When God Laughs *(Text: Prov. 1:20-33)*(linked text)Introduction: There are many truths revealed in this body of scripture. We have learned to think of God as being a loving, kind, merciful, and compassionate Being. - And so He is; (John 3:16)"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
(2Peter 3:9)"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
It is hard for people to realize that one day He will be a God of wrath. He is presented in this scripture as turning away from the pleas of mankind. Man in derision is seen calling on God but God only laughs.I. Let us notice when God will Laugh.
a. After He has revealed His Word. (Prov. 1:23) "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."
b. God sends warning before judgment. (Israel)
c. God has used many ways in making His Word known.
1. By the Priests and Prophets.
2. By Jesus.
3. By His preachers.
4. By His Church.
5. By the things that are made. (Rom. 1:18-20) "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:II. God will laugh after man has failed to regard His outstretched hand. (Prov. 1:24) "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;"
a. Israel did this very thing. (Rom. 10:21) "But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."
b. Many scriptures declare that He is stretching forth the hand of salvation to us. (Isa. 1:18) "Come now and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."(Matt. 11:28-30)"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." & ( (Rev. 22:17) "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.".......God will laugh after man has set aside all His counsel and reproof.....III. Verse 26
a. God means what He says. (Heb. 6:18)"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:" (Rev. 20:11-15) "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no more place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
b. God will refuse to hear the cry of men after they have rejected Him until He brings judgment. ( Luke 16: 19-31)"19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.