Humility in Preaching (Part 2)

The Scriptures, which the Church preaches, are themselves full of the humus of life. The encounters between God and humanity are often humorous stories, simply because, like a good joke, they are full of juxtaposition and shock. To truly understand the message of Jesus’ parables, one must encounter the funny shock of the story: a camel going through the eye of a needle, a man building his house on sand, a rich man running to meet his wayward son. Jesus, what a joke! But then the punch line, and wham! The story of God’s grace, understood for the ridiculous shock that it is.

There will always be a surprise because one is always dealing with a strange being (the God of the Universe) encountering strangers (real, humorous people). The divine comedy is about a stranger who is completely other (Holy), courting his unholy creatures. It is the juxtaposition and shock of the unexpected that catches one off guard. It grabs one’s attention and has one reacting with laughter and awe. Shocked into laughter and then silenced into awe, one recognizes one’s true self and the true God himself. This humble realization is a true appropriation of revelation. God initiates with his revelation, and his creatures respond with realization or ignorance.

            

The postmodern revolution can teach the Church to communicate the humility of the proper approach to listening to God’s Word, as well as the humble content of that Word. The authentic postmodern, Christian preacher will utilize the pathos of humble, humus, human, humor in her proclamation of the Scriptures.