What makes God laugh?

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. – Psalm 2:4

I was washing my car one evening as the sun was preparing to kiss the earth goodnight. Glancing up, I impulsively pointed the hose at it as if to extinguish its flames. The absurdity of my action hit me, and I laughed.

Then I thought of God’s laughter in Psalm 2. Wicked nations were plotting to overthrow God’s anointed, thus ultimately opposing the Almighty Himself. But He sits in the heavens, calm and unthreatened. Man’s boldest efforts to oppose such awesome power is ludicrous. The Almighty doesn’t even rise from His throne; He just laughs in derision.

But is this a heartless or cruel laughter? No! His same infinite greatness that mocks man’s defiance also marks His sympathy for man in his lost condition. He’s the same God who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11). And He was the incarnate Savior who wept over Jerusalem when His own people rejected Him (Matt. 23:37-39). He is great in judgment but also in compassion (Ex. 34:6-7).

God’s laughter gives us the assurance that Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. Any defiance of Him and His will is futile. Instead of opposing the Son, we should submit to the Lord Jesus and take refuge in Him. – Dennis De Haan

God dwells in light and holiness,

In splendor and in might;

It’s godly fear of His great power

That helps us do what’s right. – D. De Haan

READ: Psalm 2

Mankind’s limited potential highlights God’s limitless power.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 33-35

• Matthew 10:1-20