Laugh and Play

I like having the sermon notes available on-line, it save me having to remember what was said, especially since my notes are often sparse.

Here are the sermon notes from youversion.

Jesus laughed and played

Matthew 11:19, Matthew 19:14 NIV
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds." Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
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Laugh and Play

Do you think Jesus was ticklish? What about play – do you think Jesus played? When you picture God in your imagination, is it usually a sombre, stern, serious person who is only interested in the weighty issues of life, death, sin, suffering, pain, and sanctification; or do you ever picture God laughing so hard there are tears running down his cheeks? Jesus said, “For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matt. 19:14). What picture does that bring to mind? When and why did our faith become nothing but reserved, solemn, seriousness? Yes life can be hard, faith is important, we are to approach God with reverence. But is reverence really only quiet, all dressed up, order? There has to be more to our faith and reverence then that. When we study the life of Jesus, do you know what we really find? Jesus loved to party! As we head into 2012 lets play more! Let us enjoy doing life with each other and with Jesus. Dinner parties, coffee dates or a barbie in the park... Let's show others that Jesus is the bringer of life!

My Notes

I quite like the picture that our CO painted with  this morning's sermon. People don't usually picture Jesus running around with other children, kicking a ball around and generally having fun, but why wouldn't he? He started off life as a child just like everyone else so there's a good chance that he did just that.

I also liked the picture of God having a laugh when we mess up in silly ways just as parents laugh when their own children do something silly but I know that He is serious when the situation calls for it. One of the things that happened yesterday was that we kinda got lost trying to find the berry farm, we took a wrong turn and had to backtrack, but we got there eventually. It appears that the COs got a little lost also and I'm sure God would have been more than a little amused at our shenanigans.

We should all be like Jesus and party and have fun (responsibly, of course). Worries will take care of themselves when you hand them over to Jesus.

I hope you all enjoy your week and that God blesses you richly.

Richard.