The Terrifying Laughter of God

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, (3) "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." (4) He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. (Ps 2:1-4)  

The laughter of God is a terrifying thing. He does not laugh here because someone has told a joke— no, he laughs because of the puny attempts of his feeble creation to stand against the Almighty Creator. A baby plotting his escape from his crib and setting up his own republic would have a better chance at success than a king plotting against the almighty God. Oh, how these rebellious peoples plot and scheme! And though they exercise their mental powers to their fullest and make plans with their people, it is in vain! You may throw off the yoke of an earthly ruler with cunning plans and an ample number of soldiers, but what can you hope to do against an all-knowing and omnipotent God?  

Though they are the mightiest kings of the earth and their wisdom combined is unmatched, they cannot stand against the Lord and his Anointed. The God who sits in heaven, laughs at them! He mocks their infantile attempts. Oh, foolish kings! Their domains are the lands of the earth and their thrones are but carved wood and gold. But God's throne is the very heavens themselves! Men look to the skies and are awed by its immensity and yet the firmament is nothing but his sitting chair. And there from his great domain, God commands and rules. Kings may order men to move their feet on the face of the earth, but the God of heaven can order the very earth below their feet to move. Ridiculous! How utterly ridiculous it is for clay to plot against the potter! The God who sent his very own Son into the world—a world which he will one day rule over completely with a rod of iron cannot be rivaled. He has spoken, and the world trembles at the very thought of his wrath and fury. 

The laughter of God is unquestionably terrifying. Yet at the same time, it is also a deeply comforting to all those who believe in him. The laughter of God reminds us, that though life is full of uncertainty, sorrow, pain and injustice—evil will ultimately be destroyed. At the cross, the power of darkness was broken, and one day, all that is wicked will be cast into the lake of fire. Though there will be a final battle, it’s outcome is certain and indisputable—God will win. God’s laughter against the infantile attempts of his enemies to war against him is a sweet encouragement to all those who have suffered for the sake of his name. The God who has commanded us to repay evil with good, will one day repay those who have done evil to us according to his righteous standards. Rest assured, believer, that in the end, evil will not go unpunished. Justice will be served. The world is not perfect yet, but the mighty God who laughs at those who would rise against him, will one day make it perfect. And in that day our joy will be complete—forever.  

Although there is pleasure to be had in knowing that the God-man Jesus Christ could laugh and weep with those he called his friends, there is far greater, soul-satisfying comfort to be had in knowing that our God laughs because his enemies will be destroyed as easily as an ant is crushed under the heel of a boot. The laughter of God is terrifying to all who would rebel against him, but to those who eagerly long for Christ to come again, the laughter of God is the sound of perfect, triumphant justice and eternal peace. As the Psalmist says in closing, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Ps 2:12 ESV) 

Written by: Samuel Chua