WORD OF THE WEEK - LUDICROUS - 3/30/25

LUDICROUS - So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous:

SCRIPTURES: 

Proverbs 17:22 - “A cheerful heart is a good medicine.”

Psalm 2:2-4 - “
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”

Mark 8:14 - 19 - “ The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

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Transcript

Definition: LUDICROUS - So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous:
Proverbs 17:22 - “A cheerful heart is a good medicine.”

Psalm 2:2-4 - “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”

Mark 8:14 - 19 - “ The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?  When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

THOUGHT
Reading the Bible is considered a tremendous task by many of us. For some, it's seen as more tedious than weeding the garden, more boring than watching paint dry, and even more painful than a visit to the dentist. Singing songs of Zion, praying in the assembly, or lifting holy hands in worship all seem far more enjoyable than the intentional act of "reading the Bible." As my niece once told me, "Reading those 'thee's' and 'thou's' is confusing and a real turn-off. I just can't!"
But what if she had a translation of the Bible in language she could understand? What if she was told that in that book, she would find heroes and sheroes, battles, sabotage, treachery, lovers and losers, miraculous events, and even a chuckle or two? Could such an approach captivate her interest enough to compel her to sit down and read it—or listen to it on Audible?
Every human emotion created by God is portrayed in the Words of God: love, hate, disappointment, grief, worry, anger, doubt, and even laughter. These emotions are beautifully displayed in the poems, stories, and songs illustrated through the lives of the Bible's characters.
It is ludicrous to consider telling the human story without humor. Why? Because humans are inherently tragically funny! Think not? Then tell me: how many times have you been at a funeral where someone shares a funny story about the deceased, making everyone laugh?
I rest my case.
Humor serves as a bridge—it helps us endure difficulties, tragedies, and even death. For example, consider the "last cigarette" requested by a condemned man who quit smoking because of health concerns. It’s a bit humorous, considering the finality of his situation. Or a woman in labor, laughing uncontrollably as childbirth pains rip through her body—her laughter releases endorphins that help her bear the pain. And a mother who smiles as she sees her estranged child at her bedside, offering forgiveness with her last breath. These examples show how humor transforms human suffering into something relatable and even peaceful.
Being a follower of God is undeniably a serious calling. Yet, those who can inspire a smile, correct a wrong through a relatable story, or turn tragedy into insightful parody often capture the hearts, respect, and attention of others.
Like most charismatic teachers, leaders, or philosophers, Jesus, the Christ, garnered attention by weaving wit and wordplay into his teachings. Think about how ludicrous it is to consider a camel going through the eye of a needle as when He spoke of the likelihood of a rich man entering the kingdom of God. Similarly, the disciples’ panic over forgetting bread for their journey—immediately after witnessing Jesus feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish—was equally ludicrous and humorous.
Through relatable examples, Jesus made following the Word of God seem possible for those who witnessed his miracles and heard his words. His ministry made the chosen people understand how ludicrous and sin-filled their lives had become as children of God, while inspiring the lost to return to God.
Jesus made following the Word of God as simple as the lyrics of a rap song.Just as people relate to Rapper Ludacris' lyrics about where gats, traps, cops, and robbers "Act a Fool," believers in God can relate to Jesus' command to "Love your neighbor as yourself" from the Common English translation of the Bible.
In his teachings and miracles, Jesus bridged the gap between the divine and the human, proving that God's Word is not just for the pious or perfect, but for all who seek it.