Monster
Word From Wiese
13 September 2023
Searching for the Loch Ness Monster.
Apparently, people have been searching in northern Scotland for this elusive serpent-creature for over a thousand years. Then, when this picture was published in 1934, the search really took off!
Even though in 1994 the picture was proved to be a hoax (it was revealed to actually be a 12-inch-high model made from plastic wood and a toy submarine), the passionate search for “Nessie” continues. Indeed, last month, Loch Ness Exploration, a volunteer research group, led the latest quest, which was billed as the largest conducted from the surface since 1972. The group scanned the loch for unusual movements using heat-detecting drones and a hydrophone, which detects acoustic signals under water.
DNA testing, sonar sweeps, intensive photography and filming. Decade after decade, century after century, folks have flocked to Scotland in hopes of spotting and conclusively documenting this elusive lake lurker. Big bucks are generated by Scotland’s tourism industry to be sure among the throngs of pilgrims praying for a breakthrough. But despite the investment, the mysterious monster, if it exists at all, apparently does not want to be found.
But you know who does want to be found? Jesus.
Actually, we declare that God wants to reveal Godself in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth who walked among us.
God does not hide, but reveals Godself in Jesus as he shows vulnerability and partnership in being born as a baby to a poor family.
God does not hide, but reveals Godself in Jesus in reaching out to all kinds of people, each one made with honor in the image of the Father, including you and me.
God does not hide, but reveals Godself in Jesus as he comes to us in the bread and wine in weekly communion.
God does not hide, but reveals Godself in Jesus with the Holy Spirit when coming to wrap us in the waters, presence, and promise of baptism and the impartation of spiritual gifts flowing forth.
What do you think? I get it. Searching for the Loch Ness Monster is good for tourism. But it can also make for a lot of frustrated and disappointed folks with nothing really to show for all their time and money searching. So, “thanks be to God” that our Triune God chooses not to stay hidden in the heaven but continually appears and connects with us afresh on a regular basis in love! Amen? Amen!
With you, more found than searching,
Pastor Fritz
(Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation . . . For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1.15, 19-20
“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1.23
Let us pray.
Thanks dear heavenly Father, whose presence spans the galaxies, that you choose not to play “hid and seek” with us. You come to us in your Son, Jesus the Christ, whether we are ready or not. Keep coming to us, gracious Lord, and show yourself to us. For we are easily distracted creatures who are titillated with shallow objects and offers. Give us strength and wisdom to welcome you when you come to us in Christ offering us true life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
Which phrase are you drawn to more: “I found Jesus” or “Jesus found me”?
What searches do you undertake that are healthy?
