“The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful.”

While the gospel undeniably addresses matters of life and death, it’s important to remember that seriousness need not always equate to sternness. Indeed, Jesus Christ himself often employed playfulness and humour to engage and teach. His approach demonstrates that conveying deep, spiritual truths can be enlightening and accessible. This chapter explores how Jesus’ light-hearted moments reveal a profound understanding of human nature and the importance of joy in the spiritual journey. His playful interactions invite us to listen more openly and connect more deeply with the gospel’s message.

Playfulness: A Healthy Sense of Humour

It’s a message of good news: the word “gospel” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “godspell”, which means “good news”. The original word comes from the Greek euangelion, which also means “good news”.  Thus, news that makes you happy!! 

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” (Is. 52:7)

Since Jesus did not sin and was holy, He is portrayed as serious in most movies. The main reason, most likely, why people focus on the serious part of the Gospel and the Bible is that we cannot see Jesus’s facial expressions in the Bible. There are no emoticons. Some comedians almost only use facial expressions to make a very serious accusation to the heart, and people laugh at it.

In contrast, add a few very serious and angry preachers to the package at church meetings where one is not allowed to cough, sneeze, or laugh, and we have a very distant, untouchable Jesus floating on the ground. However, that is by no means the truth. Can you imagine a masterful storyteller who does not use humour?

One of my favorite authors, John Eldredge, describes Jesus from the perspective of nature, testifying to Him in his book Beautiful Outlaw.

“I was sitting out back yesterday morning sipping coffee, watching the young chipmunks chase one another at breakneck speeds across the deck. One clever daredevil, hoping to get the advantage, jumped up on the fence rail and continued the chase from above, leaping at the last moment upon his littermate like a Hollywood stuntman. 

This morning one of them adopted a new strategy. The little rascal found an ambush spot, clinging from the side of the house, where he waited for his playmate to wander by unawares; he then pounced, and the two somersaulted off the deck and into the grass, squealing. Only to dash off and do it again. And again. 

Now—what does this tell us about the personality of Jesus, who created these little dynamos with striped masks and boundless enthusiasm? What do they say about his heart? Polar-bear cubs will hurl themselves down snowy hillsides headfirst and upside down, just for fun. Spinner dolphins love to romp in the bow-wake of a boat, cavorting, leaping into the air and, well, spinning. Otters play tag. Our horses play tug-of-war with a stick—which is really quite funny when you think of how nobly a horse normally likes to carry himself.”^[1]

Creation is full of things that makes one laugh! Playfulness: Just watch the funny things that animals do in nature on Youtube. Dogs play with each other, squirrels play hide-and-seek and chase each other, and dolphins play in the waves. If everything was made in and through Christ, then playfulness is a significant feature of Christ (John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 11:3).

The most beautiful aspect of a healthy relationship is playfulness, a sense of humour, and the ability to laugh at each other and with one another. Laughter and fun in any relationship is like fresh air.

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Eccl. 3:4)

“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”  (Prov. 15:13)

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” (Prov. 15:15)

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Prov. 17:22)

The well-known KIPP schools achieve success with children by, among other things, developing the children’s joy in life. Happy, contented children learn more easily. They dream of having 100% of all learners qualify for matric exemption.

Scientists have researched the effects of laughter on humans and found that laughter, among other things, has a significant and immediate effect on almost every important organ in the human body. Laughter reduces stress allowing the major organs’ tissues to relax. It is claimed that laughter, even when forced, benefits us mentally and physically. “The next time you are nervous and anxious, make sure you have a good laugh.” —Executives’ Digest.

Famous Preachers and Reformers Use Humour

Martin Luther used humour in his work and life to support his biblical testimony, to make fun of people in positions of authority, and to mock death and the devil. In Christ, everything is turned upside down. “When we have to cry about our sin, we laugh,” Luther preached later in his life. “When we have to laugh because we rejoice in Christ who died so that we may live forever, we weep.”

It was said of Spurgeon, the prince of preachers: “… brightened by eyes overflowing with humour and softened by a most gracious and sympathetic smile” (Fullerton, C.H., Spurgeon: A Biography, p. 188).

“A light heart can bear heavy burdens” (The Salt Cellars 1:22)

George Mueller would not preach until his heart was happy in the grace of God.

Ian Ruybroeck would not have written if he had been depressed. He would go to a quiet place and wait on God until he could feel the Spirit of inspiration. 

It is well known that the spontaneity of a group of Moravians convinced John Wesley of the reality of their religion, and this led him to true conversion a short time later. 

G.K. Chesterton said joy is the giant secret of the Christian. According to him, humour is part of a heart full of joy.

C.S. Lewis said the purest laughter on earth resides in the kingdom of joy.

Humour Is A Sign Of Effective Communication

The most famous speakers use humour not only to disarm people with their message but also so that people will remember the message. It’s our emotions that make us remember.

Exploring the humor in Jesus’ teachings through the lens of a professional comedian offers a refreshing perspective on familiar biblical narratives. Jesus adeptly used humor to engage his audience, not unlike the way modern comedians use satire to reflect on societal norms. Let’s delve deeper into this comparison, enhancing the clarity and conversational style along the way.

Jesus often employed vivid picture associations that not only made his messages memorable but also injected a playful humor into serious teachings. For instance, when he called his disciples “fishers of men”(Matthew 4:19), the image served both as a metaphor and a clever play on their actual professions—turning an ordinary concept into something profound and memorable. It’s similar to how a comedian might twist everyday situations into amusing anecdotes.

Moreover, Jesus’ use of hyperbolic images, such as labelling the hypocritical religious leaders as “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), mirrors how comedians daringly poke fun at public figures. This bold imagery humorously highlighted the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, much like a comedian’s roasting session during a stand-up routine.

Consider also the story where Jesus uses a pun to make a profound point—telling the Pharisees, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), while discussing the image on a coin. This clever twist in the narrative serves both as a theological lesson and a moment of light-hearted relief, akin to the unexpected punchlines in comedy.  

“When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” (Mark 12:14-17).  See the playful smile on Jesus’ face as He asks them this question.

Jesus’ storytelling could also resemble a comedian’s build-up to a punchline. Take the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:18-20), who plans to build larger barns for his surplus only to be called a fool by God for not considering his mortal fate. The sudden shift from worldly success to divine reckoning could easily be seen as a form of dramatic irony, much like the twist in a joke that leads to an eruption of laughter.

Additionally, Jesus’ use of humorous nicknames and characterizations added a personal touch to his interactions, much like a comedian’s relatable sketches. Calling the tempestuous brothers, James and John, “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), or referring to Peter, known for his emotional responses, as a “rock”(Matthew 16:18), brings a lightness and an enduring charm to these relationships, showing Jesus’ playful side.

Jesus’ interaction with his disciples after his resurrection, asking them casually if they had caught any fish (John 21:5), illustrates a moment of tender humour. It reflects a comforting, humane approach, echoing the warmth found in the familiar banter of a beloved comedian who connects with his audience on a personal level.

In weaving humour into his teachings, Jesus was not just making people laugh; he was making his messages stick, using humour to break down barriers and open hearts, much like a skilled comedian crafts jokes to not only entertain but also to make us think.

See the humor and truth in everyday events: 

The image of blind leaders leading the blind, is an ironic image of truth. 

“Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matt. 15:14)

Jesus uses a bit of a shocking technique to capture the image. 

“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12) 

Who would do such a thing? It’s unthinkable!

Hyperbole or exaggerated absurd comparisons: Listeners who regularly worked with materials and leather sheets would smile, shake their heads and say to themselves, “Who is so stupid? Nobody does that”.

“And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:19-25)

This is the secret of good speakers: Through a well-known association, they form a bond with the audience.  This picture would long remain in people’s minds: Take this funny example: 

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) 

It’s an extreme hyperbole. The largest riding animal, through the smallest man-made opening. Impossible!  Just thinking of this image makes you shake your head in laughter, who would think of such a thing. 

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt. 7:6)

Try to physically stage or film this picture – it’s the highest form of stupidity, foolishness, madness. Again a hilarious, exaggerated play of the folly of people’s deeds.

“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matt. 5:15)

Try to do it physically. Place a flashlight under a bucket or under the bed. It’s madness, the light shines through!

The best example of a parabola is: 

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3) 

Quickly form this picture in your mind: Someone is trying to remove the splinter in someone’s eye with a fine pair of pliers while a huge wooden beam pierces through his own eye.

Jesus’ example of not building your house on the beach would also have been funny at that point in time. Even the poorest person knows this (Matt. 7:24-27)! Jesus again alludes to the foolish stubbornness of the people not to follow good reason.

Jesus’ remark about the Greek woman who came from Syro-Phoenicia should also be read with a cheerful smile on Jesus’ face rather than a negative, religious outcry, as you would expect from the Pharisees. 

“For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.” (Mark 7:25-26)

Her condescending response points to the human connection made here between strangers: 

“Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matt. 15:28)

However, Jesus Is Not Frivolous

“…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph. 5:4)

The difference is that someone who is frivolous has no character depth and tries to hide it through a form of focus misplacement. Like magicians who distract you so they can perform the trick with the other hand. Jesus is honest, sincere and without pretence. 

He says things the way they are: 

“And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem” (Luke 13:32-33).

It’s again a brilliant, but this time negative, characterization of Herod. Fox in this case indicates Herod’s cunningness and impurity. Jesus declares that He is in control and that only He will determine His own end.

What Joy Is and What It Is Not

Not Sarcasm or Derision: Joy should not be confused with the laughter that comes at the expense of others. True joy uplifts rather than undermines; it heals rather than hurts.

Not Frivolity: While joy can include moments of light-heartedness, it does not trivialize what is sacred or serious. Joy respects the gravity of holy and significant matters, treating them with the reverence they deserve.

Not Denial of Reality: Joy is not about ignoring the harsh truths of life or wishing away problems. It involves facing reality with hope and courage, not a blind or arrogant dismissal of life’s challenges.

Not Avoidance of Action: Embracing joy does not mean neglecting responsibilities or avoiding difficult tasks. On the contrary, joy empowers one to engage with life’s complexities with a hopeful and proactive attitude.

In summary, joy is a robust, serene, and uplifting quality that enhances life’s experience, providing strength and comfort even in challenging times. It is reflective, deep, and meaningful, offering not just a smile for today but a hope for tomorrow. True joy, therefore, is a vital element in leading a fulfilling, balanced, and spiritually enriched life.

The Power of a Cheerful Heart

The Lord does not want us to serve Him as slaves without joy.

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything…” (Deut. 28:47) 

Therefore, there were seven FEASTS on the Jewish calendar. God wants us to be able to celebrate (Ezra 6:22)!

Jesus was such a cheerful, joyful man: 

• Luke 10:21: “Rejoiced in spirit” (agalliō) – to leap. To rejoice, to jump from joy, to show your joy by jumping and leaping, to show exuberant or ecstatic joy and pleasure.
• He understood the power of joy in the Spirit and it gave Him the power to endure His suffering (Heb. 12:2). 
• He lived from an intimate relationship with the Father, knowing that the Father answered His prayers (John 11:41-42).
• He received favor from the Father (Matt. 3:17).
• The Father glorified Him (John 8:54). 
• His relationship with the Father, and obedience to the Father, was the source of His joy. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Note the emphasis in this verse. His joy gives us strength. As a husband gains strength when his wife is happy, we gain strength when we know our life pleases the Lord. 

Although Jesus was a man who knew suffering and pain, He still lived with joy. Sinners are drawn to Him and remember, they are not exactly known for seeking out the serious, consecrated, most pious people! 

“Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.” (Mark 2:15)

A beautiful example of the power of a positive outlook on life and the power of joy we find in the film, Life is Beautiful. Rick Lawrence explains it beautifully in his book, Shrewd.^[2]

Pain is a predator and we all have experienced all its bites – some have been eaten alive by it. But laughter shows defiance for a corrupt world and declares: “It cannot destroy me!” This is the message proclaimed at the end of the 1997 Oscar winner, Life Is Beautiful. In the film, a Jewish-Italian man, Guido (played by writer / director / actor Roberto Benigni), uses laughter to help his four-year-old son survive in a Nazi concentration camp. He convinces his son that the camp is just an exaggerated game, and that the boy will win a real tank if he is the first child to collect a thousand points. Guido explains that he will lose points if he cries, complains about his mother being away, or begs for food. Despite his dire and horrific circumstances, the boy believes his father’s version of reality – the murder factory becomes his playground. In the end, when the American liberators approach the camp, Guido is caught trying to find his wife, and the Nazi guards lead him away to be shot. He sees his son watching them as he is led away, so he imitates and makes jokes behind the guard’s back to the great amusement of his son. The father is killed, but the boy and his mother survive. Later, when he is old enough to understand what happened, he realizes that his father’s fine sense of humour saved his life.

How Do We Receive And Live In This Joy?

• Our connection with Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit:

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:11-12)

Our connection with Jesus gives us eternal joy. As a vineyard is grafted into the tree and receives its life from the tree, so we live in Christ. But we cannot be grafted into the tree without being automatically grafted into each other as well. Compare Colossians 1:27 in the Old Translation and the New Translation: Christ IN and UNDER us.

• Our connection to one another in His body – Todd Adkins says on his Twitter page: 

“No man can follow Jesus alone.” True apostolic leaders like John’s presence filled the hearts of his friends and fellow believers with joy. (2 John 1:12) 

John’s first letter echoes Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21: 

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”    “…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”  (1 John 1:3-4)

John Piper follows the same line of thinking when he explains that discipleship is actually a corporate and group event, because you become part of the “Jesus” group.

• His tangible presence and glory – through our relationship and intimacy with the Father, we retain joy.

Jesus is joy! His presence is pure joy and filled with ecstasy! Ecstasy = rapture. Shekhinah – “that which dwells”; the splendor, glory, or presence of God that dwells among His people is used by the Targoemis and rabbi to reveal God Himself because legalistic Judaism does not like to attribute form or emotion to divinity. It refers to times when God revealed Himself visibly, such as on Mount Sinai (Ex. 24:9-18) and in the Most Holy of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. This term does not appear in the Bible. It was later used by Jews and Christians borrowed it from them to express the visible majesty of the divine Presence, especially when He rested or stood still between the cherubim on the mercy seat in the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple.

• The Shekinah is the closest Jewish equivalent to the Holy Spirit. Early Christian ecstasy: 

The early church had an element of ecstatic prophecy. John describes his ecstatic experience as follows: 

“I was in the Spirit on the day of the Lord.” (Rev. 1:10)

This incident and also others he describes involve an out-of-body experience during which John saw visions of the heavenly realm, and received commands and revelations from God and / or the glorified Christ. Peter (Acts 11: 5) and Paul (2 Cor. 12: 1-7) had similar ecstatic experiences.

Eph 5:18: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” 

• Full of joy, filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52; compare Acts 2:2 – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit).

Eugene Peterson says the Hebrew stem of the word for “prosperity” should rather be translated as “leisure” – the relaxed attitude of someone who knows everything is right because God is over us, is with us and is for us in Jesus Christ. 

“as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Cor. 6:10)

• Fruit of His character permanently in us – joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. And the fruit is singular. 

The primary fruit is love! The other eight fruits are a maturity of love. Compare 1 Cor. 13:3-4: Love is patient, kind, and so on. Joy, cheerfulness is an inherent quality of love. There are mainly two primary emotions we experience as human beings – either love or fear. Anger, revenge and hate is the highest emotion of fear. Euphoric, sparkling, jubilant joy is the highest emotion of love! To be reconciled to God, and to be right with Him, brings peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:17).

Joy-Thieves

This oneness with Him and with one another is only possible if one’s heart is completely free from offense (resentment). Afrikaners struggle with this word. The dictionary translates offense as follows: take offense, resentful, offended, feel insulted, disturbed, touchy, hurt. Luke 17: 1-5 teaches us the steps to follow if someone comes too close to us. The more you follow these steps, the stronger you become and the less you feel overwhelmed.

• Joy And Gladness Is A Spiritual Weapon.
• Joy gives us power during persecution. 

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 7:4)

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” (Rom. 15:13-14)

• Joy strengthens your faith. Hope and joy are partners. Joy is the keeper and bearer of hope. Joyful anticipation of hope. Joy keeps you in the atmosphere of faith, hope and the supernatural!
• Joy makes us better witnesses of Jesus’ life. His narration of parables and clever humor disarmed His listeners to listen with a fresh ear and an open heart. A lively, upbeat and joyful teacher will not struggle to get his or her children’s attention.
• Inner joy and happiness are an antidote to addiction. Someone who experiences inner joy is not going to try to chemically supplement or get it. You are full!

Feasting In Christ Jesus

Who does not like a party? Party tables, full of delicious treats. Music and dance! Laugh and chat! Watching the most beautiful sunset with your best friends – a holy feast! The well-known Northern Irish Rend Collective praise group has created a hit album in the art of celebration: It was number-one in the genre, Christian album, and deals with the lost art of still being able to celebrate in the most difficult of circumstances.

Jesus’ message is an invitation to a feast! In fact, He is the summary of all the Old Testament feasts. 

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (Col. 2:16-17)

Jesus invites everybody to the celebration! 

“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” (Luke 14:13)

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke14:23)

Jesus loved to go to celebrations even before His ministry began. The wedding in Cana (John 2). 

“Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.” (Luke 5:29)

The first church was known for their agapé love-meals. And of course the abusers (Jude 1:12; 1 Cor. 11:17-31), when people only think of themselves and do not recognize the need of people around them. Of course, Jesus also created two spontaneous feasts by multiplying the loaves – the 5,000 (Matt. 14:16) and the 4,000 (Matt. 15:27).

Our heavenly reunion is going to be a wonderful feast (Heb. 12:22; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 3:20; 19:17). The gatherings of believers should not only be solemn but holy feasts of refreshment in the Holy Spirit. 

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:18-19)

Only a life on a journey with Jesus can bring about this festivity! Jesus is a joy-feast!

^[1] Eldredge, J. (2013). Beautiful outlaw. New York: FaithWords.

^[2] Lawrence, R. (n.d.). Shrewd.

The post The Humour of Jesus appeared first on Jesus, The Best Life Ever Lived.

The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful.

Spelerigheid: lewenslustigheid/opgeruimdheid/opgewektheid/gesonde humorsin. (playfulness)

Diegene wat hulle godsdienstige metodes en reëls vertrou, maak van Christenskap ʼn ernstige saak! God is heilig en dus ernstig! Die redding van siele van die ewige verderf is verseker ʼn lewensbelangrike en ernstige saak, maar die manier waarop mense bereik word, is nie ʼn kwaai, vinger-in-die-lug, oordeelpreek en -waarskuwing nie.

Dis ʼn boodskap van goeie nuus: Die woord “evangelie” kom van die Anglo-Saksiese woord “godspell”, wat “goeie nuus” beteken. Die oorspronklike woord kom van die Griekse euangelion, wat ook “goeie nuus” beteken.

Hoe wonderlik klink op die berge die voetstappe van hom wat die goeie boodskap bring, wat vrede aankondig, wat die goeie tyding bring, wat redding aankondig, wat vir Sion sê: “Jou God is Koning!” (Jes 52:7).

Aangesien Jesus nie gesondig het nie en dus heilig was, word Hy in die meeste films as ernstig uitgebeeld. Die hoofrede, besmoontlik, waarom mense op die ernstige deel van die evangelie en die Bybel konsentreer, is omdat ons nie in die Bybel die gesigsuitdrukkings van Jesus kan sien nie. Daar is nie emotikons by nie. Sommige komediante gebruik omtrent net gesigsuitdrukkings om ʼn baie ernstige aanklag tot die hart te maak en mense lag daarvoor.

In kontras: Voeg ʼn paar baie ernstige en kwaai predikers in die pakkie by kerkbyeenkomste waar mens nie mag hoes, nies of lag nie en ons het ʼn baie ver-verwyderde Jesus wat bo-op die grond sweef en onaantasbaar raak. Dis egter geensins die waarheid nie. Kan jy jou ʼn bobaasstorieverteller voorstel wat nie humor gebruik nie?

Een van my gunstelingskrywers, John Eldredge, beskryf Jesus soos volg vanuit die perspektief van die natuur wat van Hom getuig in sy boek Beautiful Outlaw.

I was sitting out back yesterday morning sipping coffee, watching the young chipmunks chase one another at breakneck speeds across the deck. One clever daredevil, hoping to get the advantage, jumped up on the fence rail and continued the chase from above, leaping at the last moment upon his littermate like a Hollywood stuntman. This morning one of them adopted a new strategy. The little rascal found an ambush spot, clinging from the side of the house, where he waited for his playmate to wander by unawares; he then pounced, and the two somersaulted off the deck and into the grass, squealing. Only to dash off and do it again. And again. Now—what does this tell us about the personality of Jesus, who created these little dynamos with striped masks and boundless enthusiasm? What do they say about his heart? Polar-bear cubs will hurl themselves down snowy hillsides headfirst and upside down, just for fun. Spinner dolphins love to romp in the bow-wake of a boat, cavorting, leaping into the air and, well, spinning. Otters play tag. Our horses play tug-of-war with a stick—which is really quite funny when you think of how nobly a horse normally likes to carry himself.

Die Skepping is vol dinge wat mens laat lag! Spelerigheid: Kyk net in die natuur en op Youtube-video’s na die snaakse goed wat diere aanvang: Honde speel met mekaar, eekhorings speel wegkruipertjie en jaag mekaar, dolfyne speel in die golwe. As alles in en deur Christus gemaak is, dan is spelerigheid ʼn beduidende kenmerk van Christus (Joh 1:3, 10; Kol 1:16; Ef 3:9; Heb 1:2-3; 1 Kor 8:6; Rom 11:3).

Die mooiste aspek van ʼn gesonde verhouding is spelerigheid, humorsin, gemaklikheid en die vermoë om vir mekaar te lag. Lag en pret in enige verhouding is soos vars lug.

ʼn Tyd om te huil, ʼn tyd om te lag, tyd om te treur, ʼn tyd om van blydskap te dans (Pred 3:4).

’n Vrolike hart maak die aangesig bly (Spr 15:13).

Blydskap laat ʼn mens se gesig straal; smart maak ʼn mens terneergedruk (Spr 15:13).

Die blymoedige mens se hele lewe is ’n fees (Spr 15:15).

ʼn Vrolike mens is ʼn gesonde mens, ʼn neerslagtige mens raak uitgeput (Spr 17:22).

Die bekende KIPP-skole behaal sukses met kinders deur, onder andere, die kinders se lewensvreugde te ontwikkel. Gelukkige, tevrede kinders leer makliker. Hulle droom is om 100% van alle leerders te laat kwalifiseer vir nagraadse studies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAsSdyb6YMY&app=desktop

Wetenskaplikes het navorsing gedoen oor die uitwerking wat lag op mense het en het bevind dat lag, onder andere, ʼn beduidende en onmiddellike uitwerking het op bykans elke belangrike orgaan in die menslike liggaam. Lag verminder spanning wat gesondheid ondermyn terwyl dit die belangrikste organe se weefsel laat ontspan en dit laat oefen. Daar word beweer dat lag, selfs wanneer dit gedwonge is, geestelik en fisies ʼn voordelige uitwerking op ons het. Die volgende keer wat jy senuweeagtig en bangerig is, sorg dat jy lekker lag. —Executives’ Digest

BEKENDE PREDIKERS EN HERVORMERS GEBRUIK HUMOR:

Martin Luther het humor in sy werk en lewe gebruik om sy Bybelse getuienis te ondersteun, om die spot te dryf met mense in gesagsposisies en om die dood en die duiwel uit te koggel. In Christus word alles onderstebo gedraai. “Wanneer ons moet huil oor ons sonde, dan lag ons,” het Luther later in sy lewe gepreek. “Wanneer ons moet lag omdat ons ons in Christus verbly wat gesterf het sodat ons vir ewig kan lewe, dan huil ons.”

Van Spurgeon, die prins van predikers, is gesê: “… brightened by eyes overflowing with humour and softened by a most gracious and sympathetic smile” (Fullerton, C.H., Spurgeon: A Biography, p. 188).

“A light heart can bear heavy burdens” (The Salt Cellars 1:22).

George Mueller sou nie preek voordat sy hart gelukkig was in die genade van God nie.

Ian Ruybroeck sou nie skryf as hy terneergedruk was nie. Hy sou na ʼn stil plek gaan en op God wag totdat hy die gees van inspirasie kon voel.

Dit is algemeen bekend dat die spontaniteit van ʼn groep Morawiërs vir John Wesley oortuig het van die realiteit van hulle godsdiens, en dit het hom ʼn kort rukkie later tot ware bekering gebring.

“The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful.” —A. W. Tozer

G.K. Chesterton het gesê dat vreugde die reusegeheim van die Christen is. Volgens hom is humor deel van ʼnhart vol blydskap.

C.S. Lewis het gesê die suiwerste gelag op aarde woon in die koninkryk van vreugde.

HUMOR IS ‘N TEKEN VAN EFFEKTIEWE KOMMUNIKASIE

Die bekendste sprekers gebruik humor nie net om mense te ontwapen teenoor hulle boodskap nie, maar ook sodat mense die boodskap sal onthou. Dis ons emosies wat ons laat onthou.

Soos ʼn beroepskomediant het Jesus verskeie erkende metodes gebruik om mense te laat lag.

Prentjie-assosiasies:

“Vissers van mense” (Matt 4:19).

Jesus kon net wegkom met “witgepleisterde grafte” (Matt 23:27) deur humoristiese prentjies te gebruik, net soos komediante met bekende politieke figure die spot dryf.

Verder gebruik komediante briljante, slim invalshoekeom weg te kom met ernstige, gewigtige uitlatings:

Die beeld op die muntstuk bepaal aan wie dit behoort (Matt 22:17-21).

Komediante gebruik gewoonlik die humor in ʼn gegewe situasie, of sien iets snaaks in ʼn gebeurtenis om ons te laat lag. (Dink aan Trevor Noah, Michael McIntyre of die bekende Christen-komediant, Michael Jnr.)

Blinde leiers: Julle sal ’n muggie uit julle drinkwater uithaal maar ’n kameel heel insluk (Matt 23:24).

Die drie verskonings van die mense wat nie na die bruilof wou kom nie, sou sy gehoor laat lag het omdat, alhoewel dit wettige verskonings was, dit eintlik belaglike verskonings was. ʼn Ander een sê: “Ek het vyf paar osse gekoop en gaan hulle probeer. Ek vra u, verskoon my asseblief.” Nog ʼn ander een sê: “Ek is pas getroud, daarom kan ek nie kom nie” (Luk 14:16-23).

Komediante gebruik ook literêre woordspeling:

Die woord vir muggie en kameel in Arameers klink amper dieselfde: “galma” vir muggie en “gamla” vir kameel.

Die opbou van ʼn storie, en dan die skielike verandering van rigting, laat ons kop-skud en lag.

Toe besluit hy: dit sal ek doen: Ek sal my skure afbreek en groter bou. Daarin sal ek al my graan en my ander goed opgaar. Dan sal ek vir myself sê: “Mens, jy het baie goed wat weggesit is vir baie jare. Hou op met werk: eet, drink en leef lekker.” Maar God het vir hom gesê: “Jou dwaas. Vannag nog sal jou lewe van jou opgeëis word, en wie kry dan alles wat jy bymekaargemaak het?” (Luk 12:18-20).

Snaakse byname en karakterisering:

Die stelling dat die wisselvallige, hoogs emosionele Petrus ʼn rots genoem word, is nie net snaaks nie maar terselfdertyd ʼn oproep na die rots in almal van ons (Matt 16:16-18).

Jesus gee vir Jakobus en Johannes ʼn bynaam: Vir hulle het Hy die bynaam Boanerges gegee, dit wil sê, “manne van die donder” (Mark 3:17). Dit was liefdevolle, positiewe beeldspraak met ʼn bietjie humor.

Toe Nataniël opmerk: “Kan daar uit Nasaret iets goeds kom?”, is Jesus se opmerking: “Hier is ʼn ware Israeliet, ʼn man in wie daar geen bedrog is nie.” Jesus sien sy sarkasme as teken van sy opregtheid (Joh 1:44-51).

Hierdie liefdevolle skakeling met Sy dissipels spreek van Sy toeganklikheid, wat net moontlik is as iemand innemend, liefdevol, sag en vol lewensvreugde is. Uitsprake wat hard, wetties en “altyd reg” is, stoot mense af en stoot hulle weg. Die baie menslike storie van Jesus se laaste verskyning aan Sy dissipels op die strand illustreer pragtig Sy gemaklike menslike manier: “Hoe lyk dit, manne,” roep Hy, “het julle iets gevang?” “Niks!” roep hulle terug (Joh 21:5). Hulle was naby genoeg, minder as 100 meter van die wal af, toe Jesus met ʼn glinster in Sy oog vra: “Hoe lyk dit manne, het julle iets gevang?” Hy kon sien hulle het niks gevang nie. Petrus se eerste reaksie is om uit die boot te spring, om Jesus tegemoet te gaan nog voor die boot by die wal was. Maar hy moes eintlik skaam voel oor die feit dat hy Jesus verloën het. Dit nadat hy voor almal plegtig belowe het: Here, ek is bereid om saam met U selfs gevangenskap en dood in te gaan (Luk 22:33). Jesus herstel Petrus met die bekende drie vrae: “Het jy my regtig lief?” Weereens sien mens Jesus se gesig met ʼn glimlag, vriendelik. Hy het nie aanstoot geneem nie.

Sien die humor en waarheid in alledaagse gebeure:

Die blinde leiers lei die blindes is nog ʼn ironiese waarheidsbeeld. As een blinde mens ’n ander blinde lei, sal hulle albei in die sloot val (Matt 15:14).

Hulle is soos kinders wat op die markplein speel en die een groep sê dan vir die ander: “Ons het vir julle ’n vrolike wysie gespeel maar julle wou nie dans nie. Toe het ons vir julle ’n begrafnislied gesing maar julle wou ook nie treur nie!” (Matt 11:16-17). Wie het nie al probeer om kinders wat verveeld is te probeer vermaak nie! Jesus tref elke hart in die kol met die vergelyking.

Is daar ʼn pa onder julle wat as sy seun vir hom ʼn vis vra, vir hom ʼn slang sal gee in plaas van die vis? Of as hy ʼn eier vra, vir hom ʼn skerpioen sal gee?(Luk 11:11-12). Jesus gebruik so ʼn bietjie skoktegniek om die beeld vas te lê. Wie sal so iets doen? Dis ondenkbaar!

Parabool of oordrewe absurde vergelykings:

Hoorders wat gereeld met materiaal en leer gewerk het, sou glimlag, kopskud en in hulleself sê: “Wie is nou so dom? Niemand doen dit nie.  Niemand lap tog ou klere met ongekrimpte materiaal nie, want dan skeur die nuwe lap nog ʼn stuk van die oue uit, en die gat word net groter. Niemand gooi ook nuwe wyn in ou velsakke nie, want dan laat die wyn die sakke oopbars, en die wyn sowel as die sakke gaan verlore. Nuwe wyn word in nuwe sakke gegooi (Mark 2:19-25). Dis die geheim van goeie sprekers: Deur ʼn bekende assosiasie, vorm hulle ʼn band met die gehoor.

Hierdie prentjie sou lank in mense se gedagtes bly vassteek: Dit is makliker vir ʼn kameel om deur die oog van ʼn naald te kom as vir ʼn ryke om in die koninkryk van God te kom (Mark 10:25). Dis ‘n ekstreme parabool. Die grootste rydier, deur die kleinste mensgemaakte opening. Onmoontlik!

Moenie wat heilig is, vir die honde gooi nie: hulle sal omspring en julle verskeur; en moenie julle pêrels voor die varke gooi nie: hulle sal dit met hulle pote vertrap(Matt 7:6). Probeer hierdie prentjie fisies opvoer of verfilm – dis die hoogste vorm van domheid, dwaasheid, gekheid. Weereens ʼn skreeusnaakse, oordrewe uitspeel van die dwaasheid van mense se dade.

ʼn Lamp kom mos nie onder ʼn emmer of onder ʼn bed nie? (Matt 5:15). Probeer dit fisies doen. Plaas ʼn flits onder ʼn emmer of onder die bed. Dis malligheid, die lig skyn deur!

Die beste voorbeeld van ʼn parabool is: Waarom sien jy die splinter raak wat in jou broer se oog is, maar die balk in jou eie oog merk jy nie op nie? (Matt 7:3). Vorm gou hierdie prentjie in jou gedagtes: Iemand probeer met ʼn fyn klein knyptangetjie die splinter in iemand se oog uithaal, terwyl ʼn enorme houtbalk deur sy eie oog steek.

Jesus se voorbeeld dat mens nie jou huis op die strand bou nie, sou ook snaaks gewees het in daardie tyd. Selfs die armste persoon weet dit! (Matt 7:24-27). Jesus sinspeel weer op die mense se dwase hardkoppigheid om nie goeie rede te volg nie.

Jesus se fyn skerpsinnigheid is ook opmerklik:

Toe hulle Jesus in ʼn strik wou vang oor belasting: “Wie se kop en naam is hierop?” “Die keiser s’n,” antwoord hulle Hom. Jesus sê toe vir hulle: “Gee aan die keiser wat aan die keiser behoort, en aan God wat aan God behoort”  (Mark 12:14-17).

Jesus se opmerking teenoor die Griekse vrou wat van Siro-Fenisië afkomstig was, moet mens ook lees met ʼn gemoedelike glimlag op Jesus se gesig eerder as ʼn negatiewe, godsdienstige afjak soos wat jy van die Fariseers sou verwag. Wag dat die kinders eers klaar eet, want dit is nie mooi om die kinders se kos te vat en vir die hondjies te gooi nie (Mark 7:25-26). Haar gemoedelike reaksie dui op die menslike konneksie wat hier tussen vreemdelinge gemaak word:Here, die hondjies eet darem onder die tafel die kindertjies se oorskiet. Jesus prys haar voorbarigheid met: O Vrou, groot is jou geloof! (Matt 15:28).

JESUS IS EGTER NIE LIGSINNIG NIE

Growwe, ligsinnige of vuil praatjies pas nie by julle nie; nee, dank aan God pas by julle(Ef 5:4). Die verskil is, iemand wat ligsinnig is, het geen karakterdiepte nie en probeer dit wegsteek deur ʼn vorm van fokus-misplasing. Soos kulkunstenaars wat jou aandag aflei sodat hulle die toertjie met die ander hand kan uitvoer. Jesus is eerlik, opreg en sonder voorgee. Hy sê dinge soos dit is: Maar Hy sê vir hulle: Gaan sê vir daardie jakkals: “Kyk, vandag en môre dryf Ek nog bose geeste uit en maak Ek mense gesond, maar op die derde dag sal Ek my werk klaar maak.” In elk geval moet Ek vandag en môre en oormôre die reis voortsit, want dit is ondenkbaar dat ʼn profeet op ʼn ander plek as Jerusalem omkom (Luk 13:32-33). Dis weereens ʼn briljante, maar die keer negatiewe, karakterisering van Herodes. Jakkals in hierdie geval dui op Herodes se slinksheid en onreinheid. Jesus verklaar dat Hy in beheer is en dat net Hy Sy eie einde sal bepaal.

WAT VREUGDE EN VROLIKHEID NIE IS NIE.

Dit is nie sarkasme nie; ek lag vir jou.

Dit is nie ligsinnig nie; maak nie heilige dinge goedkoop nie.

Dit is nie ontkenning nie. Ontkenning is ʼn vorm van arrogante geloof. Jy het nie ʼn sekere Woord van God nie, maar wens maar net dat die probleem vanself sal verdwyn. Nou maak mens grappies en takel nie die kern van ʼn probleem nie.

DIE KRAG VAN ‘N BLYMOEDIGE HART

Die Here wil nie hê ons moet Hom dien soos slawe wat sonder vreugde is nie. Omdat jy nie die Here jou God met vreugde en entoesiasme gedien het vir die oorvloed van seën wat julle ontvang het nie, sal julle julle vyande dien wat die Herejou God teen jou sal stuur (Deut 28:47). Daarom was daar sewe feeste op die Joodse kalender. God wil hê ons moet kan feesvier! (Esra 6:22).

Jesus was so ʼn vrolike, blymoedige mens (Luk 10:21). “Rejoiced in spirit” (agalliō) – to leap. Om te juig, van vreugde te spring, jou vreugde te wys deur te huppel en te spring, wys uitbundige of ekstatiese vreugde en genot.

Hy het die krag van vreugde in die Gees verstaan en dit het Hom die krag te gee om Sy lyding te deurstaan (Heb 12:2). Hy het geleef vanuit ʼn intieme verhouding met die Vader, wetende dat die Vader Sy gebede beantwoord (Joh 11:41-42). Hy het guns ontvang van die Vader (Matt 3:17). Die Vader het Hom verheerlik (Joh 8:54). Sy verhouding met die Vader, en gehoorsaamheid aan die Vader, was die bron van Sy vreugde. The joy of the Lord is your strength(Neh 8:10). Let op die klem in hierdie vers. Sy vreugde gee ons krag. Soos ʼn man krag kry wanneer sy vrou gelukkig is, kry ons krag wanneer ons weet ons lewe behaag die Here.

Alhoewel Jesus ʼn man was wat lyding en pyn geken het, het Hy nogtans met vreugde gelewe. Sondaars is na Hom toe aangetrek en onthou, hulle is nie juis daarvoor bekend dat hulle die ernstige, gewyde, hoogheilige mense opsoek nie! Baie tollenaars en sondaars was saam met Hom en Sy dissipels aan tafel, want daar was baie van hulle wat Hom gereeld gevolg he t(Mark 2:15).

ʼn Pragtige voorbeeld van die krag van ʼn positiewe uitkyk op die lewe en die krag van blydskap kry ons in die film, Life is beautiful. Rick Lawrence verduidelik dit pragtig in sy boek, Shrewd.

Pyn is ʼn roofdier en ons almal het al sy byt ervaar — sommige is lewend hierdeur opgeëet. Maar lag wys die vuis vir ʼn korrupte wêreld en verklaar: “Dit kan my nie vernietig nie!” Dit is die boodskap wat aan die einde van die 1997 Oscar-wenner, Life Is Beautiful, verkondig word. In die film gebruik ʼn Joods-Italiaanse man, Guido (gespeel deur skrywer/regisseur/akteur Roberto Benigni), lag om sy vierjarige seun te help om in ʼn Nazi-konsentrasiekamp te oorleef. Hy oortuig sy seun dat die kamp net ʼn oordrewe speletjie is en dat die seun ʼn regte tenk sal wen as hy die eerste kind is wat ʼn duisend punte bymekaar kan maak. Guido verduidelik dat hy punte sal verloor as hy huil, kla oor sy ma wat weg is, of as hy kos bedel. Ten spyte van sy haglike en afgryslike omstandighede glo die seun sy pa se weergawe van die werklikheid — die moordfabriek word sy speelterrein. Aan die einde, wanneer die Amerikaanse bevryders die kamp nader, word Guido gevang wanneer hy probeer om sy vrou te vind, en die Nazi-wagte lei hom weg om geskiet te word. Hy sien sy seun hou hulle dop terwyl hy weggelei word, so hy na-aap en maak grappe agter die wag se rug tot groot vermaak van sy seun. Die pa word doodgemaak, maar die seun en sy ma oorleef. Later, toe hy groot genoeg is om te verstaan wat gebeur het, besef hy dat sy pa se fyn humorsin sy lewe gered het.

HOE ONTVANG EN LEEF JY IN HIERDIE BLYMOEDIGHEID?

• Ons verbondenheid met Christus, die Vader en die Heilige Gees – (Joh 15:11-12). Dit sê Ek vir julle sodat my blydskap in julle kan wees en julle blydskap volkome kan wees. Dit is my opdrag: Julle moet mekaar liefhê soos Ek julle liefhet.Ons verbondenheid met Jesus gee ons ewige vreugde. Soos ʼn wingerdtak in die boom ingeënt is en sy lewe van die boom ontvang, so leef ons in Christus. Maar ons kan nie in die boom ingeënt wees sonder dat ons outomaties ook in mekaar ingeënt is nie. Vergelyk Kolossense 1:27 in die Ou Vertaling en die Nuwe Vertaling: Christus IN en ONDER ons.
• Ons verbondenheid met mekaar in Sy liggaam – Todd Adkins sê op sy Twitter-blad: “Geen mens kan Jesus alleen volg nie.” Ware apostoliese leiers soos Johannes se teenwoordigheid het sy vriende en medegelowiges se harte met vreugde gevul (2 Joh 1:12). In Johannes se eerste brief weerklank hy Jesus se gebed in Johannes 17:21: Hom wat ons gesien en gehoor het, verkondig ons aan júlle, sodat julle aan ons gemeenskap deel kan hê. En die gemeenskap waaraan ons deel het, is dié met die Vader en met Sy Seun, Jesus Christus.Dit skryf ons sodat ons blydskap volkome kan wees (1 Joh 1:3-4). John Piper volg dieselfde gedagtegang wanneer hy verduidelik dat dissipels-maak eintlik ʼn korporatiewe en groepsgebeurtenis is, want jy word deel van die “Jesus”-groep.
• Sy tasbare teenwoordigheid en heerlikheid – Deur ons verhouding en intimiteit met die Vader behou ons die vreugde. Hy is vreugde! Sy teenwoordigheid is loutere vreugde en ekstase! Ekstase = ecstasy, rapture. Shekhinah, “that which dwells”; die glans, heerlikheid of teenwoordigheid van God wat tussen Sy mense woon word deur die Targoemis en rabbi gebruik om God Self te openbaar omdat wettiese Judaïsme nie daarvan hou om vorm of emosie aan goddelikheid toe te skryf nie. Dit verwys na kere wat God Homself sigbaar geopenbaar het, soos byvoorbeeld op die berg Sinai (Eks 24:9-18) en in die Allerheiligste van die tabernakel en Salomo se tempel. Hierdie term kom nie in die Bybel voor nie. Dit is later deur Jode gebruik en Christene het dit by hulle geleen om uitdrukking te gee aan die sigbare majesteit van die goddelike Teenwoordigheid, veral wanneer Hy gerus of stilgestaan het tussen die gerubs op die versoendeksel in die tabernakel en Salomo se tempel. Die Shekinahis die naaste Joodse ekwivalent vir die Heilige Gees. Vroeë Christelike ekstase: Die vroeë kerk het ʼn element van ekstatiese profesie gehad. Johannes beskryf sy ekstatiese ervaring as volg: Ek was in die Gees op die dag van die Here …(Op 1:10). Hierdie voorval en ook ander wat hy beskryf, behels ʼn buite-liggaamlike ervaring waartydens Johannes gesigte van die hemelse realm gesien het, en opdragte en openbarings van God en/of die verheerlikte Christus ontvang het. Petrus (Hand 11:5) en Paulus (2 Kor 12:1-7) het soortgelyke ekstatiese ervarings gehad.
• Efesiërs 5:18: Nie dronk van wyn nie, maar dronk van/gevul met die Heilige Gees. Vol blydskap, vervul met die Heilige Gees (Hand 13:52; vergelyk Hand 2:2 – die uitstorting van die Heilige Gees).
• Eugene Peterson sê die Hebreeuse stam van die woord vir “prosperity” (voorspoed) moet eerder met “leisure” (ontspanning) vertaal word —“ die ontspanne houding van iemand wat weet alles is reg omdat God oor ons is, by ons is en vir ons is in Jesus Christus.” As bedroefdes, en tog is ons altyd opgeruimd; as armes, maar ons maak baie ander ryk; as mense wat niks het nie, en tog besit ons alles (2 Kor 6:10).
• Vrug van Sy karakter permanent in ons – Blydskap is deel van die vrug van die Gees. En die vrug is enkelvoud. Die primêre vrug is liefde! Die ander agt vrugte is almal ʼn uitvloeisel van liefde. Vergelyk met 1 Korintiërs 13:3-4: Liefde is geduldig, vriendelik, ensovoorts. Blydskap, vreugde, vrolikheid is ʼn inherente eienskap van liefde. Daar is hoofsaaklik twee primêre emosies wat ons as mens beleef – óf liefde óf vrees. Woede/wraak/haat is die hoogste emosie van vrees. Euforiese, sprankelende, huppelende vreugde is die hoogste emosie van liefde! Om met God versoen te wees, en met Hom reg te wees, bring vrede en vreugde in die Heilige Gees (Rom 8:17).

BLYDSKAP-ROWERS:

Hierdie eenwording met Hom en met mekaar is net moontlik as ʼn mens se hart heeltemal vry is van “offense” (gebelgdheid). Ons Afrikaners sukkel maar met dié woord. Die woordeboek vertaal “offense” as volg: aanstoot neem, gebelgd, gekrenk, beledig voel, gesteurdheid, afgehaal, gekwets, geraaktheid. Lukas 17:1-5 leer ons die stappe wat ons moet volg as iemand ons te na kom. Hoe meer jy hierdie stappe volg, hoe sterker word jy en hoe minder voel jy te na gekom.

BLYDSKAP EN VROLIKHEID IS ‘N WAPEN IN ONS GEESTELIKE ARSENAAL

• Vreugde gee ons krag tydens verdrukking. In al ons sorge is ons vol moed en oorstelp van blydskap (2 Kor 7:4).
• Mag God, die bron van hoop, julle deur julle geloof met alle vreugde en vrede vervul, sodat julle hoop al hoe sterker kan word deur die krag van die Heilige Gees! (Rom 15:13-14). Vreugde versterk jou geloof. Hoop en vreugde is vennote. Vreugde is die bewaarder en draer van hoop. Vreugdevolle afwagting van hoop. Vreugde hou jou binne die atmosfeer van geloof, hoop en die bonatuurlike!
• Vreugde maak ons beter getuies van Sy lewe. Jesus se vertelling van gelykenisse en slim humor het Sy luisteraars ontwapen om met ʼn vars oor en oop hart te luister. ʼn Lewendige, opgewekte en opgeruimde onderwyser sal nie sukkel om sy of haar kinders se aandag te kry nie.
• Innerlike vreugde en vrolikheid is ʼn teenmiddel teen verslawing. Iemand wat innerlike vreugde beleef, gaan nie probeer om dit chemies aan te vul of te kry nie. Jy is vol!

FEESVIERING IN CHRISTUS JESUS

Wie hou nie van ʼnfees nie? Feestafels, propvol heerlike lekkernye. Musiek en dans! Lag en gesels! Die aanskoue van die mooiste sonsondergang saam met jou hartsvriende, ʼnheilige fees! Die bekende Noord-Ierse Rend Collective-lofprysingsgroep het ʼntrefferalbum geskep in die kuns van feesviering:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VamJCsYMFBgDit was nommer een in die genre, Christelike album,  en handel oor die verlore kuns om in die moeilikste omstandighede nog steeds te kan feesvier.

Jesus se boodskap is ʼnuitnodiging na ʼnfees! Om die waarheid te sê, Hy is die opsomming en samevatting van al die Ou-Testamentiese feeste. Daarom moet julle nie dat iemand vir julle voorskrywe wat julle moet eet en drink nie, of dat julle die jaarlikse feeste of die nuwemaansfees of die sabbatdag moet vier nie. Dit is alles maar net die skaduwee van wat sou kom; die werklikheid is Christus (Kol 2:16-17).

Jesus nooi almal na die fees! Nee, as jy ʼnfeesmaal gee, nooi dan armes, kreupeles, verlamdes en blindes. Jy kan jou gelukkig ag dat hulle niks het om jou mee te vergoed nie, want God sal jou vergoed by die opstanding van dié wat reg gedoen het (Luk 14:13). Gaan uit na die paaie en lanings en dring by hulle daarop aan om in te kom, sodat my huis vol kan word (Luk 14:23).

Jesus was lief om na feesgeleenthede te gaan selfs voor Sy bediening begin het. Die bruilof in Kana (Joh 2). En Levi het ’n groot feesmaal vir Hom in sy huis gegee; en daar was ’n groot menigte van tollenaars en ander wat saam met hulle aan tafel was(Luk 5:29).

Die eerste kerk was bekend vir hulle Agape-Liefdes-maaltye. En natuurlik ook die misbruike (Judas 1:12; 1 Kor 11:17-31) wanneer mense net aan hulleself dink en nie die nood van mense rondom hulle herken nie.

Jesus het natuurlik ook twee spontane feesgeleenthede geskep deur die brood te vermeerder –die 5 000 (Matt 14:16) en die 4 000 (Matt 15:27).

Ons hemelse herontmoeting gaan ʼnwonderlike fees wees (Heb 12:22; 2 Pet 1:11; Op 3:20; 19:17).

Die samekomste van gelowiges behoort feestelik te wees. Heilige feestye van verfrissing in die Heilige Gees … en tye van verkwikking van die aangesig van die Here mag kom (Hand 3:19). Moet julle nie aan drank te buite gaan nie; daarmee gaan losbandigheid gepaard. Nee, laat die Gees julle vervul, en sing onder mekaar psalms, lofgesange en ander geestelike liedere; sing met julle hele hart tot eer van die Here (Ef 5:18-19).

Net ʼn lewe op reis saam met Jesus kan hierdie feestelikheid bewerkstellig!

Jesus is ʼn fees!

The post Die Blymoedige Spelerigheid van Jesus appeared first on Jesus, The Best Life Ever Lived.