The Last Laugh

Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Cultural historians tell us that this sudden swing of emotions of the crowd from weeping to jeering laughter is due to the more' of hiring mourners so that the deceased is properly wept over. They were professional criers. Once Jesus announced that the girl was merely sleeping, they quickly began to mock Jesus and laugh at Him.

But the Lord and this little girl would have the last laugh once her spirit re-entered her body and she revived. Jesus would go from scorn to exultant and exuberant joy in mere moments.

I think of the anger that Heaven justifiably felt toward me as a wicked sinner which was quickly turned to joy and rejoicing the moment I repented, opened my crusty heart and invited Christ to become Lord of my life.

Mourning, scorn, laughter, joy. What emotion is being displayed on your behalf?