The Humor of God
Matheus Silva
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It's April first and this author has decided to be a little funny today and talk about Gods humor.
God has a great sense of humor. As a Christian, I firmly believe this to be true. I mean, think about it: He created the platypus, a creature that is part duck, part beaver, and part otter. If that's not a sign of a playful Creator, I don't know what is.
But God's humor goes beyond just creating funny-looking animals. There are plenty of examples of humor in the Bible as well. Take, for instance, the story of Jonah. God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach repentance to the people there. But Jonah, being Jonah, decides to run in the opposite direction. He hops on a boat and sails away, thinking he can outrun God.
Of course, we all know how that turns out. A storm arises, the sailors cast lots to figure out who is to blame, and Jonah eventually confesses that he is running from God. The sailors throw him overboard, and he is swallowed by a giant fish. Eventually, the fish spits him up onto dry land, and Jonah finally makes his way to Nineveh.
Now, I don't know about you, but I find this story hilarious. God literally sends a fish to swallow Jonah and spit him up onto land just to get him to do what He asked in the first place. It's like a cosmic game of cat and mouse, with God always getting the last laugh.
But God's humor isn't just limited to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus often uses wit and sarcasm to make his points. Take, for instance, his famous response to the Pharisees when they ask him if they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus asks them to show him a coin, and then asks them whose image is on it. When they reply that it's Caesar's image, Jesus famously quips, "Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." I mean, come on. That's a pretty witty response. It's no wonder the crowds were always laughing and following Jesus around.
God has a great sense of humor. From creating funny-looking animals to sending fish to swallow disobedient prophets, He always finds a way to make us laugh. So the next time you're feeling down, just remember that God is probably up there, chuckling to himself and thinking up new ways to make us smile.