March 11, 2020

Monday, as I sat in the dentist’s chair with Bob’s giant fingers in my mouth, I listened as he explained to the dental assistant that I was getting much better at preaching and last Sunday’s sermon was only six seconds too long. Just as I started to bite Bob’s fingers, he threatened to remove my ear.

Yep. That’s the sort of congregation I serve. It’s something I truly enjoy. They have a sense of humor. This is an integral part of being a Christian.

While the Bible never records Jesus laughing, I know he did. He had to have been a person of joy, merriment, and laughter. That’s because he was a magnet for children. This is one of the reasons I am such a big fan of the bronze statue that sits at the entrance to the church courtyard. It shows Jesus laughing.

Now this does not mean that every moment of every day of Jesus’ life was fun and games. It wasn’t. But Jesus knew a profound joy that transcended any momentary trials. He wanted his followers to know the same.

This allowed Paul, who knew the best and worst life had to offer, to say, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) This allowed Sarah to say, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6) This allowed Bildad to comfort Job by saying, “God will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21) The list goes on and on…..

Unfortunately, I suspect many don’t see Christians as people of joy but instead judgmental prudes. It’s up to us to show them the truth. Christians are people of joy.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I pray the joy of knowing you permeates through me into a world that desperately needs happiness and laughter. Let me be that conduit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

You may have a good day or a day where you have to listen to your dentist critique your sermon. Either way, good or bad, nothing negates the fact that our God is very good. That’s why we smile.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins