BIGFOOT IS DEAD!

 

 

 

 

The legend of Bigfoot is no stranger to most. In case it is to you, you can check your dictionary. You'll probably find a definition something like this: "A very large, hairy, human creature purported to inhabit the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Also called Sasquatch."

Bigfoot believers abound, and when I checked a recent AOL poll, 59% of respondents affirmed their belief in Bigfoot. Then there are the hard core believers. Just visit the BFRO website (that is, The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization). Their researchers, archivists, and investigators have received over a thousand claims of bigfoot sightings. To read their charts, you might think there's a full-scale invasion "afoot", not just in the U.S., but throughout the world! The October 31, 2002 issue of USA Today carried a feature story entitled Bigfoot's Indelible Imprint.

This whole matter interests me, too. After all, for fifteen years I lived a few miles from where it all began in Humboldt County, California. I wasn't worried, though, especially after hearing the news of Ray L. Wallace. Evidently, this man created Bigfoot, and he died. At his death on November 26, 2002, his son claimed, "Bigfoot just died."

Reportedly, in 1958 Mr. Wallace put sixteen-inch foot-shaped wood carvings on his feet and plodded around near his business. The Humboldt Times in the city of Eureka reported the discovery, calling the creature "Bigfoot," and the legend took off like wildfire. Bigfoot hunters searched diligently for the illusive creature, and soon reports of sightings poured in and kept pouring in: "I saw him over here!" "I saw him over there!"

But Bigfoot is dead, and finally the "shoe is on the other foot." Or, is it? I'm not so naive to think this rumor will die so easily. Many folks will simply believe what they want to believe -- and that's what is so dangerous about these times.

While Jesus still walked the earth, He foresaw this kind of naivety. Knowing He must soon depart and that His followers would long to see Him again, He gave them strict warnings. He said, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. Men will tell you, `There he is!' or `Here he is!' Do not go running off after them" (Luke 17:23).

Explaining exactly what His people should look for in His return, Christ promised that His appearance "will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other" (Luke 17:24). Later, He clarifies His teaching concerning His second coming, saying, "Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:26-27). Reassuring us, He adds, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).

What confidence Jesus Christ gives His people, what certainty about their future! While the world busies itself with chasing phantoms, we stand in the rock-solid promises of our mighty Lord and Savior who cannot lie or deceive. He is coming soon! At that time, His awesome presence will escape no one. Every eye shall see Him come streaking across the heavens in unspeakable glory. Whether they see Him with joyful eyes or terror-stricken ones, all alike will at once experience the same "sighting". Indeed, God's word testifies, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him .... So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7).

Bigfoot is dead. But Jesus Christ, no mere legend, lives forever. Flawless, unimpeachable, and wholly trustworthy, He testifies, "Yes, I am coming soon." With our eyes ever looking to Him and His kingdom, we cry, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Hallelujah!