The Day When All the Laughing Ends

by David Ettinger

 Having a Good Laugh

A few years ago, the editors of GQ magazine had a good laugh when they ranked the Bible as one of the most overrated books of all time. It was part of a list they released called “Books You Don’t Have to Read Before You Die.”

No doubt the GQ staff was rolling in the aisles over this clever invention of theirs, and they must have completely lost it when one particular wordsmith, novelist Jesse Ball, penned these hilarious words: “The Holy Bible is rated very highly by all the people who supposedly live by it but who in actuality have not read it. Those who have read it know there are some good parts, but overall it is certainly not the finest thing that man has ever produced. It is repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish, and even at times ill-intentioned.”[1]

Deadly Serious

No need to respond to such an outrageous statement by way of defending the Bible, but suffice it to say that such a remark stands on its own. Yes, I really do imagine that the editors and Mr. Ball indeed got a good laugh from what they no doubt regarded as a lighthearted swipe at the Bible.

In reality, though, the swipe was not lighthearted, and the sentiment behind it was deadly serious. No doubt the GQ staff stands firmly behind Mr. Ball’s words and believes them wholeheartedly. We can also assume they are not believers in the God of the Bible, and hence have no fear that there truly is a very real God of justice – the One written of in this book they deem “overrated” – before whom they must one day stand.

Therefore, for now, they’re all having a good laugh over the matter.

A Time of Grace

Sadly, however, what these editors, and multitudes of other God-mockers, fail to realize is that one day the laughing will end. They fail to realize that the world now lives in a time of grace, when God is patiently and tenderly giving the human race an opportunity to repent of its sins, accept the sacrificial gift offered by His Son Jesus Christ, and be saved.

There are quite a few instances in the Bible where God makes this offer clear. Isaiah 55:7 reads: “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” How kind. How loving. How generous! And so clearly stated. Acts 16:31 is just as succinct: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

And despite the fact that such a kind and gracious offer is constantly being ignored, rejected, and mocked, God continues to extend it, His desire being that all will accept it. Two examples are found in the Book of 2 Peter: We read in 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” And 3:15 states: “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation …”

Time Running Out

But there is a time when these gracious offers of salvation will expire.

Galatians 6:7-8 warns unbelieving men and women: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

And Hebrews 9:27 makes clear that “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment …”

To the editors of GQ, God says: “Do you find this funny? Go ahead and laugh and continue to laugh. In my grace, I’m presenting a window of time for you to stop laughing, turn from your sins, and come to me through My Son. But when that window closes, it’s closed for good.”

No More Laughing

The human race can laugh all it wants at God and not think anything of it. But the day is coming soon when the Lord Jesus will return to earth to pour out His wrath upon it. Believers in Him will be raptured, and those who rejected Him will be dealt severe punishment and retribution.

That day is coming, and when it arrives, it will be the day when all the laughing ends.

[1] https://www.gq.com/story/21-books-you-dont-have-to-read

David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since. David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website. 

Feature Photo by Sandra Messenger on Flicker