Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election

When God Laughs

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2012-02-17

Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver examines the biblical theme of God's laughter, focusing on Psalm 2:4. He explains that God's laughter is always scornful and derisive, directed at the absurd rebellion of wicked men who vainly attempt to overthrow His sovereign rule. Weaver argues that God is not intimidated by human rebellion because He is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign. He demonstrates how God uses even the wickedness of men to accomplish His purposes and will ultimately bring all rebellion to nothing. The sermon includes applications warning against refusing God's wisdom and encouraging believers not to take the wicked too seriously, since their day is short and God will have them in derision.

[John Weaver] The title of the message today is, When God Laughs. When God Laughs. So look in Psalm 2, and we'll read verse 4 to begin with. Psalm 2, verse 4. The scripture says, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision. I want to call your attention to this phrase, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. Have you ever wondered whether or not things were funny to God? If so, have you ever wondered what it would be that would make God laugh? Since God is a person, obviously, he has a sense of humor. Billy Sunday, the Presbyterian evangelist, used to say, I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys in some of you folks.

[John Weaver] And I suppose One of the funniest or the most humorous incidents in scripture for me is found in 2nd Kings. So I want you to hold Psalm 2, but I want you to turn back to 2nd Kings chapter 13 and look at verses 20 and 21. 2nd Kings 13 verses 20 and 21. Elisha has died and has been buried and here are some men who are burying a dead man.

[John Weaver] And the Moabites have invaded the land. And of course they are armed and after anyone that they can find. So in 2nd Kings chapter 13, beginning there with verse 20, And Elisha died and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming of the year. It came to pass as they, that is several Israelites, as they were burying a man, that behold they spied a band of men, that is a band of Moabites. And they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha, and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet.

[John Weaver] Now you say, what's so funny to this? Well, just stop and think. Here they're already frightened because they see the band of Moabites. So they cast the dead man into Elisha's sepulcher and undoubtedly ran away. Just a couple of them. But when the man hits Elisha's bones, he comes back to life. Can you see these two men running away and looking back to check and see where the Moabites were and see the dead man running to catch up with them? I would imagine it helped them run just a little bit faster. So I would say yes, God does have a sense of humor, that is for sure. So when God laughs, When we think of laughing, we must consider that there are several different kinds of laughter.

[John Weaver] First of all, there is a playful laugh that is short and friendly and fun. Secondly, there is a rip-roaring laughter that really overwhelms us when we're thoroughly tickled. It's the kind of laughter that you and I refer to as rolling-in-the-floor laughter. And there's been a number of times in my life that I've experienced that type of laughter and yes, I remember specifically the occasions that call that and I remember one still with the greatest fondness today because another fellow and I were literally rolling in the floor over something that he told that was absolutely true. So there is that rip roaring laughter. Thirdly, there's also a nervous laughter. The nervous laughter originates usually either out of confusion or ignorance or fear. Basically, when one gives forth a little nervous laughter, he's just simply unsure of himself or unsure of the proper response and therefore he gives just simply a small nervous laughter. And then fourthly, there is the mocking, derisive, scornful laughter.

[John Weaver] Such laughter stems from absurd situations and ridiculous actions of others. It's the kind of laughter that looks at someone and says in essence, you big dummy, you should have known better than this. And each of us have experienced all four of these types of laughter. Interestingly, when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter. while the same word can also indicate a playfulness and sport. Yet it is the context that determines the correct interpretation and use of the word laughter. I said earlier that this mocking scornful laughter is usually given in light of absurd and ridiculous situations.

[John Weaver] I can recall one instance in my life that I did that. Some years ago I was rebuking a teenage boy who had done some mighty sinful and stupid things. And while I was rebuking him, and by the way, very kindly, but while I was rebuking him, he got upset and he threatened to whip me.

[John Weaver] Now, in light of the fact that I outweighed him by a hundred pounds, and in light of the fact that I was in the best physical shape in my life at that particular time. And also in light of the fact that I had a secondary black belt insuring G Kempo, when he threatened me, I laughed. And I said, son, if you jump on me, it will be the worst mistake you ever made in your entire life.

[John Weaver] And, you know, thankfully, number one, he did not try to put his threat into effect, and secondly, later on, he apologized to me for even saying what he did. Now, but the point is, I was not intimidated at all. I was not frightened. I was not upset. And my response was to laugh at him. Because it was absolutely absurd to think that here this young boy could whip me at that particular time. I knew that he could not. I certainly wasn't intimidated at all.

[John Weaver] Now if such is true on a man-to-man scenario, how much truer is it in a scenario between man and God? How amused God must be at the absurd and ridiculous actions of men who threaten Him, ignore Him, rebel against Him, and seek to overthrow Him. How vain are their confidences? How arrogant are their voices? And how worthless are their plans and schemes? The big dummies should know better.

[John Weaver] All they have to do is read the word, they would find out. And the very first passage that records that God laughs is found in Psalm 2 and verse 4. Now, I want you to look back at Psalm 2 and verse 4, and I want to read this to you, and then I want you to see the context in which God laughs. Notice if you would Psalm 2 verse 4, the Bible said, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.

[John Weaver] The Lord shall have them in derision. Now it's important to note the context at which God laughs. So let's begin reading with verse 1. Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Now watch carefully. The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." Now notice he asks in verse 1, why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?

[John Weaver] Now the word vain means that which is useless, that which is worthless. Uselessly and worthlessly they are taking action against God, they're scheming and planning against God, they take counsel against the Father and His Son, they purpose to rebel against God and overthrow God and cast away His restraints and do what they want and establish their own kingdoms.

[John Weaver] Now what is God's response to this rebellion of wicked vain men? His response is, He laughs at them. He laughs at their stupidity, their foolishness, their vanity, and their rebellion. Well, why would God laugh? Because He knows they cannot overthrow Him. They cannot destroy His kingdom. They cannot stop Him. God is omnipotent. God does not run scared. You cannot frighten the Almighty. You cannot intimidate the One True and the Living God. Has it ever occurred to you that if every rebel that has ever lived, that is now living, and that shall live, that if every rebel and every demon out of hell ever combined together to fight against God, it would occasion God no uneasiness?

[John Weaver] He would not be upset, He would not be disturbed, He would not be in a panic. What would God do? He would laugh at them. Our text tells us, watch carefully, verse 4, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. Note if you would, He that sitteth in the heavens. The implication is, God is in His home, on his throne ruling and overruling and administering the affairs of the world. He is the sovereign. He's the omnipotent one.

[John Weaver] He has the upper hand. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. He merely laughs and smiles at their futility in seeking to resist him and overthrow him. He will not be disturbed. He will not be agitated by their efforts. He will, listen carefully, go calmly on about his own business. He will calmly establish his purposes. The interesting thing is, the Bible said, he that sitteth in heaven shall laugh.

[John Weaver] The Lord shall have them in derision. The word Lord is the word Adonai. It means He who controls everything. He who is all-powerful. How can they fight against the One who controls everything? He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Let me ask that you hold Psalm 2, but turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 40. Let me show you two passages. Isaiah 40. And look if you would please, first of all, at verse 17.

[John Weaver] Now remember this is the kings, the rules of the nations that are trying to revolt against God. Look in Isaiah 40 and verse 17. Look what the Bible says. Isaiah 40 verse 17. All nations are before him, all nations are before him are as nothing and they are counted him less than nothing and vanity. Now note what the scripture says. All the nations together are accounted as nothing, even less than nothing. Skip down to verse 22.

[John Weaver] He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers that stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in. Notice all the inhabitants of the earth together are nothing more than grasshoppers to God. Is there anyone in this room that's afraid of a grasshopper? The answer is no. No. Why? All you have to do is step on Him, and He's gone. He's done. What has God said? All the nations together are reputed as nothing. All the inhabitants of the world are mere grasshoppers. Vast armies, secret conspiracies, confederated alliances, Powerful weapons have no effect upon God. What can grasshoppers do against the sovereign God of heaven and earth? Yea, if all the nations united in rebellion against Him, it would not occasion God any alarm. All nations are as nothing. Yes, they are less than nothing. Since they are less than nothing, how can they be taken seriously by God? God just merely laughs at them.

[John Weaver] And his laughter is a scornful, derisive, mocking laughter that says in essence, you big dummies ought to know better. Now let me ask this question. Why would all of this rebellion be an occasion for God to laugh? Don't you think about this. They cannot slip up upon God's blind side, for God does not have a blind side. He's omniscient. They cannot catch Him at a weak moment, for God does not have a weak moment. He's omnipotent. They cannot negotiate a secret attack. Because there's nowhere where God is not. God is omnipresent. They cannot catch Him at a bad time, for He is timeless. He is the eternal God. They cannot catch Him when His supplies are low, because He is exhaustless. He is the eternal God. He is the infinite God. They cannot rule over Him, or overrule Him, because He is the judge of all the earth. They cannot reach Him, for He is unreachable.

[John Weaver] He is the high and lofty One that inhabited the eternity. They cannot control Him, for He is uncontrollable. He is the sovereign God of heaven and earth. No wonder God laughs at them. There is not one thing that the world can do against God.

[John Weaver] Now, look back in Isaiah, but I want you to look in Isaiah 46 this time. Isaiah 46. And notice if you would verse 10, Isaiah 46 and verse 10. Note what God says. Isaiah 46 and verse 10, God says, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times of things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure.

[John Weaver] Now, my question is this. How much of God's counsel is the rebellion of men going to overthrow? None. How many men are going to stop God from doing His pleasure? The answer is none. None can thwart Him. None can hinder Him. None can evade Him. None can stop Him. He is God and beside Him there is no other. Look in Isaiah 44, if you would, and verse 6. Isaiah 44. And verse 6, he says, Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God. So there is no one that can stop God. There is no one that can hinder Him. God does not need great armies to repress the rebellion of wicked men. You know, Sometimes I think, oh, look at the Chinese army. Look at the Russian army. To defeat large armies is no arduous task for God. On the contrary, God can dispose of armies with the greatest of ease.

[John Weaver] You have to remember that in the Bible, in one night, one angel with one stroke of the sword killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. And what did our Lord say? Know you not that I could ask my Father and have how many legions of angels? Listen, if one angel with one night and one swipe of the sword can kill 185,000 soldiers, I'm sure that a legion of angels, a dozen legions of angels, would have no problem with the inhabitants of this world. You can read about that in 2 Kings 19 verse 35, where the angel killed 185,000 in one night.

[John Weaver] And by the way, I want you to go back to Psalm 2, and let me show you this. God does not even need an angel. God does not even need an army. Look at the Bible, verse 4, Psalm 2, He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision, then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure. All God has to do is speak. And they're vanquished. They're destroyed. In fact, I would even go further than that and say, in reality, God does not even have to speak. All God has to do is withhold their breath and they die. You see, the Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 9 that it is God who holds our souls in life. Everyone's life is in the hands of God. So our God then, is what Psalm 2 is telling us, our God sits undisturbed and unmoved in heaven while men rage against him and while they combine together to cast off his authority.

[John Weaver] He is not intimidated the least. Why is he not intimidated? He laughs because he knows the end of their rebellion will be a fiasco and will accomplish absolutely nothing.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to look at Psalm 2. Let's go back. and begin reading it, Psalm 2 and verse 1. And I want you to see how much this disturbs and upsets and thwarts and stops God. Okay, here we go. Watch this. Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands of sunder and cast away their cords from us.

[John Weaver] He that's in heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." Now watch. In light of their rebellion, in light of their wickedness, in light of their violations of God's law, verse 6, yet God says, I have set my king upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree. The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and for the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces with a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, ye kings, and be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.

[John Weaver] Kiss the sun, lest it be angry, and you perish from the wave when this wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Now go back. What did he say in verse 6? In light of all that rebellion, yet have I done this. God just goes calmly on with His eternal purpose. They cannot stop Him. They cannot overthrow Him. And here is the mighty and powerful truth. All of their rebellion All of their wickedness, God just simply uses to accomplish His own purpose. All of their fighting against God just makes them become His tributaries. In their rebellion, they support God's eternal purpose. There's a verse, if you have not memorized it, I would encourage you to memorize it. It is Psalm 76 and verse 10.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to listen to this. Psalm 76 verse 10. It's a very, very short verse. Here's what God says. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Do you know how much wickedness and sin and evil and rebellion will occur in this world just enough that will give God honor and glory. That which will not honor Him, that which will not glorify Him, He will restrain.

[John Weaver] He will not let it come to pass. You say, I don't understand. How in the world can Sin and wickedness and rebellion redound to God's honor and glory. Well, have you ever stopped to think, if there was no sin and wickedness and rebellion, you would know nothing of God's justice. Moreover, you would know nothing of God's mercies. You would know nothing of God's longsuffering. You would know nothing of God's patience.

[John Weaver] I want to show you something. God is on the throne. He is in control. He has not abdicated His throne. Martin Luther, the heroic reformer, was excommunicated by the Pope. He was proscribed by the Emperor. And at that particular time, almost all of professing Roman Catholics hated Luther with a passion and sought his destruction. And yet Luther had one man who protected him, the Elector of Saxony. And the Elector was generally afraid of what was going to become of Luther. He feared that Luther would be killed and of course then teaching and preaching of the Word of God would vanished there in Germany. And so when Luther heard about the elector's concerns, he wrote the elector a letter.

[John Weaver] And he said many brave things in the letter, but one thing he said was this, listen carefully, he told the elector, let your Highness rest well assured of this, that things are far otherwise carried and concluded in heaven than they are at the Imperial Diet or Parliament held in Nuremberg. What did he say? Don't listen to what they say in Nuremberg. Don't listen to what they say in the capital. No, no, no, no. There's another council in heaven that is far more valuable, far more informative, far more instructive than what happens on the worldly level.

[John Weaver] Now let me show you how God uses the wickedness and the rebellion of men. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Acts, and look in chapter 4. Acts chapter 4, and let's begin reading there with verse 26. Acts 4, verse 26. Remember back in Psalm 2, all those kings that united in rebellion against God? Okay, let's watch it. Acts 4, verse 26. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ. For for truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together, watch, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Now here's my question. Out of all the rebellion of the Jews and all the rebellion of the Romans and all the rebellions of Pilate and Herod, how many of them actually thwarted the purpose of God? You know what they did to Jesus Christ was foreordained and predetermined and predestined by God the Father down to the letter.

[John Weaver] In other words, God just simply used their rebellion to accomplish His will. Now listen carefully. God did not instigate their wickedness. God did not infuse their wickedness. God is not the author of wickedness. But since God is God, He is the controller of wickedness. There is absolutely nothing over which God does not have sovereign control. Listen to me carefully. If there is anything that can happen apart from God and without God, then that thing is God and God is not God. God even takes the wickedness of man and uses it to accomplish his purpose. That's why the Bible says, surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath he shall restrain.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Genesis chapter 20. I'm going to show you how God can also sovereignly restrain the wickedness of men. Look in Genesis 20. I don't know how beautiful Sarah was, but she was undoubtedly a beautiful woman. And you've got to remember this is even later on in her life. Look in Genesis 20 and verse one, and Abraham journeyed from fence toward the South country and dwell between Kadesh and Shur and sojourned in Gera. And Abraham said of Sarah's wife, she is my sister. Now look, and Abimelech king of Gerus sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, Behold art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he, nodding to me, she is my sister. And she, even she herself, said, he is my brother.

[John Weaver] In the integrity of my heart and in the innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said to him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thine heart. For I also withheld thee from sinning against me. Therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. What did God do? It would not have brought God honor to have had the line of Messiah defiled. And so when Abimelech took her, God restrained him. I don't know what he did. He may have given him a case of the 24-hour virus, I don't know, but the Bible says he hadn't come near her, hadn't touched her. And what did God say? I withheld thee from sinning against me.

[John Weaver] Surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath shall he restrain. There will be just enough wickedness, just enough evil that's going to ultimately redound to God's honor and glory, and that which will not redound, He will restrain.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to go back to Psalm 2 in verse 4. I want to show you another word. Look in Psalm 2 in verse 4. The scripture says, He that sent it into heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision. Derision is spoken of several times in regard to the wicked. And each time the Bible says that God shall have them in derision. That is, they will be beside themselves.

[John Weaver] They will not know what to do, which way to turn, or what to do. Everyone will mock them, deride them, make fun of them because of their foolishness. Let me ask you, a question or two. Think about this. How would you like to end up as a Haman or Doeg the Edomite? Would you be willing to trade your salvation for the power, petition, and wealth of an Ahab, Pilate, or Herod?

[John Weaver] I read again today how Bimelech murdered 70 of his brothers, just so he could be king. He murdered 70 of his own brothers. Moreover, during his reign, there were several wars in which he killed a lot of other people. Do you know how long Abimelech reigned? Three years. Can you imagine trading your salvation, trading your soul, trading your life for three lousy years?

[John Weaver] Now the Bible says God shall have them in derision. I want you to turn to Psalm 52. And this Psalm is written against Doeg the Edomite. I don't know if you remember Doeg. But Doeg was the man who slew the priest of the Lord. He was an Edomite. And when Saul commanded his army to slay the priest of the Lord, oh no, they would not do it. They would not obey. But Doeg certainly killed them. And Psalm 52 is written against Doeg. And I want you to look at it. In fact, you can read the headnote up there yourself to the chief musician, Mashiel, a psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, David has come to the house of Abimelech. So it's written against Doeg. Watch verse 1. Why boastest thou thyself at mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually.

[John Weaver] Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp razor working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good, and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee forever. He shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him. Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. David says, But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it. And I will wait on thy name, for it is good before thy saints."

[John Weaver] Why is he being derided? This is the man that made not God his strength. This is the man that trusted in all of his wickedness. Yes, he was the chief herdman of all the cattle of King Saul. And he may have gotten another promotion and more money, but God destroyed him. and the scripture teaches that God shall find out on earth and destroy all of his enemies not one shall escape for instance whole Psalm 53 we're coming back there in just a moment but turn to Psalm 21 Psalm 21 and look if you would beginning there with verse 8 Psalm 21 And verse 8. Look what Scripture declares. Psalm 21, verse 8. Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.

[John Weaver] Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger. The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee. Now watch. Remember our text back in Psalm 2. The kings of the earth have raised up together. Watch. They intended evil against thee.

[John Weaver] They imagined a mischievous device which they were not able to perform. Therefore thou shalt make them turn their back when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. Be thou exalted in thine own strength So will we sing and praise thy power. Note that He said, Thy right hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out all those that hate thee. And none of their schemes, none of their plots, none of their connivings are they able to bring to pass.

[John Weaver] All they can do in their rebellion is work out the will of God. Wow. Let me put it to you like this and then I'll show it to you. This is another instance where I think that God has a real sense of humor. The dagons of this world shall be broken to pieces before our sovereign God.

[John Weaver] Now if you want to understand my simile, I want you to turn in your Bibles to 1st Samuel chapter 5. 1st Samuel chapter 5. In 1st Samuel chapter 5, the children of Israel have fought against the Philistines and they've been defeated because of their sin and their rebellion. And the ark of God has been captured. And so the Philistines are rejoicing in their their God, Dagon. And so they bring the Ark and put it before Dagon. So I want you to notice 1 Samuel chapter 5 verse 1. And the Philistines took the Ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the Ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face. to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him up at his place again. When they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord.

[John Weaver] And the head of Dagon and both of his palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold. Only the stump of Dagon was left unto him. Therefore, neither the priest of Dagon nor any that come into Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon and Ashdod in this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and He destroyed them and smote them with emeralds, even Ashdod and the coast thereof." Notice if you would, Dagon fell over before the Ark of God.

[John Weaver] Well, they set him back up. And the next day he fell over again. And then when they went in, his hands were gone and his head was just a stump. Do you realize that the Dagon's of this world will fall before God in such a way that they will be thoroughly humiliated, exposed for their uselessness and worthlessness, and derided by men and women as well as God.

[John Weaver] All will bow to Him. Now I want you to think with me just for a moment. It is true that sometimes God allows for a short time for His own glory, for the good of His people, for us to be persecuted. His church to be ravaged, much like the temple of old. Yet God is going to knock the dagons of this world down and God will smile when he causes the knees of Belshazzar to knock, his voice to tremble, and his heart to fear just as God delivers Belshazzar to the Persians to be put to death. Because Belshazzar should have known better than to try to insult God and drink wine out of God's holy vessels and share with those who laughed and mocked God and worshipped the gods of gold and stone. No. God will destroy all the dagons of this world and as He does so, He will laugh at them, in essence say, you big dummies. You should have listened. You should have known better. You cannot fight against God and win.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles to Proverbs chapter 1. I want you to look at Proverbs chapter 1 with me just in case some think that you have to be a mighty big Dagon to be laughed at by God. Or you have to be some king or some civil ruler. Well, here's the word again where God laughed. Notice, if you would, Proverbs 1 verse 20.

[John Weaver] Wisdom crieth without, she uttereth her voice in the streets. She crieth in the chief places of concourse, and the openings of the gates in the city she uttered her word saying.

[John Weaver] Now look what wisdom says and wisdom is none other than Christ personified in Proverbs 8. But here's what wisdom cries. How long you simple ones when you love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scornings and fools hate knowledge. Now here's what wisdom says. Turn you at my reproof that is repent. Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out My Spirit upon you. I will make known My words to you." God says, if you will listen, I will teach you. Now, you didn't listen, and here's what God says.

[John Weaver] Because I've called and you refused, I stretched out My hand and no man regarded. But you have said it not all My counsel and would have none of My reproof. What does God say? I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh, when your fear cometh a desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall you call upon me, but I will not answer.

[John Weaver] They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my reproof or my counsel. They despised all my reproof. Therefore, says God, They shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices. What did God say back in verse 26? I will also laugh at your calamity.

[John Weaver] You won't listen to me. You won't repent. You won't obey me. You will be laughed at by God because of your foolish ignorant, stupid rebellion when God says, I gave you my word, but you would not listen.

[John Weaver] Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. I suppose the pressing question in light of this message is, will the Lord laugh at you? Do you refuse to hear His Word, bow to His commands, and submit to His divine authority? How foolish, how sinful, and how ridiculous and how ignorant it is for you and I to think that we can sin against God, ignore Him, defy Him, evade Him, and get away with it.

[John Weaver] We cannot, and we will not. And the Scripture teaches, the Lord merely laughs at people who think and act like that. They can't win. If that teenage boy had made the mistake of jumping on me, at that time there would have been absolutely no way he could have won that fight. No way. There is no way that you can win fighting against God. Period. And all God will do is laugh at those who are so silly and foolish as to think that they can escape it.

[John Weaver] The second application is this. You say, but Brother Weaver, it looks like the wicked are having their day. Yes, we must understand that the joys of the wicked are short. Who would trade their lives to be king for three years? How stupid would you have to be to face the judgment of God for three simple years? Psalm 37 verse 28 tells us, but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalm 97 or Psalm 94 verse 23 says this, And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and cut them off in their own wickedness. Yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off.

[John Weaver] Is Dagon stood up in his place again? God shall lock him down. Are the hands of Dagon glued back in place? Fine. God shall knock him down and take them off again and laugh as he does so. God will not leave the Dagon's of this world any power, any pride or imposition. you'll cut them down. What a horrible time it's going to be when the Dagon's fall and experience the laughter of God.

[John Weaver] Thirdly, I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to Psalm 7 because I want you to see this. Here's the third application and please Understand that what I am about to say is in light of this truth that I am about to read to you. We must not take the wicked too seriously.

[John Weaver] Now it is true, they are dangerous. And yes it is true, they plan our destruction. However, all of their plans will backfire and fail. Every Haman is going to be hanged on his own gallows Every Herod is going to be slain in his own pride Every Judas will be destroyed by his own covetousness Psalm 7 verse 11 Psalm 7 verse 11 God judge at the righteous. And God is angry with the wicked every day.

[John Weaver] If he turned not, he will wet his sword. He had been his bow and made it ready. He had also prepared for him the instruments of death and ordained his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity and have conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood. Look what God says. The wicked made a pit and digged it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate." You know what the pate is? The pate is the top of the head. God's going to bring it down upon the top of the heads of all the wicked.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to turn to Psalm 37. Psalm 37. I told you, the truth that I'm giving you is in light of this context. We should not take this wicked too seriously. Why? Look in Psalm 37, verse 13. The Lord shall laugh at him, talking about the wicked. In fact, go back to verse 12. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming." The Lord just laughs. Turn to Psalm 52. Psalm 52. Look in verse 6. It's not only the Lord who laughs, Look at Psalm 52 verse 6. The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him. The righteous will laugh at the wicked. Skip down to verse 8.

[John Weaver] David said, but I am as a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. Yes, he does. There's a big difference. No wonder we can laugh at the wicked. We're blessed by God. Look in Psalm 59 and verse 8. In fact, look in verse 7. Behold, they belch out with their mouth. This is the wicked. Swords are in their lips.

[John Weaver] For who say they doth hear? But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them. Thou shalt have the heathen in derision. So we, the saints of God, may laugh with our sovereign God, knowing that the days of the wicked are short. And God will have them in absolute derision. Yes, we must be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but the righteous shall laugh at the wicked. We know that God is in absolute and total control. He is sovereign.

[John Weaver] Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to thee. We ask you, Father, to enable us to worship thee and to laugh with thee, knowing Lord that thou art indeed in absolute control and none can overthrow thee. None can thwart thee, hinder thee or stop thee. Thou art the God of heaven and earth, and besides Thee there is none other. And we bow to Thee, we worship Thee, and we give Thee honor and glory through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and whose name we pray. Amen. Amen.

When God Laughs

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	VgIGajLRO60
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election
Genre	Sermon
Date	2012-02-17
Dictation Name
Book	Book 081: Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom - Volume 1 — Chapter 11
Source Timed Segments	68

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

Weaver introduces the topic by asking whether things are funny to God and suggests God has a sense of humor, illustrated by the humorous incident in 2 Kings 13:20-21 where a dead man revives upon touching Elisha's bones.

The title of the message today is, "When God Laughs." When God Laughs. So look in Psalm 2, and we'll read verse 4 to begin with. Psalm 2, verse 4. The scripture says,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:4

"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision." I want to call your attention to this phrase, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh."

Have you ever wondered whether or not things were funny to God? If so, have you ever wondered what it would be that would make God laugh? Since God is a person, obviously, he has a sense of humor. Billy Sunday, the Presbyterian evangelist, used to say, "I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks."

And I suppose one of the funniest or the most humorous incidents in scripture for me is found in 2 Kings. So I want you to hold Psalm 2, but I want you to turn back to 2 Kings chapter 13 and look at verses 20 and 21. 2 Kings 13 verses 20 and 21. Elisha has died and has been buried and here are some men who are burying a dead man.

And the Moabites have invaded the land. And of course they are armed and after anyone that they can find. So in 2 Kings chapter 13, beginning there with verse 20,

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"And Elisha died and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming of the year. It came to pass as they,"

that is several Israelites,

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"as they were burying a man, that behold they spied a band of men,"

that is a band of Moabites.

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"And they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha, and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet."

Now you say, what's so funny about this? Well, just stop and think. Here they're already frightened because they see the band of Moabites. So they cast the dead man into Elisha's sepulcher and undoubtedly ran away. Just a couple of them. But when the man hits Elisha's bones, he comes back to life. Can you see these two men running away and looking back to check and see where the Moabites were and see the dead man running to catch up with them? I would imagine it helped them run just a little bit faster. So I would say yes, God does have a sense of humor, that is for sure. So when God laughs, when we think of laughing, we must consider that there are several different kinds of laughter.

Four Kinds of Laughter

Weaver distinguishes four types of laughter: playful, rip-roaring, nervous, and mocking/derisive/scornful. He notes that when Scripture says God laughs, it is always the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter.

First of all, there is a playful laugh that is short and friendly and fun. Secondly, there is a rip-roaring laughter that really overwhelms us when we're thoroughly tickled. It's the kind of laughter that you and I refer to as rolling-in-the-floor laughter. And there's been a number of times in my life that I've experienced that type of laughter and yes, I remember specifically the occasions that call that and I remember one still with the greatest fondness today because another fellow and I were literally rolling in the floor over something that he told that was absolutely true. So there is that rip-roaring laughter. Thirdly, there's also a nervous laughter. The nervous laughter originates usually either out of confusion or ignorance or fear. Basically, when one gives forth a little nervous laughter, he's just simply unsure of himself or unsure of the proper response and therefore he gives just simply a small nervous laughter. And then fourthly, there is the mocking, derisive, scornful laughter.

Such laughter stems from absurd situations and ridiculous actions of others. It's the kind of laughter that looks at someone and says in essence, "You big dummy, you should have known better than this." And each of us have experienced all four of these types of laughter. Interestingly, when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter. While the same word can also indicate a playfulness and sport, yet it is the context that determines the correct interpretation and use of the word laughter. I said earlier that this mocking scornful laughter is usually given in light of absurd and ridiculous situations.

God's Laughter in Psalm 2: Context of Rebellion

Weaver reads Psalm 2:1-4, showing that God laughs at the vain rebellion of kings and rulers who conspire against the Lord and His Anointed. Their plans are useless and worthless.

Now if such is true on a man-to-man scenario, how much truer is it in a scenario between man and God? How amused God must be at the absurd and ridiculous actions of men who threaten Him, ignore Him, rebel against Him, and seek to overthrow Him. How vain are their confidences? How arrogant are their voices? And how worthless are their plans and schemes? The big dummies should know better. All they have to do is read the word, they would find out. And the very first passage that records that God laughs is found in Psalm 2 and verse 4. Now, I want you to look back at Psalm 2 and verse 4, and I want to read this to you, and then I want you to see the context in which God laughs. Notice if you would Psalm 2 verse 4, the Bible said, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh."

"The Lord shall have them in derision." Now it's important to note the context at which God laughs. So let's begin reading with verse 1. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Now watch carefully. The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." Now notice he asks in verse 1, "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?"

Now the word "vain" means that which is useless, that which is worthless. Uselessly and worthlessly they are taking action against God, they're scheming and planning against God, they take counsel against the Father and His Son, they purpose to rebel against God and overthrow God and cast away His restraints and do what they want and establish their own kingdoms. Now what is God's response to this rebellion of wicked vain men? His response is, He laughs at them. He laughs at their stupidity, their foolishness, their vanity, and their rebellion. Well, why would God laugh? Because He knows they cannot overthrow Him. They cannot destroy His kingdom. They cannot stop Him. God is omnipotent. God does not run scared. You cannot frighten the Almighty. You cannot intimidate the One True and the Living God. Has it ever occurred to you that if every rebel that has ever lived, that is now living, and that shall live, that if every rebel and every demon out of hell ever combined together to fight against God, it would occasion God no uneasiness?

Why God Laughs: His Omnipotence and Sovereignty

God laughs because He knows rebels cannot overthrow Him. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. All nations are as nothing before Him (Isaiah 40:17, 22).

He would not be upset, He would not be disturbed, He would not be in a panic. What would God do? He would laugh at them. Our text tells us, watch carefully, verse 4, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh." Note if you would, "He that sitteth in the heavens." The implication is, God is in His home, on His throne ruling and overruling and administering the affairs of the world. He is the sovereign. He's the omnipotent one. He has the upper hand. "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh." He merely laughs and smiles at their futility in seeking to resist him and overthrow him. He will not be disturbed. He will not be agitated by their efforts. He will, listen carefully, go calmly on about his own business. He will calmly establish his purposes. The interesting thing is, the Bible said, "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh."

"The Lord shall have them in derision." The word "Lord" is the word Adonai. It means He who controls everything. He who is all-powerful. How can they fight against the One who controls everything? He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Let me ask that you hold Psalm 2, but turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 40. Let me show you two passages. Isaiah 40. And look if you would please, first of all, at verse 17.

Now remember this is the kings, the rulers of the nations that are trying to revolt against God. Look in Isaiah 40 and verse 17. Look what the Bible says. Isaiah 40 verse 17.

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:17

"All nations are before him, all nations are before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity."

Now note what the scripture says. All the nations together are accounted as nothing, even less than nothing. Skip down to verse 22.

"He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers that stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in." Notice all the inhabitants of the earth together are nothing more than grasshoppers to God. Is there anyone in this room that's afraid of a grasshopper? The answer is no. No. Why? All you have to do is step on him, and he's gone. He's done. What has God said? All the nations together are reputed as nothing. All the inhabitants of the world are mere grasshoppers. Vast armies, secret conspiracies, confederated alliances, powerful weapons have no effect upon God. What can grasshoppers do against the sovereign God of heaven and earth? Yea, if all the nations united in rebellion against Him, it would not occasion God any alarm. All nations are as nothing. Yes, they are less than nothing. Since they are less than nothing, how can they be taken seriously by God? God just merely laughs at them.

And his laughter is a scornful, derisive, mocking laughter that says in essence, "You big dummies ought to know better." Now let me ask this question. Why would all of this rebellion be an occasion for God to laugh? Don't you think about this. They cannot slip up upon God's blind side, for God does not have a blind side. He's omniscient. They cannot catch Him at a weak moment, for God does not have a weak moment. He's omnipotent. They cannot negotiate a secret attack, because there's nowhere where God is not. God is omnipresent. They cannot catch Him at a bad time, for He is timeless. He is the eternal God. They cannot catch Him when His supplies are low, because He is exhaustless. He is the eternal God. He is the infinite God. They cannot rule over Him, or overrule Him, because He is the judge of all the earth. They cannot reach Him, for He is unreachable.

God's Unthwartable Purpose

Weaver cites Isaiah 46:10 and 44:6 to show that God's counsel stands and none can stop Him. He illustrates with the angel killing 185,000 Assyrians and notes God needs no army; He merely speaks or withholds breath.

Now, look back in Isaiah, but I want you to look in Isaiah 46 this time. Isaiah 46. And notice if you would verse 10, Isaiah 46 and verse 10. Note what God says. Isaiah 46 and verse 10, God says,

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 46:10

"Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times of things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure."

Now, my question is this. How much of God's counsel is the rebellion of men going to overthrow? None. How many men are going to stop God from doing His pleasure? The answer is none. None can thwart Him. None can hinder Him. None can evade Him. None can stop Him. He is God and beside Him there is no other. Look in Isaiah 44, if you would, and verse 6. Isaiah 44. And verse 6, he says,

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 44:6

"Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God."

So there is no one that can stop God. There is no one that can hinder Him. God does not need great armies to repress the rebellion of wicked men. You know, sometimes I think, oh, look at the Chinese army. Look at the Russian army. To defeat large armies is no arduous task for God. On the contrary, God can dispose of armies with the greatest of ease.

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 19:35

You have to remember that in the Bible, in one night, one angel with one stroke of the sword killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. And what did our Lord say? "Know you not that I could ask my Father and have how many legions of angels?" Listen, if one angel with one night and one swipe of the sword can kill 185,000 soldiers, I'm sure that a legion of angels, a dozen legions of angels, would have no problem with the inhabitants of this world. You can read about that in 2 Kings 19 verse 35, where the angel killed 185,000 in one night. And by the way, I want you to go back to Psalm 2, and let me show you this. God does not even need an angel. God does not even need an army. Look at the Bible, verse 4, Psalm 2, "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision, then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." All God has to do is speak. And they're vanquished. They're destroyed. In fact, I would even go further than that and say, in reality, God does not even have to speak. All God has to do is withhold their breath and they die. You see, the Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 9 that it is God who holds our souls in life. Everyone's life is in the hands of God. So our God then, is what Psalm 2 is telling us, our God sits undisturbed and unmoved in heaven while men rage against him and while they combine together to cast off his authority.

He is not intimidated the least. Why is he not intimidated? He laughs because he knows the end of their rebellion will be a fiasco and will accomplish absolutely nothing.

God Uses Rebellion to Accomplish His Will

Returning to Psalm 2, Weaver shows that despite rebellion, God calmly sets His King on Zion. He explains from Acts 4:26-28 that the crucifixion was predestined, and from Genesis 20 that God restrains sin. Psalm 76:10 teaches that the wrath of man praises God.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:5-12

Now, I want you to look at Psalm 2. Let's go back and begin reading it, Psalm 2 and verse 1. And I want you to see how much this disturbs and upsets and thwarts and stops God. Okay, here we go. Watch this. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us."

"He that's in heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." Now watch. In light of their rebellion, in light of their wickedness, in light of their violations of God's law, verse 6, yet God says, "I have set my king upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree. The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and for the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces with a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, ye kings, and be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling."

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:5-12

"Kiss the Son, lest it be angry, and you perish from the way when this wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

Now go back. What did he say in verse 6? In light of all that rebellion, yet have I done this. God just goes calmly on with His eternal purpose. They cannot stop Him. They cannot overthrow Him. And here is the mighty and powerful truth. All of their rebellion, all of their wickedness, God just simply uses to accomplish His own purpose. All of their fighting against God just makes them become His tributaries. In their rebellion, they support God's eternal purpose. There's a verse, if you have not memorized it, I would encourage you to memorize it. It is Psalm 76 and verse 10.

Now I want you to listen to this. Psalm 76 verse 10. It's a very, very short verse. Here's what God says.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 76:10

"Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain."

Do you know how much wickedness and sin and evil and rebellion will occur in this world? Just enough that will give God honor and glory. That which will not honor Him, that which will not glorify Him, He will restrain.

He will not let it come to pass. You say, "I don't understand. How in the world can sin and wickedness and rebellion redound to God's honor and glory?" Well, have you ever stopped to think, if there was no sin and wickedness and rebellion, you would know nothing of God's justice. Moreover, you would know nothing of God's mercies. You would know nothing of God's longsuffering. You would know nothing of God's patience. I want to show you something. God is on the throne. He is in control. He has not abdicated His throne. Martin Luther, the heroic reformer, was excommunicated by the Pope. He was proscribed by the Emperor. And at that particular time, almost all of professing Roman Catholics hated Luther with a passion and sought his destruction. And yet Luther had one man who protected him, the Elector of Saxony. And the Elector was generally afraid of what was going to become of Luther. He feared that Luther would be killed and of course then teaching and preaching of the Word of God would vanish there in Germany. And so when Luther heard about the elector's concerns, he wrote the elector a letter.

And he said many brave things in the letter, but one thing he said was this, listen carefully, he told the elector, "Let your Highness rest well assured of this, that things are far otherwise carried and concluded in heaven than they are at the Imperial Diet or Parliament held in Nuremberg." What did he say? Don't listen to what they say in Nuremberg. Don't listen to what they say in the capital. No, no, no, no. There's another council in heaven that is far more valuable, far more informative, far more instructive than what happens on the worldly level.

Now let me show you how God uses the wickedness and the rebellion of men. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Acts, and look in chapter 4. Acts chapter 4, and let's begin reading there with verse 26. Acts 4, verse 26. Remember back in Psalm 2, all those kings that united in rebellion against God? Okay, let's watch it. Acts 4, verse 26.

Scripture Reading — Acts 4:26-28

"The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together,"

watch,

Scripture Reading — Acts 4:26-28

"for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done."

Now here's my question. Out of all the rebellion of the Jews and all the rebellion of the Romans and all the rebellions of Pilate and Herod, how many of them actually thwarted the purpose of God? You know what they did to Jesus Christ was foreordained and predetermined and predestined by God the Father down to the letter.

In other words, God just simply used their rebellion to accomplish His will. Now listen carefully. God did not instigate their wickedness. God did not infuse their wickedness. God is not the author of wickedness. But since God is God, He is the controller of wickedness. There is absolutely nothing over which God does not have sovereign control. Listen to me carefully. If there is anything that can happen apart from God and without God, then that thing is God and God is not God. God even takes the wickedness of man and uses it to accomplish his purpose. That's why the Bible says, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath he shall restrain."

I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Genesis chapter 20. I'm going to show you how God can also sovereignly restrain the wickedness of men. Look in Genesis 20. I don't know how beautiful Sarah was, but she was undoubtedly a beautiful woman. And you've got to remember this is even later on in her life. Look in Genesis 20 and verse one,

Scripture Reading — Genesis 20:1-6

"And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the South country and dwell between Kadesh and Shur and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister. Now look, and Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, Behold thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? And she, even she herself, said, He is my brother."

"In the integrity of my heart and in the innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said to him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thine heart. For I also withheld thee from sinning against me. Therefore suffered I thee not to touch her." What did God do? It would not have brought God honor to have had the line of Messiah defiled. And so when Abimelech took her, God restrained him. I don't know what he did. He may have given him a case of the 24-hour virus, I don't know, but the Bible says he hadn't come near her, hadn't touched her. And what did God say? "I withheld thee from sinning against me."

"Surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath shall he restrain." There will be just enough wickedness, just enough evil that's going to ultimately redound to God's honor and glory, and that which will not redound, He will restrain.

God's Derision of the Wicked

Weaver explains 'derision' means the wicked will be mocked and not know what to do. He cites examples like Doeg the Edomite (Psalm 52) and Abimelech, showing that God finds out all His enemies and their schemes fail.

Now, I want you to go back to Psalm 2 in verse 4. I want to show you another word. Look in Psalm 2 in verse 4. The scripture says, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision." Derision is spoken of several times in regard to the wicked. And each time the Bible says that God shall have them in derision. That is, they will be beside themselves.

They will not know what to do, which way to turn, or what to do. Everyone will mock them, deride them, make fun of them because of their foolishness. Let me ask you a question or two. Think about this. How would you like to end up as a Haman or Doeg the Edomite? Would you be willing to trade your salvation for the power, position, and wealth of an Ahab, Pilate, or Herod? I read again today how Abimelech murdered 70 of his brothers, just so he could be king. He murdered 70 of his own brothers. Moreover, during his reign, there were several wars in which he killed a lot of other people. Do you know how long Abimelech reigned? Three years. Can you imagine trading your salvation, trading your soul, trading your life for three lousy years?

Now the Bible says God shall have them in derision. I want you to turn to Psalm 52. And this Psalm is written against Doeg the Edomite. I don't know if you remember Doeg. But Doeg was the man who slew the priest of the Lord. He was an Edomite. And when Saul commanded his army to slay the priest of the Lord, oh no, they would not do it. They would not obey. But Doeg certainly killed them. And Psalm 52 is written against Doeg. And I want you to look at it. In fact, you can read the headnote up there yourself: "To the chief musician, Maschil, a psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, David has come to the house of Abimelech." So it's written against Doeg. Watch verse 1. "Why boastest thou thyself at mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually."

"Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp razor working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good, and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee forever. He shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him. Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. David says, But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it. And I will wait on thy name, for it is good before thy saints."

Why is he being derided?

Scripture Reading — Psalm 52:1-9

"This is the man that made not God his strength. This is the man that trusted in all of his wickedness."

Yes, he was the chief herdman of all the cattle of King Saul. And he may have gotten another promotion and more money, but God destroyed him. And the scripture teaches that God shall find out on earth and destroy all of his enemies, not one shall escape. For instance, hold Psalm 53, we're coming back there in just a moment, but turn to Psalm 21. Psalm 21 and look if you would beginning there with verse 8. Psalm 21. And verse 8. Look what Scripture declares. Psalm 21, verse 8. "Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee."

"Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger. The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee." Now watch. Remember our text back in Psalm 2. The kings of the earth have raised up together. Watch. "They intended evil against thee."

"They imagined a mischievous device which they were not able to perform. Therefore thou shalt make them turn their back when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. Be thou exalted in thine own strength. So will we sing and praise thy power." Note that He said, "Thy right hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out all those that hate thee." And none of their schemes, none of their plots, none of their connivings are they able to bring to pass. All they can do in their rebellion is work out the will of God. Wow. Let me put it to you like this and then I'll show it to you. This is another instance where I think that God has a real sense of humor. The dagons of this world shall be broken to pieces before our sovereign God.

The Dagons of This World Will Fall

Using 1 Samuel 5, Weaver illustrates how Dagon fell before the Ark and was broken. He says the 'dagons' of this world will be humiliated and derided by God and men.

Now if you want to understand my simile, I want you to turn in your Bibles to 1 Samuel chapter 5. 1 Samuel chapter 5. In 1 Samuel chapter 5, the children of Israel have fought against the Philistines and they've been defeated because of their sin and their rebellion. And the ark of God has been captured. And so the Philistines are rejoicing in their god, Dagon. And so they bring the Ark and put it before Dagon. So I want you to notice 1 Samuel chapter 5 verse 1.

Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 5:1-6

"And the Philistines took the Ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the Ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him up at his place again. When they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord."

"And the head of Dagon and both of his palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold. Only the stump of Dagon was left unto him. Therefore, neither the priest of Dagon nor any that come into Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon and Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and He destroyed them and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coast thereof." Notice if you would, Dagon fell over before the Ark of God. Well, they set him back up. And the next day he fell over again. And then when they went in, his hands were gone and his head was just a stump. Do you realize that the dagons of this world will fall before God in such a way that they will be thoroughly humiliated, exposed for their uselessness and worthlessness, and derided by men and women as well as God.

All will bow to Him. Now I want you to think with me just for a moment. It is true that sometimes God allows for a short time for His own glory, for the good of His people, for us to be persecuted, His church to be ravaged, much like the temple of old. Yet God is going to knock the dagons of this world down and God will smile when he causes the knees of Belshazzar to knock, his voice to tremble, and his heart to fear just as God delivers Belshazzar to the Persians to be put to death. Because Belshazzar should have known better than to try to insult God and drink wine out of God's holy vessels and share with those who laughed and mocked God and worshipped the gods of gold and stone. No. God will destroy all the dagons of this world and as He does so, He will laugh at them, in essence say, "You big dummies. You should have listened. You should have known better. You cannot fight against God and win."

God Laughs at the Simple Who Refuse Wisdom

From Proverbs 1:20-31, Weaver shows that God laughs at the calamity of those who refuse His reproof and wisdom. This applies not only to kings but to any who reject God.

Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles to Proverbs chapter 1. I want you to look at Proverbs chapter 1 with me just in case some think that you have to be a mighty big Dagon to be laughed at by God. Or you have to be some king or some civil ruler. Well, here's the word again where God laughed. Notice, if you would, Proverbs 1 verse 20. "Wisdom crieth without, she uttereth her voice in the streets. She crieth in the chief places of concourse, and the openings of the gates in the city she uttered her word saying."

Now look what wisdom says and wisdom is none other than Christ personified in Proverbs 8. But here's what wisdom cries. "How long you simple ones when you love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scornings and fools hate knowledge." Now here's what wisdom says. "Turn you at my reproof," that is repent. "Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out My Spirit upon you. I will make known My words to you." God says, if you will listen, I will teach you. Now, you didn't listen, and here's what God says.

"Because I've called and you refused, I stretched out My hand and no man regarded. But you have set at nought all My counsel and would have none of My reproof." What does God say? "I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh, when your fear cometh a desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall you call upon me, but I will not answer." "They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my reproof or my counsel. They despised all my reproof. Therefore," says God, "They shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices." What did God say back in verse 26? "I will also laugh at your calamity."

You won't listen to me. You won't repent. You won't obey me. You will be laughed at by God because of your foolish, ignorant, stupid rebellion when God says, "I gave you my word, but you would not listen."

Applications: Will God Laugh at You?

Weaver applies the message by asking if the listener refuses God's Word. He warns that fighting against God is futile and that the joys of the wicked are short. Believers should not take the wicked too seriously because God laughs at them and their day is coming.

Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. I suppose the pressing question in light of this message is, will the Lord laugh at you? Do you refuse to hear His Word, bow to His commands, and submit to His divine authority? How foolish, how sinful, and how ridiculous and how ignorant it is for you and I to think that we can sin against God, ignore Him, defy Him, evade Him, and get away with it. We cannot, and we will not. And the Scripture teaches, the Lord merely laughs at people who think and act like that. They can't win. If that teenage boy had made the mistake of jumping on me, at that time there would have been absolutely no way he could have won that fight. No way. There is no way that you can win fighting against God. Period. And all God will do is laugh at those who are so silly and foolish as to think that they can escape it.

The second application is this. You say, "But Brother Weaver, it looks like the wicked are having their day." Yes, we must understand that the joys of the wicked are short. Who would trade their lives to be king for three years? How stupid would you have to be to face the judgment of God for three simple years? Psalm 37 verse 28 tells us, "But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off." Psalm 94 verse 23 says this, "And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and cut them off in their own wickedness. Yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off." Is Dagon stood up in his place again? God shall knock him down. Are the hands of Dagon glued back in place? Fine. God shall knock him down and take them off again and laugh as he does so. God will not leave the dagons of this world any power, any pride or imposition. He'll cut them down. What a horrible time it's going to be when the dagons fall and experience the laughter of God.

Thirdly, I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to Psalm 7 because I want you to see this. Here's the third application and please understand that what I am about to say is in light of this truth that I am about to read to you. We must not take the wicked too seriously. Now it is true, they are dangerous. And yes it is true, they plan our destruction. However, all of their plans will backfire and fail. Every Haman is going to be hanged on his own gallows. Every Herod is going to be slain in his own pride. Every Judas will be destroyed by his own covetousness. Psalm 7 verse 11. Psalm 7 verse 11.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 7:11-16

"God judgeth the righteous. And God is angry with the wicked every day."

"If he turn not, he will whet his sword. He hath bent his bow and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death and ordained his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity and have conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood." Look what God says. "The wicked made a pit and digged it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate." You know what the pate is? The pate is the top of the head. God's going to bring it down upon the top of the heads of all the wicked.

Now, I want you to turn to Psalm 37. Psalm 37. I told you, the truth that I'm giving you is in light of this context. We should not take the wicked too seriously. Why? Look in Psalm 37, verse 13.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The Lord shall laugh at him,"

talking about the wicked. In fact, go back to verse 12.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming."

The Lord just laughs. Turn to Psalm 52. Psalm 52. Look in verse 6. It's not only the Lord who laughs. Look at Psalm 52 verse 6.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him."

The righteous will laugh at the wicked. Skip down to verse 8.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 52:6

David said, "But I am as a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever." Yes, he does. There's a big difference. No wonder we can laugh at the wicked. We're blessed by God. Look in Psalm 59 and verse 8. In fact, look in verse 7. "Behold, they belch out with their mouth." This is the wicked. "Swords are in their lips."

"For who say they doth hear? But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them. Thou shalt have the heathen in derision." So we, the saints of God, may laugh with our sovereign God, knowing that the days of the wicked are short. And God will have them in absolute derision. Yes, we must be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but the righteous shall laugh at the wicked. We know that God is in absolute and total control. He is sovereign.

Study Guide

Major Themes

God's Scornful Laughter at Human Rebellion

Summary: God's laughter in Scripture is always mocking and derisive, directed at the absurdity of creatures rebelling against their omnipotent Creator.

Evidence: Weaver states: 'when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter.' He cites Psalm 2:4 and Proverbs 1:26.

The Sovereignty and Omnipotence of God

Summary: God is in absolute control, sitting undisturbed in heaven, and no rebellion can thwart His purposes or cause Him alarm.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh... God is in His home, on His throne ruling and overruling... He is the sovereign. He's the omnipotent one.'

The Vanity of Human Rebellion

Summary: All nations and their schemes are nothing before God; their rebellion is useless and will ultimately fail.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Isaiah 40:17: 'All nations before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity.'

God's Use of Wickedness for His Glory

Summary: God sovereignly uses even the wickedness of men to accomplish His predetermined purposes, and restrains what would not bring Him honor.

Evidence: Weaver explains Psalm 76:10: 'Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.' He illustrates with Acts 4 and Genesis 20.

The Short-lived Triumph of the Wicked

Summary: The wicked may seem to prosper, but their joy is brief; God will cut them off and bring their schemes down on their own heads.

Evidence: Weaver asks: 'Who would trade their lives to be king for three years?' and cites Psalm 37:13: 'The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming.'

The Call to Heed God's Wisdom

Summary: Those who refuse God's reproof and wisdom will face His derisive laughter at their calamity; repentance is urged.

Evidence: Weaver reads Proverbs 1:24-26: 'Because I've called and you refused... I will also laugh at your calamity.'

Key Arguments

God's laughter is always derisive, not playful

Summary: Weaver argues that while humans experience various types of laughter, the biblical record of God laughing is exclusively scornful and mocking, based on context.

Evidence: He says: 'Interestingly, when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter.'

Rebellion against God is absurd because He is omnipotent

Summary: God cannot be overthrown, surprised, or intimidated; therefore, human rebellion is laughably futile.

Evidence: Weaver lists God's attributes: 'They cannot slip up upon God's blind side, for God does not have a blind side. He's omniscient...'

God's purposes cannot be thwarted by any creature

Summary: God declares the end from the beginning and does all His pleasure; no counsel of man can stand against Him.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Isaiah 46:10: 'My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure.'

God sovereignly controls and uses wickedness

Summary: God is not the author of sin but controls it, using even the crucifixion of Christ to fulfill His predetermined plan.

Evidence: Weaver cites Acts 4:27-28: 'For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.'

The wicked will ultimately be derided and destroyed

Summary: God will find out all His enemies, and their own schemes will backfire; the righteous will even laugh at their downfall.

Evidence: Weaver reads Psalm 52:6-7: 'The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him.'

Refusing God's wisdom invites His mocking laughter

Summary: Proverbs 1 shows that those who reject God's call will be laughed at when calamity comes, emphasizing personal accountability.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Proverbs 1:26: 'I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.'

Scripture References

Psalm 2:4

Context: The central text: 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.' Weaver uses this to introduce God's laughter at rebellious kings.

2 Kings 13:20-21

Context: Weaver cites this humorous incident of a dead man reviving upon touching Elisha's bones as evidence that God has a sense of humor.

Psalm 2:1-3

Context: The context of God's laughter: the heathen rage and kings set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed.

Isaiah 40:17

Context: All nations are as nothing before God, less than nothing and vanity.

Isaiah 40:22

Context: The inhabitants of the earth are like grasshoppers to God.

Isaiah 46:10

Context: God declares the end from the beginning; His counsel shall stand and He will do all His pleasure.

Isaiah 44:6

Context: God is the first and the last; beside Him there is no God.

2 Kings 19:35

Context: One angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, illustrating God's power to dispose of armies.

Psalm 2:5-12

Context: God speaks in wrath, sets His King on Zion, and warns kings to serve the Lord and kiss the Son.

Psalm 76:10

Context: Surely the wrath of man shall praise God; the remainder of wrath He restrains.

Acts 4:26-28

Context: The gathering of Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel against Jesus was to do what God's hand and counsel predetermined.

Genesis 20:1-6

Context: God withheld Abimelech from sinning against Him by not allowing him to touch Sarah.

Psalm 52:1-9

Context: Written against Doeg the Edomite; the righteous will laugh at the man who did not make God his strength.

Psalm 21:8-13

Context: God's hand will find out all His enemies; they intended evil but were not able to perform it.

1 Samuel 5:1-6

Context: Dagon falls before the Ark of God and is broken, illustrating the humiliation of false gods.

Proverbs 1:20-31

Context: Wisdom cries out; those who refuse will be laughed at by God when calamity comes.

Psalm 37:13

Context: The Lord laughs at the wicked, for He sees that his day is coming.

Psalm 52:6

Context: The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at the wicked.

Psalm 59:7-8

Context: The wicked belch out with their mouth, but God shall laugh at them and have the heathen in derision.

Psalm 7:11-16

Context: God is angry with the wicked every day; the wicked fall into the pit they made, and their mischief returns on their own head.

Historical References

Billy Sunday

Context: Weaver quotes the Presbyterian evangelist Billy Sunday: 'I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks.'

Martin Luther and the Elector of Saxony

Context: Weaver recounts Luther's letter to the Elector, assuring him that things are concluded differently in heaven than at the Imperial Diet in Nuremberg.

Doeg the Edomite

Context: Weaver references Doeg, who slew the priests of the Lord, as an example of a wicked man who will be derided.

Abimelech (son of Gideon)

Context: Weaver mentions Abimelech who murdered 70 brothers to become king and reigned only three years, illustrating the short-lived triumph of the wicked.

Haman, Ahab, Pilate, Herod, Judas

Context: Weaver lists these biblical figures as examples of the wicked whose plans backfired: Haman hanged on his own gallows, Herod slain in pride, Judas destroyed by covetousness.

Belshazzar

Context: Weaver refers to Belshazzar's feast and his death at the hands of the Persians as an example of God knocking down the 'dagons' of this world.

Important Quotes

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision.

Significance: This is the central text of the sermon, establishing the theme of God's derisive laughter at human rebellion.

I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks.

Significance: Weaver quotes Billy Sunday to introduce the idea that God has a sense of humor, though the sermon focuses on a different kind of laughter.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Significance: Weaver uses Psalm 76:10 to explain how God sovereignly uses even human wickedness for His glory.

I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.

Significance: This quote from Proverbs 1:26 shows that God's derisive laughter is directed not only at kings but at any who reject His wisdom.

The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming.

Significance: Psalm 37:13 is cited to encourage believers that God laughs at the wicked because their judgment is certain.

The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him.

Significance: Psalm 52:6 shows that the righteous join in God's laughter at the downfall of the wicked.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean that God laughs, and why is His laughter described as scornful and derisive rather than playful?

Context: Weaver distinguishes four types of laughter and argues that God's laughter in Scripture is always mocking. This question explores the nature of divine laughter.

How does understanding God's omnipotence and sovereignty affect the way we view the rebellion and wickedness in the world today?

Context: Weaver emphasizes that God is not intimidated by human rebellion because He is all-powerful and sovereign. This question applies that truth to current events.

In what ways does God use the wickedness of men to accomplish His purposes, and how should this shape our response to evil?

Context: Weaver explains from Acts 4 and Genesis 20 that God sovereignly controls and uses wickedness. This question probes the practical implications.

Why does God laugh at the calamity of those who refuse wisdom in Proverbs 1, and what does this teach us about the urgency of repentance?

Context: Weaver applies Proverbs 1:20-31 to show that God's laughter extends to all who reject His reproof. This question focuses on personal application.

What does it mean that 'the righteous also shall laugh' at the wicked, and how can we do so without sinful pride or callousness?

Context: Weaver cites Psalm 52:6 and 59:8 to show that believers share in God's laughter. This question addresses the balance between righteous confidence and humility.

How does the short-lived triumph of the wicked (e.g., Abimelech's three-year reign) challenge our tendency to envy or fear them?

Context: Weaver uses Abimelech as an example of the fleeting success of the wicked. This question encourages reflection on eternal perspective.

Applications

Examine whether you are provoking God's laughter

Summary: Weaver challenges listeners to consider if they are refusing God's Word, commands, and authority, and thus inviting His derisive laughter at their calamity.

Evidence: He asks: 'Will the Lord laugh at you? Do you refuse to hear His Word, bow to His commands, and submit to His divine authority?'

Do not envy or fear the temporary success of the wicked

Summary: Believers should remember that the joys of the wicked are short and their destruction is certain, so we should not take them too seriously.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'We must not take the wicked too seriously... every Haman is going to be hanged on his own gallows.'

Trust in God's sovereign control over all rebellion

Summary: Because God is on His throne and laughs at rebels, believers can rest in His control and not be intimidated by worldly opposition.

Evidence: Weaver states: 'We, the saints of God, may laugh with our sovereign God, knowing that the days of the wicked are short.'

Repent and heed God's wisdom before it is too late

Summary: The sermon implicitly urges repentance by warning that those who reject God's reproof will face His laughter at their destruction.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Proverbs 1:23: 'Turn you at my reproof... I will pour out My Spirit upon you.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-04T18:58:07Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-05T20:56:21Z

Clean Transcript

When God Laughs

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

The title of the message today is, "When God Laughs." When God Laughs. So look in Psalm 2, and we'll read verse 4 to begin with. Psalm 2, verse 4. The scripture says, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision." I want to call your attention to this phrase, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh." Have you ever wondered whether or not things were funny to God? If so, have you ever wondered what it would be that would make God laugh? Since God is a person, obviously, he has a sense of humor. Billy Sunday, the Presbyterian evangelist, used to say, "I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks."
#1 | 0:14 to 1:10 | cleaned
And I suppose one of the funniest or the most humorous incidents in scripture for me is found in 2 Kings. So I want you to hold Psalm 2, but I want you to turn back to 2 Kings chapter 13 and look at verses 20 and 21. 2 Kings 13 verses 20 and 21. Elisha has died and has been buried and here are some men who are burying a dead man.
#2 | 1:11 to 1:33 | cleaned
And the Moabites have invaded the land. And of course they are armed and after anyone that they can find. So in 2 Kings chapter 13, beginning there with verse 20, "And Elisha died and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming of the year. It came to pass as they," that is several Israelites, "as they were burying a man, that behold they spied a band of men," that is a band of Moabites. "And they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha, and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet."
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Now you say, what's so funny about this? Well, just stop and think. Here they're already frightened because they see the band of Moabites. So they cast the dead man into Elisha's sepulcher and undoubtedly ran away. Just a couple of them. But when the man hits Elisha's bones, he comes back to life. Can you see these two men running away and looking back to check and see where the Moabites were and see the dead man running to catch up with them? I would imagine it helped them run just a little bit faster. So I would say yes, God does have a sense of humor, that is for sure. So when God laughs, when we think of laughing, we must consider that there are several different kinds of laughter.
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First of all, there is a playful laugh that is short and friendly and fun. Secondly, there is a rip-roaring laughter that really overwhelms us when we're thoroughly tickled. It's the kind of laughter that you and I refer to as rolling-in-the-floor laughter. And there's been a number of times in my life that I've experienced that type of laughter and yes, I remember specifically the occasions that call that and I remember one still with the greatest fondness today because another fellow and I were literally rolling in the floor over something that he told that was absolutely true. So there is that rip-roaring laughter. Thirdly, there's also a nervous laughter. The nervous laughter originates usually either out of confusion or ignorance or fear. Basically, when one gives forth a little nervous laughter, he's just simply unsure of himself or unsure of the proper response and therefore he gives just simply a small nervous laughter. And then fourthly, there is the mocking, derisive, scornful laughter.
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Such laughter stems from absurd situations and ridiculous actions of others. It's the kind of laughter that looks at someone and says in essence, "You big dummy, you should have known better than this." And each of us have experienced all four of these types of laughter. Interestingly, when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter. While the same word can also indicate a playfulness and sport, yet it is the context that determines the correct interpretation and use of the word laughter. I said earlier that this mocking scornful laughter is usually given in light of absurd and ridiculous situations.
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I can recall one instance in my life that I did that. Some years ago I was rebuking a teenage boy who had done some mighty sinful and stupid things. And while I was rebuking him, and by the way, very kindly, but while I was rebuking him, he got upset and he threatened to whip me.
#7 | 5:31 to 5:52 | cleaned
Now, in light of the fact that I outweighed him by a hundred pounds, and in light of the fact that I was in the best physical shape in my life at that particular time, and also in light of the fact that I had a secondary black belt in Shorinji Kempo, when he threatened me, I laughed. And I said, "Son, if you jump on me, it will be the worst mistake you ever made in your entire life."
#8 | 5:55 to 6:28 | cleaned
And, you know, thankfully, number one, he did not try to put his threat into effect, and secondly, later on, he apologized to me for even saying what he did. Now, but the point is, I was not intimidated at all. I was not frightened. I was not upset. And my response was to laugh at him. Because it was absolutely absurd to think that here this young boy could whip me at that particular time. I knew that he could not. I certainly wasn't intimidated at all.
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Now if such is true on a man-to-man scenario, how much truer is it in a scenario between man and God? How amused God must be at the absurd and ridiculous actions of men who threaten Him, ignore Him, rebel against Him, and seek to overthrow Him. How vain are their confidences? How arrogant are their voices? And how worthless are their plans and schemes? The big dummies should know better.
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All they have to do is read the word, they would find out. And the very first passage that records that God laughs is found in Psalm 2 and verse 4. Now, I want you to look back at Psalm 2 and verse 4, and I want to read this to you, and then I want you to see the context in which God laughs. Notice if you would Psalm 2 verse 4, the Bible said, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh."
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"The Lord shall have them in derision." Now it's important to note the context at which God laughs. So let's begin reading with verse 1. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Now watch carefully. The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." Now notice he asks in verse 1, "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?"
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Now the word "vain" means that which is useless, that which is worthless. Uselessly and worthlessly they are taking action against God, they're scheming and planning against God, they take counsel against the Father and His Son, they purpose to rebel against God and overthrow God and cast away His restraints and do what they want and establish their own kingdoms.
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Now what is God's response to this rebellion of wicked vain men? His response is, He laughs at them. He laughs at their stupidity, their foolishness, their vanity, and their rebellion. Well, why would God laugh? Because He knows they cannot overthrow Him. They cannot destroy His kingdom. They cannot stop Him. God is omnipotent. God does not run scared. You cannot frighten the Almighty. You cannot intimidate the One True and the Living God. Has it ever occurred to you that if every rebel that has ever lived, that is now living, and that shall live, that if every rebel and every demon out of hell ever combined together to fight against God, it would occasion God no uneasiness?
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He would not be upset, He would not be disturbed, He would not be in a panic. What would God do? He would laugh at them. Our text tells us, watch carefully, verse 4, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh." Note if you would, "He that sitteth in the heavens." The implication is, God is in His home, on His throne ruling and overruling and administering the affairs of the world. He is the sovereign. He's the omnipotent one.
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He has the upper hand. "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh." He merely laughs and smiles at their futility in seeking to resist him and overthrow him. He will not be disturbed. He will not be agitated by their efforts. He will, listen carefully, go calmly on about his own business. He will calmly establish his purposes. The interesting thing is, the Bible said, "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh."
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"The Lord shall have them in derision." The word "Lord" is the word Adonai. It means He who controls everything. He who is all-powerful. How can they fight against the One who controls everything? He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Let me ask that you hold Psalm 2, but turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 40. Let me show you two passages. Isaiah 40. And look if you would please, first of all, at verse 17.
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Now remember this is the kings, the rulers of the nations that are trying to revolt against God. Look in Isaiah 40 and verse 17. Look what the Bible says. Isaiah 40 verse 17. "All nations are before him, all nations are before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity." Now note what the scripture says. All the nations together are accounted as nothing, even less than nothing. Skip down to verse 22.
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"He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers that stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in." Notice all the inhabitants of the earth together are nothing more than grasshoppers to God. Is there anyone in this room that's afraid of a grasshopper? The answer is no. No. Why? All you have to do is step on him, and he's gone. He's done. What has God said? All the nations together are reputed as nothing. All the inhabitants of the world are mere grasshoppers. Vast armies, secret conspiracies, confederated alliances, powerful weapons have no effect upon God. What can grasshoppers do against the sovereign God of heaven and earth? Yea, if all the nations united in rebellion against Him, it would not occasion God any alarm. All nations are as nothing. Yes, they are less than nothing. Since they are less than nothing, how can they be taken seriously by God? God just merely laughs at them.
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And his laughter is a scornful, derisive, mocking laughter that says in essence, "You big dummies ought to know better." Now let me ask this question. Why would all of this rebellion be an occasion for God to laugh? Don't you think about this. They cannot slip up upon God's blind side, for God does not have a blind side. He's omniscient. They cannot catch Him at a weak moment, for God does not have a weak moment. He's omnipotent. They cannot negotiate a secret attack, because there's nowhere where God is not. God is omnipresent. They cannot catch Him at a bad time, for He is timeless. He is the eternal God. They cannot catch Him when His supplies are low, because He is exhaustless. He is the eternal God. He is the infinite God. They cannot rule over Him, or overrule Him, because He is the judge of all the earth. They cannot reach Him, for He is unreachable.
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He is the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity. They cannot control Him, for He is uncontrollable. He is the sovereign God of heaven and earth. No wonder God laughs at them. There is not one thing that the world can do against God.
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Now, look back in Isaiah, but I want you to look in Isaiah 46 this time. Isaiah 46. And notice if you would verse 10, Isaiah 46 and verse 10. Note what God says. Isaiah 46 and verse 10, God says, "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times of things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure."
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Now, my question is this. How much of God's counsel is the rebellion of men going to overthrow? None. How many men are going to stop God from doing His pleasure? The answer is none. None can thwart Him. None can hinder Him. None can evade Him. None can stop Him. He is God and beside Him there is no other. Look in Isaiah 44, if you would, and verse 6. Isaiah 44. And verse 6, he says, "Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God." So there is no one that can stop God. There is no one that can hinder Him. God does not need great armies to repress the rebellion of wicked men. You know, sometimes I think, oh, look at the Chinese army. Look at the Russian army. To defeat large armies is no arduous task for God. On the contrary, God can dispose of armies with the greatest of ease.
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You have to remember that in the Bible, in one night, one angel with one stroke of the sword killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. And what did our Lord say? "Know you not that I could ask my Father and have how many legions of angels?" Listen, if one angel with one night and one swipe of the sword can kill 185,000 soldiers, I'm sure that a legion of angels, a dozen legions of angels, would have no problem with the inhabitants of this world. You can read about that in 2 Kings 19 verse 35, where the angel killed 185,000 in one night.
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And by the way, I want you to go back to Psalm 2, and let me show you this. God does not even need an angel. God does not even need an army. Look at the Bible, verse 4, Psalm 2, "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision, then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." All God has to do is speak. And they're vanquished. They're destroyed. In fact, I would even go further than that and say, in reality, God does not even have to speak. All God has to do is withhold their breath and they die. You see, the Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 9 that it is God who holds our souls in life. Everyone's life is in the hands of God. So our God then, is what Psalm 2 is telling us, our God sits undisturbed and unmoved in heaven while men rage against him and while they combine together to cast off his authority.
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He is not intimidated the least. Why is he not intimidated? He laughs because he knows the end of their rebellion will be a fiasco and will accomplish absolutely nothing.
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Now, I want you to look at Psalm 2. Let's go back and begin reading it, Psalm 2 and verse 1. And I want you to see how much this disturbs and upsets and thwarts and stops God. Okay, here we go. Watch this. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us."
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"He that's in heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." Now watch. In light of their rebellion, in light of their wickedness, in light of their violations of God's law, verse 6, yet God says, "I have set my king upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree. The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and for the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces with a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, ye kings, and be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling."
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"Kiss the Son, lest it be angry, and you perish from the way when this wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Now go back. What did he say in verse 6? In light of all that rebellion, yet have I done this. God just goes calmly on with His eternal purpose. They cannot stop Him. They cannot overthrow Him. And here is the mighty and powerful truth. All of their rebellion, all of their wickedness, God just simply uses to accomplish His own purpose. All of their fighting against God just makes them become His tributaries. In their rebellion, they support God's eternal purpose. There's a verse, if you have not memorized it, I would encourage you to memorize it. It is Psalm 76 and verse 10.
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Now I want you to listen to this. Psalm 76 verse 10. It's a very, very short verse. Here's what God says. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." Do you know how much wickedness and sin and evil and rebellion will occur in this world? Just enough that will give God honor and glory. That which will not honor Him, that which will not glorify Him, He will restrain.
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He will not let it come to pass. You say, "I don't understand. How in the world can sin and wickedness and rebellion redound to God's honor and glory?" Well, have you ever stopped to think, if there was no sin and wickedness and rebellion, you would know nothing of God's justice. Moreover, you would know nothing of God's mercies. You would know nothing of God's longsuffering. You would know nothing of God's patience.
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I want to show you something. God is on the throne. He is in control. He has not abdicated His throne. Martin Luther, the heroic reformer, was excommunicated by the Pope. He was proscribed by the Emperor. And at that particular time, almost all of professing Roman Catholics hated Luther with a passion and sought his destruction. And yet Luther had one man who protected him, the Elector of Saxony. And the Elector was generally afraid of what was going to become of Luther. He feared that Luther would be killed and of course then teaching and preaching of the Word of God would vanish there in Germany. And so when Luther heard about the elector's concerns, he wrote the elector a letter.
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And he said many brave things in the letter, but one thing he said was this, listen carefully, he told the elector, "Let your Highness rest well assured of this, that things are far otherwise carried and concluded in heaven than they are at the Imperial Diet or Parliament held in Nuremberg." What did he say? Don't listen to what they say in Nuremberg. Don't listen to what they say in the capital. No, no, no, no. There's another council in heaven that is far more valuable, far more informative, far more instructive than what happens on the worldly level.
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Now let me show you how God uses the wickedness and the rebellion of men. I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Acts, and look in chapter 4. Acts chapter 4, and let's begin reading there with verse 26. Acts 4, verse 26. Remember back in Psalm 2, all those kings that united in rebellion against God? Okay, let's watch it. Acts 4, verse 26. "The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together," watch, "for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." Now here's my question. Out of all the rebellion of the Jews and all the rebellion of the Romans and all the rebellions of Pilate and Herod, how many of them actually thwarted the purpose of God? You know what they did to Jesus Christ was foreordained and predetermined and predestined by God the Father down to the letter.
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In other words, God just simply used their rebellion to accomplish His will. Now listen carefully. God did not instigate their wickedness. God did not infuse their wickedness. God is not the author of wickedness. But since God is God, He is the controller of wickedness. There is absolutely nothing over which God does not have sovereign control. Listen to me carefully. If there is anything that can happen apart from God and without God, then that thing is God and God is not God. God even takes the wickedness of man and uses it to accomplish his purpose. That's why the Bible says, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath he shall restrain."
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I want you to turn in your Bibles to the book of Genesis chapter 20. I'm going to show you how God can also sovereignly restrain the wickedness of men. Look in Genesis 20. I don't know how beautiful Sarah was, but she was undoubtedly a beautiful woman. And you've got to remember this is even later on in her life. Look in Genesis 20 and verse one, "And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the South country and dwell between Kadesh and Shur and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister. Now look, and Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, Behold thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? And she, even she herself, said, He is my brother."
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"In the integrity of my heart and in the innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said to him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thine heart. For I also withheld thee from sinning against me. Therefore suffered I thee not to touch her." What did God do? It would not have brought God honor to have had the line of Messiah defiled. And so when Abimelech took her, God restrained him. I don't know what he did. He may have given him a case of the 24-hour virus, I don't know, but the Bible says he hadn't come near her, hadn't touched her. And what did God say? "I withheld thee from sinning against me."
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"Surely the wrath of man shall praise the Lord, and the remainder of wrath shall he restrain." There will be just enough wickedness, just enough evil that's going to ultimately redound to God's honor and glory, and that which will not redound, He will restrain.
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Now, I want you to go back to Psalm 2 in verse 4. I want to show you another word. Look in Psalm 2 in verse 4. The scripture says, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision." Derision is spoken of several times in regard to the wicked. And each time the Bible says that God shall have them in derision. That is, they will be beside themselves.
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They will not know what to do, which way to turn, or what to do. Everyone will mock them, deride them, make fun of them because of their foolishness. Let me ask you a question or two. Think about this. How would you like to end up as a Haman or Doeg the Edomite? Would you be willing to trade your salvation for the power, position, and wealth of an Ahab, Pilate, or Herod?
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I read again today how Abimelech murdered 70 of his brothers, just so he could be king. He murdered 70 of his own brothers. Moreover, during his reign, there were several wars in which he killed a lot of other people. Do you know how long Abimelech reigned? Three years. Can you imagine trading your salvation, trading your soul, trading your life for three lousy years?
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Now the Bible says God shall have them in derision. I want you to turn to Psalm 52. And this Psalm is written against Doeg the Edomite. I don't know if you remember Doeg. But Doeg was the man who slew the priest of the Lord. He was an Edomite. And when Saul commanded his army to slay the priest of the Lord, oh no, they would not do it. They would not obey. But Doeg certainly killed them. And Psalm 52 is written against Doeg. And I want you to look at it. In fact, you can read the headnote up there yourself: "To the chief musician, Maschil, a psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, David has come to the house of Abimelech." So it's written against Doeg. Watch verse 1. "Why boastest thou thyself at mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually."
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"Thy tongue deviseth mischief like a sharp razor working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good, and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee forever. He shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him. Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. David says, But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it. And I will wait on thy name, for it is good before thy saints."
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Why is he being derided? "This is the man that made not God his strength. This is the man that trusted in all of his wickedness." Yes, he was the chief herdman of all the cattle of King Saul. And he may have gotten another promotion and more money, but God destroyed him. And the scripture teaches that God shall find out on earth and destroy all of his enemies, not one shall escape. For instance, hold Psalm 53, we're coming back there in just a moment, but turn to Psalm 21. Psalm 21 and look if you would beginning there with verse 8. Psalm 21. And verse 8. Look what Scripture declares. Psalm 21, verse 8. "Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee."
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"Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger. The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee." Now watch. Remember our text back in Psalm 2. The kings of the earth have raised up together. Watch. "They intended evil against thee."
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"They imagined a mischievous device which they were not able to perform. Therefore thou shalt make them turn their back when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them. Be thou exalted in thine own strength. So will we sing and praise thy power." Note that He said, "Thy right hand shall find out all thine enemies. Thy right hand shall find out all those that hate thee." And none of their schemes, none of their plots, none of their connivings are they able to bring to pass.
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All they can do in their rebellion is work out the will of God. Wow. Let me put it to you like this and then I'll show it to you. This is another instance where I think that God has a real sense of humor. The dagons of this world shall be broken to pieces before our sovereign God.
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Now if you want to understand my simile, I want you to turn in your Bibles to 1 Samuel chapter 5. 1 Samuel chapter 5. In 1 Samuel chapter 5, the children of Israel have fought against the Philistines and they've been defeated because of their sin and their rebellion. And the ark of God has been captured. And so the Philistines are rejoicing in their god, Dagon. And so they bring the Ark and put it before Dagon. So I want you to notice 1 Samuel chapter 5 verse 1. "And the Philistines took the Ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the Ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him up at his place again. When they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord."
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"And the head of Dagon and both of his palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold. Only the stump of Dagon was left unto him. Therefore, neither the priest of Dagon nor any that come into Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon and Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and He destroyed them and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coast thereof." Notice if you would, Dagon fell over before the Ark of God.
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Well, they set him back up. And the next day he fell over again. And then when they went in, his hands were gone and his head was just a stump. Do you realize that the dagons of this world will fall before God in such a way that they will be thoroughly humiliated, exposed for their uselessness and worthlessness, and derided by men and women as well as God.
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All will bow to Him. Now I want you to think with me just for a moment. It is true that sometimes God allows for a short time for His own glory, for the good of His people, for us to be persecuted, His church to be ravaged, much like the temple of old. Yet God is going to knock the dagons of this world down and God will smile when he causes the knees of Belshazzar to knock, his voice to tremble, and his heart to fear just as God delivers Belshazzar to the Persians to be put to death. Because Belshazzar should have known better than to try to insult God and drink wine out of God's holy vessels and share with those who laughed and mocked God and worshipped the gods of gold and stone. No. God will destroy all the dagons of this world and as He does so, He will laugh at them, in essence say, "You big dummies. You should have listened. You should have known better. You cannot fight against God and win."
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Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles to Proverbs chapter 1. I want you to look at Proverbs chapter 1 with me just in case some think that you have to be a mighty big Dagon to be laughed at by God. Or you have to be some king or some civil ruler. Well, here's the word again where God laughed. Notice, if you would, Proverbs 1 verse 20.
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"Wisdom crieth without, she uttereth her voice in the streets. She crieth in the chief places of concourse, and the openings of the gates in the city she uttered her word saying."
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Now look what wisdom says and wisdom is none other than Christ personified in Proverbs 8. But here's what wisdom cries. "How long you simple ones when you love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scornings and fools hate knowledge." Now here's what wisdom says. "Turn you at my reproof," that is repent. "Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out My Spirit upon you. I will make known My words to you." God says, if you will listen, I will teach you. Now, you didn't listen, and here's what God says.
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"Because I've called and you refused, I stretched out My hand and no man regarded. But you have set at nought all My counsel and would have none of My reproof." What does God say? "I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh, when your fear cometh a desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall you call upon me, but I will not answer."
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"They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would have none of my reproof or my counsel. They despised all my reproof. Therefore," says God, "They shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices." What did God say back in verse 26? "I will also laugh at your calamity."
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You won't listen to me. You won't repent. You won't obey me. You will be laughed at by God because of your foolish, ignorant, stupid rebellion when God says, "I gave you my word, but you would not listen."
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Now let me make just a couple of applications. The first one is this. I suppose the pressing question in light of this message is, will the Lord laugh at you? Do you refuse to hear His Word, bow to His commands, and submit to His divine authority? How foolish, how sinful, and how ridiculous and how ignorant it is for you and I to think that we can sin against God, ignore Him, defy Him, evade Him, and get away with it.
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We cannot, and we will not. And the Scripture teaches, the Lord merely laughs at people who think and act like that. They can't win. If that teenage boy had made the mistake of jumping on me, at that time there would have been absolutely no way he could have won that fight. No way. There is no way that you can win fighting against God. Period. And all God will do is laugh at those who are so silly and foolish as to think that they can escape it.
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The second application is this. You say, "But Brother Weaver, it looks like the wicked are having their day." Yes, we must understand that the joys of the wicked are short. Who would trade their lives to be king for three years? How stupid would you have to be to face the judgment of God for three simple years? Psalm 37 verse 28 tells us, "But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off." Psalm 94 verse 23 says this, "And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and cut them off in their own wickedness. Yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off."
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Is Dagon stood up in his place again? God shall knock him down. Are the hands of Dagon glued back in place? Fine. God shall knock him down and take them off again and laugh as he does so. God will not leave the dagons of this world any power, any pride or imposition. He'll cut them down. What a horrible time it's going to be when the dagons fall and experience the laughter of God.
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Thirdly, I want you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles to Psalm 7 because I want you to see this. Here's the third application and please understand that what I am about to say is in light of this truth that I am about to read to you. We must not take the wicked too seriously.
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Now it is true, they are dangerous. And yes it is true, they plan our destruction. However, all of their plans will backfire and fail. Every Haman is going to be hanged on his own gallows. Every Herod is going to be slain in his own pride. Every Judas will be destroyed by his own covetousness. Psalm 7 verse 11. Psalm 7 verse 11. "God judgeth the righteous. And God is angry with the wicked every day."
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"If he turn not, he will whet his sword. He hath bent his bow and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death and ordained his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity and have conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood." Look what God says. "The wicked made a pit and digged it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate." You know what the pate is? The pate is the top of the head. God's going to bring it down upon the top of the heads of all the wicked.
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Now, I want you to turn to Psalm 37. Psalm 37. I told you, the truth that I'm giving you is in light of this context. We should not take the wicked too seriously. Why? Look in Psalm 37, verse 13. "The Lord shall laugh at him," talking about the wicked. In fact, go back to verse 12. "The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming." The Lord just laughs. Turn to Psalm 52. Psalm 52. Look in verse 6. It's not only the Lord who laughs. Look at Psalm 52 verse 6. "The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him." The righteous will laugh at the wicked. Skip down to verse 8.
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David said, "But I am as a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever." Yes, he does. There's a big difference. No wonder we can laugh at the wicked. We're blessed by God. Look in Psalm 59 and verse 8. In fact, look in verse 7. "Behold, they belch out with their mouth." This is the wicked. "Swords are in their lips."
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"For who say they doth hear? But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them. Thou shalt have the heathen in derision." So we, the saints of God, may laugh with our sovereign God, knowing that the days of the wicked are short. And God will have them in absolute derision. Yes, we must be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but the righteous shall laugh at the wicked. We know that God is in absolute and total control. He is sovereign.
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Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we bow to thee. We ask you, Father, to enable us to worship thee and to laugh with thee, knowing Lord that thou art indeed in absolute control and none can overthrow thee. None can thwart thee, hinder thee or stop thee. Thou art the God of heaven and earth, and besides Thee there is none other. And we bow to Thee, we worship Thee, and we give Thee honor and glory through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and whose name we pray. Amen. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-04T18:58:07Z

When God Laughs

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

Pastor John Weaver examines the biblical theme of God's laughter, focusing on Psalm 2:4. He explains that God's laughter is always scornful and derisive, directed at the absurd rebellion of wicked men who vainly attempt to overthrow His sovereign rule. Weaver argues that God is not intimidated by human rebellion because He is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign. He demonstrates how God uses even the wickedness of men to accomplish His purposes and will ultimately bring all rebellion to nothing. The sermon includes applications warning against refusing God's wisdom and encouraging believers not to take the wicked too seriously, since their day is short and God will have them in derision.

Introduction: Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

The title of the message today is, "When God Laughs." When God Laughs. So look in Psalm 2, and we'll read verse 4 to begin with. Psalm 2, verse 4. The scripture says,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:4

"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision." I want to call your attention to this phrase, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh."

And the Moabites have invaded the land. And of course they are armed and after anyone that they can find. So in 2 Kings chapter 13, beginning there with verse 20,

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"And Elisha died and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming of the year. It came to pass as they,"

that is several Israelites,

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"as they were burying a man, that behold they spied a band of men,"

that is a band of Moabites.

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 13:20-21

"And they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha, and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet."

Four Kinds of Laughter

God's Laughter in Psalm 2: Context of Rebellion

Weaver reads Psalm 2:1-4, showing that God laughs at the vain rebellion of kings and rulers who conspire against the Lord and His Anointed. Their plans are useless and worthless.

Why God Laughs: His Omnipotence and Sovereignty

God laughs because He knows rebels cannot overthrow Him. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. All nations are as nothing before Him (Isaiah 40:17, 22).

Now remember this is the kings, the rulers of the nations that are trying to revolt against God. Look in Isaiah 40 and verse 17. Look what the Bible says. Isaiah 40 verse 17.

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:17

"All nations are before him, all nations are before him are as nothing and they are counted to him less than nothing and vanity."

Now note what the scripture says. All the nations together are accounted as nothing, even less than nothing. Skip down to verse 22.

God's Unthwartable Purpose

Now, look back in Isaiah, but I want you to look in Isaiah 46 this time. Isaiah 46. And notice if you would verse 10, Isaiah 46 and verse 10. Note what God says. Isaiah 46 and verse 10, God says,

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 46:10

"Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times of things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure."

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 44:6

"Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God."

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 19:35

You have to remember that in the Bible, in one night, one angel with one stroke of the sword killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. And what did our Lord say? "Know you not that I could ask my Father and have how many legions of angels?" Listen, if one angel with one night and one swipe of the sword can kill 185,000 soldiers, I'm sure that a legion of angels, a dozen legions of angels, would have no problem with the inhabitants of this world. You can read about that in 2 Kings 19 verse 35, where the angel killed 185,000 in one night. And by the way, I want you to go back to Psalm 2, and let me show you this. God does not even need an angel. God does not even need an army. Look at the Bible, verse 4, Psalm 2, "He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision, then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." All God has to do is speak. And they're vanquished. They're destroyed. In fact, I would even go further than that and say, in reality, God does not even have to speak. All God has to do is withhold their breath and they die. You see, the Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 9 that it is God who holds our souls in life. Everyone's life is in the hands of God. So our God then, is what Psalm 2 is telling us, our God sits undisturbed and unmoved in heaven while men rage against him and while they combine together to cast off his authority.

He is not intimidated the least. Why is he not intimidated? He laughs because he knows the end of their rebellion will be a fiasco and will accomplish absolutely nothing.

God Uses Rebellion to Accomplish His Will

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:5-12

Now, I want you to look at Psalm 2. Let's go back and begin reading it, Psalm 2 and verse 1. And I want you to see how much this disturbs and upsets and thwarts and stops God. Okay, here we go. Watch this. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us."

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:5-12

"Kiss the Son, lest it be angry, and you perish from the way when this wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

Now I want you to listen to this. Psalm 76 verse 10. It's a very, very short verse. Here's what God says.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 76:10

"Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain."

Scripture Reading — Acts 4:26-28

"The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together,"

watch,

Scripture Reading — Acts 4:26-28

"for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done."

Scripture Reading — Genesis 20:1-6

"And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the South country and dwell between Kadesh and Shur and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister. Now look, and Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, Behold thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? And she, even she herself, said, He is my brother."

God's Derision of the Wicked

Why is he being derided?

Scripture Reading — Psalm 52:1-9

"This is the man that made not God his strength. This is the man that trusted in all of his wickedness."

The Dagons of This World Will Fall

Using 1 Samuel 5, Weaver illustrates how Dagon fell before the Ark and was broken. He says the 'dagons' of this world will be humiliated and derided by God and men.

Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 5:1-6

"And the Philistines took the Ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the Ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him up at his place again. When they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord."

God Laughs at the Simple Who Refuse Wisdom

From Proverbs 1:20-31, Weaver shows that God laughs at the calamity of those who refuse His reproof and wisdom. This applies not only to kings but to any who reject God.

Applications: Will God Laugh at You?

Scripture Reading — Psalm 7:11-16

"God judgeth the righteous. And God is angry with the wicked every day."

Now, I want you to turn to Psalm 37. Psalm 37. I told you, the truth that I'm giving you is in light of this context. We should not take the wicked too seriously. Why? Look in Psalm 37, verse 13.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The Lord shall laugh at him,"

talking about the wicked. In fact, go back to verse 12.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming."

The Lord just laughs. Turn to Psalm 52. Psalm 52. Look in verse 6. It's not only the Lord who laughs. Look at Psalm 52 verse 6.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:13

"The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him."

The righteous will laugh at the wicked. Skip down to verse 8.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 52:6

David said, "But I am as a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever." Yes, he does. There's a big difference. No wonder we can laugh at the wicked. We're blessed by God. Look in Psalm 59 and verse 8. In fact, look in verse 7. "Behold, they belch out with their mouth." This is the wicked. "Swords are in their lips."

When God Laughs

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	VgIGajLRO60
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election
Genre	Sermon
Date	2012-02-17
Dictation Name
Book	Book 081: Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom - Volume 1 — Chapter 11
Source Timed Segments	68

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: Does God Have a Sense of Humor?: Weaver introduces the topic by asking whether things are funny to God and suggests God has a sense of humor, illustrated by the humorous incident in 2 Kings 13:20-21 where a dead man revives upon touching Elisha's bones.
Four Kinds of Laughter: Weaver distinguishes four types of laughter: playful, rip-roaring, nervous, and mocking/derisive/scornful. He notes that when Scripture says God laughs, it is always the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter.
God's Laughter in Psalm 2: Context of Rebellion: Weaver reads Psalm 2:1-4, showing that God laughs at the vain rebellion of kings and rulers who conspire against the Lord and His Anointed. Their plans are useless and worthless.
Why God Laughs: His Omnipotence and Sovereignty: God laughs because He knows rebels cannot overthrow Him. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. All nations are as nothing before Him (Isaiah 40:17, 22).
God's Unthwartable Purpose: Weaver cites Isaiah 46:10 and 44:6 to show that God's counsel stands and none can stop Him. He illustrates with the angel killing 185,000 Assyrians and notes God needs no army; He merely speaks or withholds breath.
God Uses Rebellion to Accomplish His Will: Returning to Psalm 2, Weaver shows that despite rebellion, God calmly sets His King on Zion. He explains from Acts 4:26-28 that the crucifixion was predestined, and from Genesis 20 that God restrains sin. Psalm 76:10 teaches that the wrath of man praises God.
God's Derision of the Wicked: Weaver explains 'derision' means the wicked will be mocked and not know what to do. He cites examples like Doeg the Edomite (Psalm 52) and Abimelech, showing that God finds out all His enemies and their schemes fail.
The Dagons of This World Will Fall: Using 1 Samuel 5, Weaver illustrates how Dagon fell before the Ark and was broken. He says the 'dagons' of this world will be humiliated and derided by God and men.
God Laughs at the Simple Who Refuse Wisdom: From Proverbs 1:20-31, Weaver shows that God laughs at the calamity of those who refuse His reproof and wisdom. This applies not only to kings but to any who reject God.
Applications: Will God Laugh at You?: Weaver applies the message by asking if the listener refuses God's Word. He warns that fighting against God is futile and that the joys of the wicked are short. Believers should not take the wicked too seriously because God laughs at them and their day is coming.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

God's laughter is always derisive, not playful

Weaver argues that while humans experience various types of laughter, the biblical record of God laughing is exclusively scornful and mocking, based on context.

He says: 'Interestingly, when the scripture says that God laughs, it is always used in the scornful, derisive, mocking laughter.'

Rebellion against God is absurd because He is omnipotent

God cannot be overthrown, surprised, or intimidated; therefore, human rebellion is laughably futile.

Weaver lists God's attributes: 'They cannot slip up upon God's blind side, for God does not have a blind side. He's omniscient...'

God's purposes cannot be thwarted by any creature

God declares the end from the beginning and does all His pleasure; no counsel of man can stand against Him.

Weaver quotes Isaiah 46:10: 'My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure.'

God sovereignly controls and uses wickedness

God is not the author of sin but controls it, using even the crucifixion of Christ to fulfill His predetermined plan.

Weaver cites Acts 4:27-28: 'For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.'

The wicked will ultimately be derided and destroyed

God will find out all His enemies, and their own schemes will backfire; the righteous will even laugh at their downfall.

Weaver reads Psalm 52:6-7: 'The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him.'

Refusing God's wisdom invites His mocking laughter

Proverbs 1 shows that those who reject God's call will be laughed at when calamity comes, emphasizing personal accountability.

Weaver quotes Proverbs 1:26: 'I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.'

Scripture References

Psalm 2:4: The central text: 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.' Weaver uses this to introduce God's laughter at rebellious kings.
2 Kings 13:20-21: Weaver cites this humorous incident of a dead man reviving upon touching Elisha's bones as evidence that God has a sense of humor.
Psalm 2:1-3: The context of God's laughter: the heathen rage and kings set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed.
Isaiah 40:17: All nations are as nothing before God, less than nothing and vanity.
Isaiah 40:22: The inhabitants of the earth are like grasshoppers to God.
Isaiah 46:10: God declares the end from the beginning; His counsel shall stand and He will do all His pleasure.
Isaiah 44:6: God is the first and the last; beside Him there is no God.
2 Kings 19:35: One angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, illustrating God's power to dispose of armies.
Psalm 2:5-12: God speaks in wrath, sets His King on Zion, and warns kings to serve the Lord and kiss the Son.
Psalm 76:10: Surely the wrath of man shall praise God; the remainder of wrath He restrains.
Acts 4:26-28: The gathering of Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, and Israel against Jesus was to do what God's hand and counsel predetermined.
Genesis 20:1-6: God withheld Abimelech from sinning against Him by not allowing him to touch Sarah.
Psalm 52:1-9: Written against Doeg the Edomite; the righteous will laugh at the man who did not make God his strength.
Psalm 21:8-13: God's hand will find out all His enemies; they intended evil but were not able to perform it.
1 Samuel 5:1-6: Dagon falls before the Ark of God and is broken, illustrating the humiliation of false gods.
Proverbs 1:20-31: Wisdom cries out; those who refuse will be laughed at by God when calamity comes.
Psalm 37:13: The Lord laughs at the wicked, for He sees that his day is coming.
Psalm 52:6: The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at the wicked.
Psalm 59:7-8: The wicked belch out with their mouth, but God shall laugh at them and have the heathen in derision.
Psalm 7:11-16: God is angry with the wicked every day; the wicked fall into the pit they made, and their mischief returns on their own head.

Historical References

Billy Sunday: Weaver quotes the Presbyterian evangelist Billy Sunday: 'I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks.'
Martin Luther and the Elector of Saxony: Weaver recounts Luther's letter to the Elector, assuring him that things are concluded differently in heaven than at the Imperial Diet in Nuremberg.
Doeg the Edomite: Weaver references Doeg, who slew the priests of the Lord, as an example of a wicked man who will be derided.
Abimelech (son of Gideon): Weaver mentions Abimelech who murdered 70 brothers to become king and reigned only three years, illustrating the short-lived triumph of the wicked.
Haman, Ahab, Pilate, Herod, Judas: Weaver lists these biblical figures as examples of the wicked whose plans backfired: Haman hanged on his own gallows, Herod slain in pride, Judas destroyed by covetousness.
Belshazzar: Weaver refers to Belshazzar's feast and his death at the hands of the Persians as an example of God knocking down the 'dagons' of this world.

Important Quotes

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision.

This is the central text of the sermon, establishing the theme of God's derisive laughter at human rebellion.

I know that God has a sense of humor because he made monkeys and some of you folks.

Weaver quotes Billy Sunday to introduce the idea that God has a sense of humor, though the sermon focuses on a different kind of laughter.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Weaver uses Psalm 76:10 to explain how God sovereignly uses even human wickedness for His glory.

I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.

This quote from Proverbs 1:26 shows that God's derisive laughter is directed not only at kings but at any who reject His wisdom.

The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming.

Psalm 37:13 is cited to encourage believers that God laughs at the wicked because their judgment is certain.

The righteous also shall see and fear and shall laugh at him.

Psalm 52:6 shows that the righteous join in God's laughter at the downfall of the wicked.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

What does it mean that God laughs, and why is His laughter described as scornful and derisive rather than playful?

[Context]

Weaver distinguishes four types of laughter and argues that God's laughter in Scripture is always mocking. This question explores the nature of divine laughter.

[Question]

How does understanding God's omnipotence and sovereignty affect the way we view the rebellion and wickedness in the world today?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes that God is not intimidated by human rebellion because He is all-powerful and sovereign. This question applies that truth to current events.

[Question]

In what ways does God use the wickedness of men to accomplish His purposes, and how should this shape our response to evil?

[Context]

Weaver explains from Acts 4 and Genesis 20 that God sovereignly controls and uses wickedness. This question probes the practical implications.

[Question]

Why does God laugh at the calamity of those who refuse wisdom in Proverbs 1, and what does this teach us about the urgency of repentance?

[Context]

Weaver applies Proverbs 1:20-31 to show that God's laughter extends to all who reject His reproof. This question focuses on personal application.

[Question]

What does it mean that 'the righteous also shall laugh' at the wicked, and how can we do so without sinful pride or callousness?

[Context]

Weaver cites Psalm 52:6 and 59:8 to show that believers share in God's laughter. This question addresses the balance between righteous confidence and humility.

[Question]

How does the short-lived triumph of the wicked (e.g., Abimelech's three-year reign) challenge our tendency to envy or fear them?

[Context]

Weaver uses Abimelech as an example of the fleeting success of the wicked. This question encourages reflection on eternal perspective.

Applications

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