensed a deeper mystery. When Jesus informed him that his earthly authority was granted "from above," Pilate’s fear grew, leading him to try six times to release Him.

After His resurrection, Jesus was seen by over 500 people before ascending into heaven. Many of these witnesses chose to die rather than deny His origin or His mission. We may not often use the word "alien" to describe our Savior, but He did, in fact, come from outside our world to redeem us from within it.

Father, Thank You for sending Your Son to step into our world. We are humbled that the One who is "not of this world" chose to dwell among us, eat with us, and eventually die for us. Help us to live with the same intentionality as our Savior, remembering that while we live here, our true citizenship is in Your Kingdom. May we always look "above" for our strength and our hope. Amen.

mgb