You and Jesus laughing
A text says, “As many as touched him were made perfectly whole.” Someone I can’t trace said this, “His way through the world had something of the character of a triumphal procession of the powers of life and gladness for where He came, people who scarcely knew by what name to call Him, hailed Him as One who was clearly adequate for His chosen task of helping men.”
It’s right to see sin as the life-sucking parasite that it is and we must see the sombre side of the business of destroying it. It’s vitally important, however, for us to see the cure as a matter of supreme joy, something to celebrate, something to smile, even dance, about. Whoever is killing this killer must surely be rejoicing, must surely find satisfaction and profound pleasure and if in the hospital the doctors came to us, with relief on their faces, to tell us that we had turned the corner and that the devourer was dying, would we not grin?
The analogy, though limited, is a good one and we must surely see Jesus as going through the world with joy in his heart and a smile on his young face. This is life he is dispensing, health he is handing out as he destroys the dominion of sin and sets the prisoners free and heals the diseased.
When the disciples came and told him that the evil powers were subject to them because of his name we’re told that Jesus rejoiced! Did he laugh out loud? I don’t know but it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he did! He saw the gates of hell tremble and the foundations of Satan’s city, Pandemonium, shake because he had a vision of Satan’s overthrow in the lives of the human family.
Tremble if you must and worry if you can’t avoid it but know this: If you would have it so, Jesus is laughing out loud on your behalf until the day when you will be able to do it for yourself! In him your day is coming! Your triumph has been secured! Wait and see, one of these days you and the Lord Jesus Christ will sit down together and laugh till your sides split!
©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.
Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.