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Why is this picture such a hoot?
It’s a wonderful example of irony.
Irony is a form of humor that’s somewhat hard to define. Technically, it’s “a contradiction between what a statement or situation is supposed to represent, and what it actually is.”
Most of us know it when we see it.
For instance, when a family member shrieks, “I’m not upset!” it’s really hard not to smile. When a traffic cop’s car is towed away because of unpaid parking tickets, something inside us wants to laugh, “That’s perfect!”
Does God have a sense of humor?
G.K. Chesterton thought so. The early 20th century British theologian and literary critic described God as the happiest being in the universe.
That might explain the wonderful ironies that abound on the pages of Scripture.
For instance, the humblest people in the world will end up in the brightest spotlight (James 4:10).
Who saw that coming?
The apostle Paul out and out says that when he’s at his weakest, that’s when he’s actually the strongest (2 Corinthians 12:10).
You’re not likely to hear that from contemporary athletes, politicians, and business leaders.
“It’s more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In other words, you get the most by giving away the most.
Seriously?
Joseph’s brothers callously sell him into slavery, which allows him to ascend to a position of prominence in Egypt at the very time they most need his help. “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). You tried to wipe me out but ended up saving yourselves in the process.
Now, that’s ironic.
Crucifixion represented Rome at its worst. Somehow, it ended up spotlighting God at his best. The execution that was meant to quash the rival kingdom of the Jesus Movement actually accomplished its primary goal – allowing God the Son to die for the sins of both Rome and Jesus’ own followers.
Jesus’ teaching in the gospels overflows with ironies.
We find everything we’re looking for by losing everything we have (Matthew 10:39).
The only way to really live is to boldly choose to die (John 12:24).
The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Children enter the kingdom before adults. Up is down and down is up.
And as Paul points out, “religious” people try to do everything they can to earn their way to heaven, even while God insists on giving away life’s best gifts for free (Ephesians 2:8-9).
When we take such ironies to heart, something inside us wants to laugh, “That’s perfect!”
No wonder God is the happiest being in the universe.