Of all the things I’m most curious about concerning the Bible, one that ranks among the top is inflection. Let me explain. When you read a passage, do you ever wonder how it was intended to be heard? When Jesus is tearing into the religious leaders in Matthew 23, was he yelling, crying or simply stating his perspective? Or in Luke 9 when Peter is yet again attempting to bully his desires into a situation an audible voice from the clouds says, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Did that voice sound like a robot? Maybe it was like the voice of the all powerful Oz. I think it probably had a snap in it, getting Peter’s attention.

This line of thinking then leads me to begin considering the diversity of how we were made. Why is it necessary for there to be so many colors and so many variations of the colors? Why are there so many pitches that can be heard and why can’t we hear all of them? Beyond that, there are seemingly endless variations of tones that can be heard within a given pitch. What about textures and tastes. Different heights and different shapes. The list can go on and on.

Take these observations and put them into the context of a sentence. I can say, “It’s hot today” with a rising tone at the end and it becomes a question. I can say it with a steady pitch and it is an observation. Or, I can accent the word HOT and it becomes a complaint. Now, keep in mind that this is more or less true in the English language. Some languages in the world are “tonal languages” where the rising and falling pitches are built into the meaning. In those languages there would be different variations that would enhance the meanings of statements.

My point is, it seems to me that God, in His endless creativity, has made it so that we are inescapably creative. We are exercising our creativity in every tiny action we make. This includes, not least of all, our laughter. I believe that God is a funny God. While there’s not abundant Scripture to reference on this, I believe it from experience. People I’ve met that seem closest to God, most satisfied in God, are usually the same ones who enjoy and participate in very humorous things.

While it’s true that there are heavy and intimidating realities in this world, we need to find time to laugh. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” Enjoy this truth in the colors, the sounds, the touches, the tastes and yes, the laughter.

Psalm 126

¹ When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.