Category: FAQ’s

Does God Have A Sense of Humor?

Posted on by scott

 

27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.”  – 1 Kings 18:27

Humor Questions

Why is it that we are concerned about whether God has a sense of humor?  Is it because humor is so important to us?  And if humor is so important to us can we assume that it is a reflection of God; part of being created in His image?  Or is our concern regarding whether or not God has a sense of humor one more attempt to bring Him down to our level?

When Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden during the cool of the day, how much of their fellowship consisted of humor?  Is it possible that there was no humor or a need for it before the fall?

While we are asking questions, I have to wonder, to what degree is humor a coping mechanism?  I don’t need to tell you that life is full of trials and turmoils.  Sadly, some turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping.  But how many of us might drown ourselves in humor to “escape” life’s problems?

What is Humor?

The origin of the word is in the Latin umor which generally meant “moisture” or “vapor”.  In medieval physiology, the word was used of the four fundamental fluids in the body (blood, phlegm, yellow and black bile) which were believed to determine a person’s health or temperament.  It was believed that black bile made a person melancholy while yellow bile promoted a brighter disposition.  No joking!

I like to think of humor as something that amuses us or makes us laugh.  Although not everything that makes us laugh is necessarily humorous.  Like being tickled.  I suppose the same could be said about amusement.  Not everything that amuses us is necessarily humorous.  Since I am no Webster, let me quote the Merriam Webster definition of humor:

a : that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : a funny or amusing quality

Apparently, the only requirement necessary to possess a sense of humor is the ability to experience humor: to be able to be amused by or smile or laugh at something funny.  It implies the ability to perceive the incongruous or ludicrous elements of life and to appreciate them.  Not a very exclusive group wouldn’t you say?  But does God belong to the group?

No Laughing Matter

I have seen passages such as Psalm 59:8 and Psalm 2:4 used as evidence that God has a sense of humor.  But what do they reveal if we read them in their context?

7 There they are, bellowing with their mouths
    with swords in their lips—
    for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?”

8 But you, O Lord, laugh at them;
    you hold all the nations in derision.
9 O my Strength, I will watch for you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress. – Psalm 59:7-9

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;

    the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
    on Zion, my holy hill.” – Psalm 2:4-6

While each of these passages state that the Lord laughs, in neither instance is He laughing at humor.  To the contrary, each of these passages tell us why He is laughing; He holds those He is laughing in derision.  In other words it is a mocking laughter.  I don’t think we can make the leap to say that just because a passage states that God laughs, it proves His sense of humor.  As we can see from these often cited passages it is just the opposite.  God is in no humorous mood as He belittles those who challenge Him.

Creation Evidence

Those that quote passages such as those above as proof texts for the fact that God has a sense of humor will support their argument by pointing to creation.  They claim that animals such as monkeys, penguins, and even kittens and puppies are evidence that God has a sense of humor.  But how?  Just because you and I might find them amusing to watch doesn’t necessarily mean that God does.  A child will find humor in Tom and Jerry, but try handing them satire and see what effect it has on them.  Besides, if these animals “prove” that God has a sense of humor, what are we to discern about God when we are bitten by a rattlesnake or attacked by a shark.  And don’t even get me started on deer flies and mosquitoes.

I am thankful for variety.  I am amazed at the number of different species of animals God has populated our planet with.  Likewise I am grateful for the variety of plants and flowers God has chosen to create.  While I will concede that His creation reveals His power and His Wisdom as I contemplate the complexity of all that comprises our universe, I am not so sure it is proof positive that God has a sense of humor.

Mankind Evidence

Probably the most common “proof” that people offer that God has a sense of humor is that we as humans do.  They claim it is simple transitive logic.  We were created in God’s image.  We have a sense of humor.  Therefore God has a sense of humor.  Fair enough, but how is your battle with lust going?  How about your struggle with fear?  Having a problem keeping your pride in check?  How long since you told your last lie (who cares how little)?  Let’s cut to the chase.  How many sins have you committed today?

Adam and Eve were created in the the image of God, unfortunately, because of the fall, their offspring have been born into sin.  Be careful when you stand before a mirror hoping to see a reflection of God.  That reflection has been distorted.  Sorry to say, that face looking back at you may reflect as much of the devil (John 8:44) as it does God.

God does not struggle with lust or fear.  Nor does he battle with pride or have a habit of telling lies.  It is dangerous to jump to the conclusion that God has a sense of humor just because mankind does.  I don’t believe we can make any inference about God’s sense of humor simply by looking around us.  Instead, I believe we need to look at His Word, while keeping in mind the importance of context and looking for repetition.

But most important of all, we must remember that God did not inspire the Bible for our entertainment, but to reveal Himself to us for His glory.  Accordingly, we better be well acquainted with the Holiness of God before we worry about the humor of God. 

O.T. Humor

Space limits the examples I could list, but certainly the Bible has humorous individuals who used wit, satire and dare I say, even sarcasm.  To me, perhaps the most humorous line in the Bible is the passage I quoted above from the Prophet Elijah.  As Elijah is challenging the prophets of Baal, he taunts them because Baal does not respond to their pleas.  Could it be possible Baal was sleeping or stepped aside to the bathroom?  I doubt that the prophets of Baal appreciated the humor but I find it hilarious.  And while we’re waiting for Baal to step out of the restroom, let’s turn to Isaiah.

Short Beds

Isaiah Chapter twenty-eight refers to a foolish treaty King Hezekiah made with the Egyptians.  The treaty that they expected to bring them the protection of the Egyptians instead “unleashed” the disappointment of God.  Isaiah wittingly alluded to this arrangement not only as a covenant with death but compared it with a bed that was too short to stretch out on with covers too narrow to wrap oneself in.  A humorous illustration to simply point out, you’ve made your own bed, good luck finding rest in it!  But it isn’t the only humorous word picture Isaiah paints.

Shortened Hands

As the Israelites are expressing their frustration that God has not fulfilled His promises, Isaiah uses another humorous word picture to show them the folly of their thinking. “Behold, the Lord‘s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear…” (Isaiah 59:1a).  Before Isaiah exposes the sins of the people as the cause for their predicament, he informs them that God has not lost any of His strength or hearing.  With a twist of humor.

N. T. Humor

We see humor in the New Testament as well as the Old, many of which seem to include Peter, who had a habit of putting his foot in his mouth.  Whether he is offering to build booths (Mt. 17:4), correcting Christ (Mt. 16:22), or defying a detachment (John 18:10), Peter often finds a way to amuse us. But I think two of the most humorous events in the New Testament involve Peter and “jail breaks”

Preach It Brother

In Acts Chapter five we have the account of the arrest of Peter and John.  The jealous Sadducees had heard enough from the Apostles so they thought to silence them behind prison bars.  God did not agree with the assessment of the Sadduccees, rather He wanted Peter and John to do more preaching so they were released by an angel with the command to preach in the temple.  The next day, the high priest calls his council together to examine the prisoners.  As “the council and all the senate of Israel” are gathered together in all of their pomp, the apostles are summoned.  But they never arrive.  While these important dignitaries are waiting to interrogate their prisoners, the prisoners are back in the temple preaching.  Oh to be a fly on the wall to see the red faced assembly.  I probably would have laughed my wings off.

Someone’s Knocking at the Door

The second prison incident is recorded in Acts Chapter twelve.  This chapter records the death of James and the imprisonment of Peter.  While Peter is in prison the church is fervently praying.  Miraculously, Peter is freed by an angel and makes his way to the house of the mother of John Mark where many were gathered in prayer for him.  As Peter knocks at the door, his voice was recognized by a servant girl. Instead of letting Peter in, however, she ran to those gathered in prayer and they did not believe her.  While they are praying for Peter’s release, Peter is standing at the door still desperately knocking.  I’m sure Peter didn’t find it funny at the time but later on they all probably laughed at the irony.

Speak for Yourself

Now that we have established that there is humor and humorous people in the Bible, let’s look at specific texts about God the Father and Jesus.  We can start just about at the very beginning.

Name Games

Genesis chapter two records the “creation” of man.  After speaking the rest of creation into being, God forms man out of the earth and woman out of man’s rib.  As if to remind us or our humble origins, God appears to use puns as he designates their sexes (‘adam from ‘adaman and ‘ishshah from ‘ish).  We see this early trend continue in Genesis Chapter three with a play on Eve’s name and then again in Genesis Chapter eleven with a pun on the word babble as the Tower of Babel was destroyed.  But things were just getting started.  According to one estimate, there are more than 500 word plays (paronomasia) in the Old Testament alone.  Certainly more than I want to cover.

What’s For Supper?

In Numbers Chapter eleven, God promises to provide meat for His people.  Moses deems this to be a daunting task, and for whatever reason, decides to inform God of the number of people in the camp.  As if God didn’t know.  By way of reminding Moses that His powers were not exhausted, God asks Moses, “Is the Lord‘s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not” (Numbers 11:23).  The ensuing feeding of quail and accompanying plague reminded Moses that the Lord’s hand definitely was not shortened.

The Original Mr. Ed

Numbers chapter twenty-two records the humorous exchange between Balaam and his donkey.  God is displeased with the mission of Balaam, so He sends an angel to block his path.  While Balaam cannot see the angel, the donkey he is riding can.  The first time the angel is encountered, Balaam’s donkey ran off of the road and into a field, which drew the ire of Balaam.  Balaam decided to repay his donkey by striking him.  The second time the donkey saw the angel, they were passing through a narrow path, and the donkey’s reaction caused Balaam’s foot to be bumped against the wall, which precipitated another beating.  The third time the donkey saw the angel in their path she did the wise thing, she simply lied down.  Furious, Balaam began beating the poor creature with his staff.  Imagine Balaam’s surprise when God opened the donkey’s mouth and she questioned Balaam as to why he was beating her!  But the story gets even more humorous.  Balaam actually carries on a discourse with his beast of burden as she justifies her behavior.  If I was looking for a proof text for God’s sense of humor, this might be the strongest argument!

Turn Up The Heat

The Book of Jonah ends with an amusing exchange between God and His upset Prophet.  After reluctantly preaching to his enemies, Jonah is upset with God for withholding His judgment.  In the original translation, Jonah is “hot”.  So much so that he says he wants to die.  If Jonah thought he had a right to be hot, God was about to oblige him.

After challenging Jonah as to whether he is justified in being so “hot”, God decides to bring Jonah back in line by turning up the heat.  By removing Jonah’s source of shade and hitting him with a hot wind, God allows Jonah to simmer under the hot sun.  Once Jonah had “melted” with the sun beating on his head, God decided to “mold” him with a rebuke.

What does Jesus Say?

As I stated above, making the claim that God has a sense of humor just because fallen man does, is faulty logic.  But how about Jesus?  He was not born in sin, nor did He ever sin.  As a matter of fact, in contrast to our poor reflection of God, the Bible tells us that, “Jesus is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).  Jesus Himself, said these words to Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Since Jesus was not affected by the fall, our attempt to use transitive logic will work.  If Jesus had a sense of humor, and He is the exact imprint of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3), then assuredly God has a sense of humor.

Pass the Tweezers

Although John tells us that Jesus wept, there are no references to Jesus laughing.  However, we do see His wit as He uses hyperbole, parallelism and word play in his interactions.  When Jesus rebukes his audience of hypocrisy, He levels this charge:

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? – Matthew 7:3-4

Camel Lessons

We see similar hyperbole in Matthew chapter twenty-three when Jesus is condemning the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, this time He accuses them of, “straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel” (verse 24).  But His wit wasn’t reserved only for hypocrites, Jesus also made this famous warning to the wealthy, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Mt. 19:24).

A Stone By Any Other Name

Like we saw with the Father, Jesus also used word play.  In His case He did so using Peter (Petros) and rock (petra) (Mt. 16:18).  And when He told the parable of the great banquet, we have to believe Christ was using humor when one of the guests said he could not make the feast because he was recently married (Luke 14:20)!  Apparently Jesus was familiar with the expression, “happy wife happy life”.

Testing Jesus

In Matthew chapter twenty-two, we see Jesus being tested by His opponents.  They want to discredit Jesus and expose Him before His followers as a fraud.  First, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about paying tribute taxes to Caesar.  Is it right to pay them or not?  Then, the Sadducees use a ridiculous scenario to try to undermine the teaching of the resurrection since they do not believe in it.  If this woman was married to seven different brothers, which one will be her husband in Heaven?  Next, the Pharisees make another attempt by sending a Law expert to test Jesus regarding the greatest commandment in the Law.

What Jesus Knows

All three of these attempts to test Jesus and trip Him up failed.  Miserably.  In their attempt to expose Jesus, His opponents were made to look like fools by His wisdom.  In fact, Jesus followed up their questions with a question of His own, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he” (Mt. 22:42)? 

His opponents were no match.  In fact, the text tells us that they did not ask Him another question after that day.  Good decision.

Some see the parallelism Jesus used in Matthew chapter twenty-two as evidence of His sense of humor.  To me, this chapter is a reminder of the wisdom of Jesus.  In fact, Jesus is God, and as such He is omniscient.  If a sense of humor requires recognition of the incongruous, who would better recognize such than the Creator of the universe?  Whether He finds the incongruous amusing or funny is another matter.  But based on what we have looked at thus far, I am guessing that quite often He may.

Gift

Regardless if whether we believe God has a sense of humor, I believe He has given it to mankind as a gift.  While it may not be a miracle drug to remove life’s troubles, it does provide a medicine for our souls (Proverbs 17:22) until we are removed from our troubles.  Once in the presence of our holy God, I don’t believe we will be concerned about humor and the incongruous, as everything will be in perfect order.  In Heaven, humors fleeting laughs, as beneficial as they are now, will give way to eternal joy.  Now that is definitely something to smile about.

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” – Luke 6:21b

Does God Punish Us For The Sins Of Others?

Posted on by scott

 

20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. – Ezekiel 18:20

Sin and Suffering

Living in a world of sin we are surrounded by much pain and suffering.  Like the disciples in John chapter nine verse 20, we want to associates life’s trials with sin.  In this case, the disciples specifically wanted to know if a man who was blind since birth was being punished for his own sins or the sins of his parents.  I am guessing they were somewhat perplexed when Jesus replied that the man’s blindness was not a consequence of either his own sins or the sins of his parents, but rather was a means by which God would be glorified.  While I’m thankful that God can take man’s suffering and use it for His glory, the questions remain.  What is the connection between sin and suffering?  What is the connection between sin and punishment?  If we are punished for sins, for whose sins are we punished?  Are we only punished for our own sins or does God indeed punish us for the sins of others?

We know from the Book of Genesis that with the sin of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, death was “introduced” to mankind.  With the sin of Adam and Eve, pain and suffering became a part of human existence.  Work would now involve toil.  Childbearing would be accompanied with great pain.  The process of decay was set in motion.  Because of the choice of our “parents” in the Garden of Eden, all of us will experience the consequences of sin.  Without a doubt we suffer as a consequence of the sins of others.  There are too many broken homes and scarred children testifying to the overwhelming amount of abuse and addictions among us.  But is that the same as being punished for them?  No.

The passage quoted above from Ezekiel states that it is the soul who sins that dies (for his own sins).  Son’s will not die for the sin’s of their fathers and fathers will not die for the sins of their sons.  Now to be clear, as a consequence of The Fall, both sons and fathers will die in due time.  But, as Ezekiel tells us, the guilt of the fathers will not be held against the sons, nor the sons against the fathers.  In other words, while we may suffer the consequences of the sins of others, we will not ultimately be punished for them.

What is Punishment?

Cain is the first person in the Bible to use the word punishment.  After he killed his brother Abel, God cursed him and drove him from the ground that absorbed the blood of Abel.  Accordingly, the ground would no longer produce yield for Cain and he would become a wanderer on the earth.  Although guilty of killing his brother, Cain felt his punishment was too harsh.

13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.  14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me. – Genesis 4:13-14

Notice what Cain says about his punishment.  In his lament he says that as part of his punishment, he would be hidden from the face of God and would become a marked man.  Although God would put some special mark on Cain to prevent his harm from his fellow man, he was indeed driven from the presence of God.  Like his parents, his fellowship with God was compromised because of his disobedience.  Like his parents, Cain was warned in advance.  God had told Cain that sin was crouching at his door and he must rule over it.  But he did not.  Instead he let it rule over him and he murdered his brother.

Obviously, punishment is punitive in nature.  It’s purpose is retribution.  It is the inflicting of a penalty for an offense.  Punishment is being condemned for a past action.  It implies a code of law and a violation of that code.  In the secular realm, those that violate the law must be punished as a means of making them repay the debt they have incurred to those offended by their violation.  This is done for the benefit of society at large and more specifically to those offended.  Justice demands that whereas good should be rewarded, wrong must be punished.  Isn’t that how we define fairness?

In the spiritual realm, the stakes are greater.  Whereas governments may have the authority to reward good and punish evil, capital punishment is their most feared punishment.  But as Jesus warns us, our greatest fear should not be reserved for those than can “only” kill the body.  Rather it is God whom we should fear.   “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).  Although governments are God ordained and derive their authority from Him, their abilities to punish are limited.  It is God alone who metes out eternal punishment.  Final judgement belongs to Him.  He is the final Judge.  It is He who decides who will be separated from His presence forever.  As Jesus warns us, that is the punishment man should fear.

What about Grace?

While we talk about fairness and getting what we deserve, the fact of the matter is we really need mercy.  We really need grace.  Knowing our needs of such, God gave us His Son.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. – John 3:16-18

These verses tell us that if we put our faith in Christ, not only will we not be punished for the sins of others, but more amazingly, we will not ultimately be punished for our own sins.  Why?  Because Jesus has already been punished for them.  That is how we can be “saved” through Him (v. 17).  In His life, Jesus fulfilled the law.  Perfectly.  By His death on the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for our sins.  Once and for all.  In His resurrection, Jesus defeated death and eternal separation from God.

Instead of experiencing eternal separation from God, we are offered eternal life.  Life that the Gospel of John equates with intimate fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 17:3).  But in order to experience this fellowship, we must put our faith in the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.  Completely and exclusively.

Love’s Discipline

Just because we live under grace, doesn’t mean that God ignores our sins.  While He may not punish us for our past sins, out of love He will discipline us for our future growth (Hebrews 12:6).  As we sin, God, like a loving father, instead of allowing us to wander, will discipline us for our benefit.  Unlike punishment that is retributive in nature, the objective of discipline is restoration.  It’s motive is love driven not law driven.  Instead of being concerned with a past act like punishment, discipline is forward looking.  God wants to keep us from straying the path of obedience.  He wants to spare us from miseries that would far exceed the discipline He applies.

We recoil from discipline much like we recoil from the thought of punishment.  We often mimic Cain’s perspective on punishment; it’s too harsh, I can’t handle it.  But a wise person understands the importance of authority.  A wise person understands the importance of submission and obedience.  Likewise, a wise person understands the need for discipline, even if it is uncomfortable and perhaps even unfashionable or unpopular.  But the benefits outweigh the pain.

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11

Will God punish us for our sins or those of others?  NO!  Will He discipline us to diminish our propensity towards future sin?  Absolutely.  In His grace He has spared His children from the punishment of sins.  In His mercy, He wants to eliminate unnecessary consequences of sins.  Instead, He wants us to yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  Therefore, as His children He encourages us not to regard His discipline lightly nor to be weary when He reproves us (Hebrews 12:5b).  It is the least children can do for a loving Father.

What About These Verses?

Skeptics like to pit Bible verses against one another claiming the Bible contradicts itself.  Certainly this topic of sin and punishment is no exception.  I don’t pretend to have all of the answers, but I believe in the innerancy of the Bible and I don’t believe it can contradict itself.  Since these verses may cause confusion to the honest Bible student I thought it might be helpful to at least address them.

5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me – Exodus 20:5 (Repeated in Exodus 34, Deuteronomy 5:9, & Number 14:18)

When God gave the nation of Israel the Ten Commandments, He knew their propensity for idolatry.  While this verse does say that God will visit the iniquities of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation, He does qualify it.  It is those that hate God who will have the iniquities of their fathers visiting them to the third and fourth generation.  In other words, it is those that will continue to repeat the sin of idolatry who will be punished for it.  These generations are not being punished for their father’s sins, but rather for repeating the sins of their fathers.

Similarly, we see this in another passage often cited as a contradiction.

10 “And when you tell this people all these words, and they say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ 11 then you shall say to them: ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law, 12 and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. 13 Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’ – Jeremiah 16:10-13

Here we see the warning of Exodus becoming reality.  When evil comes their way the people ask, “Why?”.   What have we done to deserve this punishment?  Jeremiah begins his response by telling the people that their fathers forsook God for other gods whom they served and worshiped instead of the true God.  By forsaking God for idols their fathers failed to keep the law.  But God, through Jeremiah, isn’t done with His explanation.  As bad as the iniquities of their fathers were, they had done even worse.  As a matter of fact, God charges them with following their own stubborn, evil wills, and refusing to listen to Him (v. 12).

Rather than being a contradiction, this verse is a warning of the dangers of “generational” sins.  Like an addiction, certain sins seem difficult for some families to break.  Generation after generation continue to repeat the sins of their fathers.  But it doesn’t have to be this way.  God encourages us to be the generation to break the bondage.  Not just for us, but for our offspring.  As severe as His justice may be, look at the glimpse He gives of His mercy.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. – Exodus 20:4-6

By stating that He is willing to show his steadfast love to thousands of those who love Him and keep his commandments, God is saying that His mercy knows no limit.  It certainly stands in stark contrast to the three or four generations on whom the iniquities will be visited.  I believe this is a prelude to what Paul would go on to tell us in Romans chapter five, where sin increases grace abounds all the more (v. 20).

 

It Is Finished

As a child of God, we have been liberated not only from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14) but the fear of punishment as well.  To live in fear of punishment is to doubt the sacrifice of Christ and God’s acceptance of it.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Note carefully what the Prophet Isaiah says.  We are healed by the wounds of Christ.  The chastisement that He took for our sins has brought us peace.  Peace with God.  By the blood of Christ we have been reconciled to God.  He is satisfied with the punishment of Christ.  We should be also.  God will never  punish you for the sins of another person, and if you are His child nor will He punish you for your own.  Ever.  After nailing our sins to the cross, our Judge laid down the gavel.

 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. – Colossians 2:14

As Christians, our lives should be filled with peace not fear.  We no longer have to fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Instead, our destiny is an eternity in heaven where our souls will be united with a glorified body.  Instead of being separated from God, we will worship Him for all of eternity.  God doesn’t want His children fearing His punishment, rather, He wants to perfect us in His love.

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4:18

Who Am I?

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14 “But who am I…?” – 1 Chronicles 29:14

Good Question

Who am I?  Is there a question man asks more often?  Is there a more important question man can ask?  Who am I?  Where did I come from?  Why am I here?  What is the meaning of it all?

Where do we look for the answers to life’s most important questions?

In today’s text, it is King David who is asking the question.  King David is coming to the end of his illustrious reign.  King David is coming to the end of his impressive life.  A man after God’s own heart; he was hand-picked by God to rule over the nation of Israel.  God’s chosen people.  The apple of His eye.  But David’s time is ending.

Great King

David was a mighty King.  He was a man of great military prowess having defeated many of Israel’s enemies.  He had it in his heart to “build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of God”  (1 Chronicles 28:2).  David made preparations for the building project, but God stopped him because David was a man of war and had shed much blood.  Although David would not be allowed to build the Temple, the privilege would belong to his son Solomon, whose coming reign would be one of peace.

Denied the opportunity to participate in the construction, David assumed the role of encourager.  So now, at the end of his life, David has assembled the leaders of Israel.  With a heart overflowing with passion, David desires to challenge Solomon and those who will be responsible for building the Temple.

In preparation for the construction, David gives Solomon working plans.  He also encourages Solomon that the skilled workers are ready to begin.  In addition, King David and others have donated items such as gold, silver, bronze, iron and precious stones for the temple.  What more is necessary?  Keeping everything in perspective.

THE KING and I

“Who am I?”

Before passing the torch to his son, David prays to his Father.  It is after he looks heavenward that David asks the question, “Who am I?”.  David’s question is not asked in isolation, rather it is asked in relation to His Creator.  Hence he asks the question showing a contrast, “But who am I?”  David’s question isn’t so much one of identity, but rather an expression of unworthiness.  Yet I think there is much we can glean from David’s question.  In order to understand who we are, we have to understand who God is.  Accordingly, I believe David’s question was asked in the proper context.

David’s reputation as a King is legendary.  His fame was unparalleled.  He had more wealth than he could spend.  As a leader he was greatly loved by his people and greatly feared by his enemies.  But these things didn’t “make” King David.  He did not look into the mirror for answers to who he was.

Surrounded by his family, nation, and immense wealth, David is about to return to dust.  Before his death he does not recount his accomplishments.  He does not bemoan his regrets.  He does not look around, but rather above.  Wisely, David “blesses the Lord in the presence of all the assembly.”

Looking Up

Unlike King David, so many people think they are defined by their work.  Others think they are defined by their families or other relationships.  Some think “who they are” is equivalent to their reputation.  Sadly, many think they are defined by their accomplishments; sadder yet, many think they are defined by their sins.  We are bombarded by so many lies is it any wonder so many struggle with an identity crisis?  Perhaps they should look at David’s prayer.

When David prays, he recognizes the covenant-keeping character of God.  He exalts the greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty of God.  He concedes that God owns everything in heaven and earth, including the kingdom of which God is exalted as head above all.  Further, David’s prayer stresses that both riches and honor come from God and God rules over all.  In addition, power and might are in the hand of God, and it is in God’s hand to make great and give strength to all.  Therefore, David thanks God and praises His glorious name.  Such is God…”But who am I?”

God First

Unlike God who owns everything on heaven and earth, David is merely a recipient of the gifts God gives.  Everything David has to offer is simply a return of what God has given him.  The possessions David has don’t define him, they merely reflect his dependency upon God.  David recognizes that although blessed by God, ultimately his role is a steward.

David not only recognizes himself as a steward of “his” possessions, but he also understands that his life is but a mist and this earth is not his home.  In his prayer, he refers to himself as a stranger, a sojourner, and a shadow.  Nearing the end of his life, David has no misconceptions about his mortality.  There is no substance to a shadow.  David’s time on earth doesn’t define who he is.

David owns nothing.  David’s life is brief.  But David’s prayer is not finished.  After admitting what he lacks, David offers what God wants; his heart and his worship.  David testifies that God tests the heart and takes pleasure in uprightness, and confesses that it is with an upright heart that he is making an offering to God; freely and joyously.

Created to Worship

Who is David?  A worshiper.  And so are you.

You are created by God.  You are dependent upon God.  Your life is transitory.  But your life has an eternal purpose, to offer your heart to God in worship; freely and joyously.

Who am I?  You’re not a result of evolution.  Your life isn’t meaningless.  God created you in His image to enjoy His fellowship.  More important than asking the question, is where we look for the answer.

Identity in Christ

I want to conclude by sharing a poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Germany when Hitler came into power.  He recognized the threat of the Nazi regime and spoke out against it when many would not.  Bonhoeffer was encouraged to “hide” in the United States to save himself, but refused.  He believed he could not lead his people if he did not suffer with them.

Bonhoeffer was eventually arrested as an enemy of the State.  He was executed just days before Hitler’s suicide.  From his prison cell, Bonhoeffer wrote the poem entitled, Who Am I? 

Whether the question is asked by a King sitting on his throne, or a prisoner sitting on a cell floor, we can rejoice that the answer is always the same.  Our identity is in Christ.

Who Am I?
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a Squire from his country house.

Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectations of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all.

Who am I? This or the Other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine!