Abraham and Sarah both seem to think that God tells jokes (Genesis 17:17; 18:12)! But God is sincere, promising Isaac to the aging couple. This begs the question – does God joke around, or is God always sincere? Here are a couple instances in scripture where God might be joking or laughing:
God sounds sarcastic as he addresses Job (Job 38:5)
God laughs at the foolishness of kings (Psalm 2:4; 59:8)
These aren’t instances of good humor – not like the jokes we might tell to lift others’ spirits, not “funny ha ha”… But even if God doesn’t tell knock-knock jokes, it is clear that God still appoints a time for our laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and brings laughter to us.
A clear instance of God inspiring restorative laughter is found in the 126th Psalm, which I leave you with today:
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses of the Negeb.
Those who sowed with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed,
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
†††
Vicar Aaron