Text: James 4:9
In our text, James contrasted two different attitudes people have toward God – one was careless joy, the other was sober humility. The phrase “no laughing matter” is used in response to someone who takes a light-hearted approach to a serious matter. This lesson will consider five examples of this in the Bible and what all of them have in common.
Sarah Laughed at the Promise of a Son (Genesis 18:9-15)
- Her skepticism was understandable (Genesis 18:11-12; 17:17)
- However, the promise was given to Abraham prior to this (Genesis 17:15-21) – so she likely heard of this
- Here, Abraham and Sarah had different reactions (Genesis 18:12)
- Sarah was ashamed of her reaction and denied laughing (Genesis 18:15)
Lot’s Sons-in-Law Thought He Was Jesting about the City’s Destruction (Genesis 19:12-14)
- This may have seemed unbelievable
- However, they just witnessed the attack on Lot’s house and the men stricken blind (Genesis 19:4-11)
- Lot “went out” to them (Genesis 19:14) – implied they were either part of the mob or at least witnessed all of this
- Despite their relationship with Lot’s daughters, they were unwilling to side with him
The Tribes Mocked the Thought of Reinstituting the Passover (2 Chronicles 30:1, 5-11)
- The Passover had been neglected (2 Chronicles 30:5)
- However, this was part of God’s law (Deuteronomy 16:1-3) – should have been observed
- This was to be done to enjoy God’s favor (2 Chronicles 30:6-9)
- Yet the majority rejected this invitation (2 Chronicles 30:10-11)
The People Mocked the Warning about Captivity (2 Chronicles 36:15-16)
- The Jews were God’s people (Deuteronomy 7:6) and Jerusalem was His city (Deuteronomy 12:5)
- However, the sequence of events leading to captivity had already started (2 Chronicles 36:5-7; 9-10)
- God, in His compassion, warned about Babylon coming (2 Chronicles 36:15)
- Yet they had already rejected God (2 Chronicles 36:11-14) – therefore, they would not listen
The People Laughed at Jesus for Saying Jairus’ Daughter Was Only Asleep (Luke 8:41-42, 49-53)
- The condition of his daughter may have seemed hopeless (Luke 8:42)
- However, Jesus had shown His ability to perform miracles (Luke 8:39-40; cf. John 5:36; Acts 2:22)
- Jesus spoke of death as temporary (cf. John 5:28-29; 11:11, 13)
- They did not have this concept
Everything That Was Laughed at Came to Pass
- Sarah had a son (Genesis 21:1-5)
- Sodom was destroyed (Genesis 19:23-25)
- The Passover was reinstituted (2 Chronicles 30:13, 15)
- Jerusalem was conquered (2 Chronicles 36:17-21)
- Jairus’ daughter was raised (Luke 8:54-55)
What These Examples Have in Common
- All of these examples were of people who lacked faith in God and His word
- These were written for our learning (Romans 15:4)
- We need to have faith in God – believe God’s promises, heed God’s warnings, obey God’s word
