PLAYING WITH SCRIPTURE:
Keep a list of Scriptures that if people took them literally it would transform their lives. Leave space after each citation for later commentary. I’ve listed a few from Matthew and from Romans. You can think of many more. At times when you need a little break from the seriousness of ministry, pull out your list and try to picture scenes where members of your congregation tried to follow the Scripture literally.
“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mat 4:4)
In our obese culture, do you suppose this could become a new form of diet. Dr. Oz, move over.
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” (Mat 4:10)
But there are so many worth while things in life. Why can’t we worship a few other things — like security, pleasure, wealth, love, health, and most of all ME.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mat 5:6)
I think the church should stay out of politics. Jesus must have just been messing with you.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Mat 5:9)
First community church had been experiencing some tension within the congregation. They decided to have a contest to see who could make the most peace with others. Then they got into a fight over who was the best peacemaker.
Let our light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mat 5:16)
Everyone wore head lamps today as they entered the sanctuary to worship God.
“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him.” (Mat 5:25)
The local legal community has become concerned that too many people are settling their differences before they even hire lawyers to help them in court.
“Let your word be ‘yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (Mat 5:37)
Well, maybe. We’ll just have to wait and see.
“You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Mat. 6:24)
The wealthiest members have pooled their resources to hire top legal minds to search for a loop hole in this Scripture.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine. .”(Mat 7:6)
The community was disturbed today when they saw all of their pet dogs gathering at the cathedral and bowing down before hundreds of pigs who were parading before them wearing pearl necklaces. Humans could not figure out what was happening.
“Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road is easy that lead to destruction.” (Mat 7:13)
People who wanted to attend worship at the local Episcopal church were disturbed that they had to get down on their knees and squeeze through a dog door because all the other doors to the Cathedral had been sealed.
“Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.“Rom 12:10)
News headlines reported today that the Presbyterian General Assembly had only passed one resolution. They declared that for the next year they were going to have a contest to see which church could show the most honor to another church. Methodists were concerned that such a radical act might become contagious.
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.” Rom 12:20)
Invitations went out all over the world, inviting all atheists, agnostics, and people of other faiths and no faith to come to a free banquet. It was rumored that they might even serve some red wine to those who attended.
“Jesus said to potential disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” (Mat 4::19)
While the fish population benefited from this admonition, many people objected to all of the flying fish hooks. However, they admitted that some of the bait was tempting.
These and many other ways to insert humor into the many aspects of ministry are part of a new book, God Laughs–Why Don’t You to be published this fall. Don’t wait for it, begin to laugh now. Your health may depend on it.
