Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Pastors’ Column – 10/26/09



Have you ever heard of SETI?

SETI stands for Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence. The SETI people analyze radio waves coming from outer space to see if they can find any sign of intelligent beings trying to contact us here on earth.

The 1997 movie, “Contact” was about such an effort. In the movie, the SETI researcher, Ellie Arroway, was transported to a distant galaxy as humanity was inducted into the interplanetary community.

Arroway asked why this community had been formed. One of the aliens answered, “In all our searching, the only thing that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.”

Do you ever feel lonely and empty? You are in a crowd, but you feel lonely and unconnected. Electronic entertainment surrounds you, but the images and sounds can’t provide you with human companionship. Your human relationships go sour and lack the closeness and trust that you crave.

Even worse, in the middle of the night, your conscience torments you over your sins. You feel alienated from God and afraid. David also felt these things and cried out, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16)

The loneliness and emptiness can be unbearable. Where can you find relief from such feelings?

Don’t look for any help from space aliens. There is no evidence of intelligent life anywhere else in the universe.

Instead, look to a man who was born right here on earth. He is a unique man, for he is God the Son, who became a man for us. His name is Jesus.

When Jesus entered his public ministry, he went into the desert and successfully battled the devil’s temptations . . . alone.

He gathered a group of disciples, but often spent the night in prayer . . . alone.

After three years of preaching and healing, he went to Jerusalem for the final battle. When he was arrested, his disciples fled. He faced his enemies with their hatred, lies, accusations, and savagery . . . alone. No one stepped up to defend him.

He was crucified by the soldiers and suffered pain, mockery, and humiliation . . . alone.

Then, from noon to 3 p.m., with darkness covering the land, he suffered the ultimate aloneness. His heavenly Father punished him for the sins of all people. He suffered completely forsaken and alone, causing him to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Shortly after that he died . . . alone.

Jesus fought and won the battle over sin and death for you. He rose from the dead on the third day, proving that He is the almighty Son of God, that your sins are forgiven, and that you will be raised from the dead to enjoy eternal life with Him.

Do you feel alone? Believe in Jesus. Pray to him often. Join other Christians in worshiping him.

Mend broken relationships by forgiving others as Jesus has forgiven you. Practice Christian love for all. You will find rest for your troubled heart in him.

With Jesus as your Savior, you are never alone.

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