It's hard to imagine God laughing, even though He is the most joyous being in the universe.

A more common picture of God is anger and judgment. His anger and judgment are real, but there are also occasions when God laughs.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms, we read, "The One enthroned in heaven laughs" (Psalm 2:4). Here God is not laughing in joy but in derision.

The scene in Psalm 2 is the end of this age as we know it. Jesus Christ the Son of God is returning to set up His kingdom on earth.

Psalm 2:6 sets the stage: "I [God] have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is and will be the sovereign ruler of the universe.

His kingdom is further described in verse 9: "You will rule them with an iron scepter." The iron scepter leads us to believe that not all the subjects of this kingdom will willingly pay homage to Jesus Christ as King.

As a matter of fact, in verses 1-3, we see the activity of the kings on earth who were in power. They were conspiring and plotting how to overthrow this new King (verse 1). In verse 2 they decided to take their stand against God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ. Verse 3 declares their planned rebellion: "Let us break their chains ... and throw off their fetters."

All of this would be the expected response of kings and people when it is announced that a new regime is being installed: resist, go to battle, and use every resource to maintain control. That is when God laughs. He scoffs at their efforts (verse 4).

Regardless of what one might think in this twenty-first century, there is a Sovereign God, the Creator of the universe, who is in absolute control. But even though God is all-powerful, He is full of love and mercy, and He allows His created beings to dissent. God loves, and desires to be loved; therefore, He must give His created beings the power of choice.

Satan was the first recorded being to rebel. God had elevated him to high station in heaven. Satan responded in pride and went against God (Isaiah 14:12-15).

People have the same choice, and many have listened to the lies of Satan and stood against God. God continues to love and extend His grace to all. Jesus Christ the Son of God went to the cross and died for the sins of all mankind. Whosoever will believe on the finished work of Christ may come to Him.

So here we are. God is in control. Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God, ready to assume His kingdom on earth. The battle lines are drawn.

Some deny the existence of God. Some claim that Jesus Christ was a good man, a great teacher, but certainly not the only begotten Son of the Living God.

God is laughing at the opposition, at those who have willfully set themselves against God and His righteous claims. He says, "You kings, be wise; be warned.... Serve the LORD ... rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way" (Psalm 2:10-12).

Even in the face of all this opposition, God is still reaching out. He is saying, "Kiss the Son," that is, come to Christ. Give your life to Him lest you suffer the terrible consequences of your sin and rebellion.

God will get the last laugh, but it is not a laugh of joy. It is more like He can't believe that people in the face of truth will still choose to go their own way.

There is still time to come to Christ. "Kiss the Son" and have eternal life.