LAUGHTER

A man who was very depressed called on a doctor for help.  The doctor said, “I think the best cure for you is to go and see the clown performing at the Palladium, he’ll make you laugh.”  The man replied gloomily, “I am that clown!” 

When Sarah’s husband Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah gave birth to a baby boy and said, “God has made me laugh” so they named the baby Isaac, meaning, laughter. [ Genesis 21:6 ]  Years ago thousands of Christians spent a week at Butlin’s Holiday Camp at Filey every September.  The usual entertainments were closed down but Billy Butlin said, “During the summer season we have to make the happiness but when the Christians come they bring it with them!”

The Bible says, “The laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns under a pot.” [ Ecclesiastes 7:6 ]  Comedians can crack their jokes but the fire soon goes out.  In complete contrast Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you that your joy may be full.”  [ John 15:11]  I like a good clean joke but God’s joy is infinitely richer, fuller, deeper and more satisfying than the cracks of a million comedia ns. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”  This means that those who weep over their sins in this life and find forgiveness will have joy on earth and in heaven.  “But woe to you who laugh now, for you shall weep.”  Those who laugh at impure jokes and behaviour will weep in hell. [ Luke 6:21,25 ]

Finally we read these solemn words from God, “Because I called and you refused, and would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your terror comes!” [ Proverbs 1:24-29 ]