The more I read the gospels, the more relatable Jesus is. He’s God, but he’s human. So surely he laughed, right?
Watch a little kid. Soon you’ll smile. He can’t keep his shoes tied to save his life. All the spaghetti is either on her shirt or on her face. Play peek-a-boo and watch him giggle. For hours.
I’m convinced God sees us like we see our kids. He’s got to laugh sometimes.
Now, read the weird stuff Jesus does. After the resurrection he shows up at the fishing boat. He’s back! But instead of big fanfare, just a knowing, “Hey. Try your net on the other side.” Huh? Very dry.
Or the Emmaus Road that very morning he rose. Serious moment, agreed? But instead of hoopla, he subtly approaches his grief-stricken disciples. Disguised as a stranger he sidles up. “So. What are you guys talking about?” It’s like Jesus’ inside joke with God. “Watch this. Just play along.”
And what about that whole four drachma coin thing? He could’ve just paid the tax, but instead tells Peter, “Go fishing. You’ll find cash in a fish’s mouth.” This is outstanding. I bet he had to force a straight face.
Fascinating. He tells us to lose our life to find it. Give and we’ll get. Love your enemies. (Again. Your ENEMIES. Piece of cake, right?)
Yeah, right.
Hysterical. Because he’s got this. Everything. All we have to do is trust. But no, we think we’re pretty enlightened and can get by on our own intellect, even ignore him. I picture him smiling, arms folded, shaking his head, a playful “Huh, huh, huhhhh.”
God created laughter. He made us funny. Some funnier than others. (Or funny looking!) He didn’t have to, but he did.
Life can be devastating, but hilarious. Consider:
* People are made in his image. Imagine God with hair like Art Garfunkle.
* I can be in a crowd feeling alone, or I can be alone feeling surrounded in his presence. Sometimes he’s so close I’m embarrassed if I haven’t showered.
* Recently I saw a lady I hadn’t seen in decades. At our last meeting she left in a huff. I said, “Hi. Are you still mad?”
* Increasingly I see the importance of keeping Jesus in my thoughts and prayers. Think about God saying, “Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.”
* God is my comfort. In fact he’s very comfortable. You might say “God is my couch”.
* Some of the smartest people I know think I’m an idiot. Some of my biggest fans are 7. I find this wildly entertaining.
God orchestrates all this.
You know, it’s getting harder for earthly life to meet my lofty expectations. It’s also harder to take myself seriously. After all, who the heck do I think I am, anyway?
I’ll tell you who. I’m God’s kid.
And he likes me.