This past Sunday, we had a brass ensemble from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor play in both traditional services. They truly blessed our church. And the blessing they got in return was to hear my sermon, twice.
As I preached the greatest sermon in the history of sermons, I told the greatest joke in the history of jokes. It was a true masterpiece.
After the service, Mike walked up and said the UMHB instructors needed to give all the students in the brass ensemble an A for the semester for having to sit through my joke, twice.
Then, yesterday, I got the following text message from Carol.
She said, “Just when you think you’ve heard your worst joke in the history of mankind, you pull through yet again. I listened to the sermon s last night since I was coming home from Tony’s yesterday morning and missed church. I had heard the story before, but just couldn’t remember the ending! Have a good day.”
I replied, “I can sink lower.”
The point is, never say never. You just don’t know.
As hard as it would be to find a worse joke, I am certain it is out there waiting to be used in a future sermon. Then Carol sent the following joke, and I had my answer.
Her joke was, “Two little boys were at a wedding when one leaned over to the other and asked, “How many wives can a man have?” His friend answered, “Sixteen…four better, four worse, four richer, and four poorer.”
See? I told you. That’s one bad joke. It’s a new record. But somewhere, somehow, someway, someone will be inspired to come up with a joke that’s even worse.
There are no limits to how bad jokes can get but there are also no limits to how good God’s love is.
No matter what you are going through at this moment, you are truly blessed. You may not see the blessing, feel its presence, or understand how it is working in your life, but you truly are blessed. That’s because the Maker of the Universe has chosen to love you beyond measure. There are no limits to God’s love. The problem is we don’t always see it.
In describing our limited understanding of God’s love, Paul said, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13)
Because of God’s love, you are blessed in ways you cannot understand. Just know it’s real. I promise.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for all the blessings in my life. And in those moments when I am down and cannot see these blessings, remind me of your love and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God’s love knows no limits. Also, my bad jokes knows no limits.
You’re welcome.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 