G.K. Chesterton once wrote that “It is the test of a good religion whether you can make a joke about it.”[1] Keep in mind that the Christian faith is no joke, but at times quite humorous. This is an interesting witness to the God who delights in humor. It’s hard not to see this as we consider Samson in these next few Sundays. Peter Leithart writes the following about Samson:
He goes about tearing lions like lambs, posing riddles, lighting foxes on fire, and so on and on. Only moralistic Christians could rob these stories of their inherent humor and interest. Frowning and finger-wagging only makes the critics of Samson look tinier.[2]
The humor of the Bible is simply proof that the Bible is true history. It is also proof of the humanity of the Biblical authors. The Bible is divine, but it also bears a human and earthly dimension.
God’s warriors are men of humility and humor. These are not supernatural beings; rather common man given tasks of supernatural proportions. So this morning I exhort you to consider that redemption is not just a story revealing the serious nature of God, but also it reveals the God who laughs and who rejoices in the world He created.
Prayer: God of Mercy, teach us to see the world through the eyes of redemption. Cause us to embrace your story in all its fullness. Prepare us to learn that we may redeem; prepare us to listen that we may restore all things to their proper place under your Kingship; for the sake of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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