Faith: The Funny & The Serious
Everyone has been so serious lately. Here are few notes to lighten things up for a bit.
Did you know that tennis is in the Bible? Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court (Genesis 41:46.) Did you know that the first Honda is in the Bible? The disciples were all in one Accord (Acts 2:1.) Who was the shortest person in the Bible? Bildad the Shuhite (Job 8.) Did you know that baseball is in the Bible? In the big-inning (Genesis 1:1.) Did you know that smoking is in the Bible? Rebekah saw Isaac and lit up on a Camel (Genesis 24:64.)
While we are thinking about odd things in the Bible, did you know that there are zombies in the Bible? For real. After Jesus’ death in Matthew, we see that some of the dead who were considered righteous were seen walking through Jerusalem (Matthew 27:50-53.) I mean, can you imagine sipping your coffee or tea at Latté on the Square and all of a sudden Uncle John or Tia Mary walk by?. . .And you had been at their funeral.
I’m sure there was some coffee and tea being spewed out and crazy conversations that day. What would you do? Chase down Uncle John or Tía Mary? Run home, lock the doors, and gather all your gear for the end of the world? Dawn of the Dead, anyone?
Okay, okay. Have you got the picture? There are some things in the Bible that are funny. There are some things in the Bible that we just cannot explain or imagine. However, they are a part of Christian faith story. I have the privilege of talking with people all the time and they struggle with the notion that they do not understand everything about Christianity, God, or their faith.
They have what I call doubt. Do you know that doubt is not the opposite of faith? Doubt is a lack of confidence, assurance, or complete trust. However, I have found that many times this doubt drives people to study, ask questions, and seek to have confidence in, assurance of, and a more complete trust in their faith, the Bible, and God. This study, questioning, and seeking leads many, if not all, to discover what they are looking for and they continue to walk and live in a more confident faith and life.
Easter, the day of celebration has ended. However, if you believe that Jesus died, was buried, resurrected, walked around for about 40 days before 1,000’s of witnesses, and then ascended to heaven before witnesses - then everyday is Easter for you. You have new life and a new creation because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
However, not everyday feels like Easter while living life on a daily basis. Your feelings do not make what is true, false. You may even doubt God cares about you this week after Easter. It’s not true, but our feelings are deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9.) If something is true, it is always true (Hint: 2+2=4 everyday.) If Jesus died and rose for you on Easter, he died and rose for you even when you doubt it on a Thursday evening.
So, do you doubt God’s care and love for you? Keep studying and asking questions. I’m even willing to drink coffee with you at Latté on the Square. However, if your Uncle or Tía walk by . . . and they are a zombie . . . just know that I can run faster than you.
Did you hear what the disciples said to Lazarus after he was raised from the dead? Hey, save that toilet paper they wrapped you in - there’s going to be a run on it during Covid or there’s a tariff - or . . . don’t take yourself too seriously, but seriously consider the truth about Jesus.