Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Today is April Fool's Day.

It has been over 20 years since Joseph Boskin, professor of history at Boston University, explained the origin of April Fool's Day. According to Professor Boskin, April Fool's Day began when the Roman Emperor Constantine was receiving some harsh criticism from inside and outside his court.

The emperor, best known for having bestowed imperial favor upon Christianity, became upset when his court jesters gave their own critical comments.

When one of the jesters said he could do a better job of running the empire, Constantine took him up on the offer. He allowed a jester by the name of Kugel to be emperor for one day: April first.

The professor explained, "Now, in those times fools were really wise men. It was the role of court jesters to put things into perspective by using humor." During his brief 24-hour rule, Kugel passed an edict calling for everyone to indulge in great jocularity and asked all the empire's citizenry to play the part of the fool.

According to the professor, the custom caught on, and April Fool's Day became an annual event.

Now you Daily Devotioners should know that I first read the explanation of April Fool's Day way back in 1983. At that time it was being carried by a major news agency and a great many newspapers.

I will add only this: on April 2nd in 1983, Professor Boskin confessed that he had made the whole thing up as his April Fool's Day joke upon the press. His is a good natured April Fool's Day joke, which I have now played upon you.

The press learned its lesson: they never quite trusted Professor Boskin again -- at least not on April 1. Not to put our trust in people is a hard lesson, which most of us are taught. People let us down; promises are not kept, and products do not deliver.

Yes, people will let us down.

In contrast, the Scriptures show and assure us the Triune God never will. The above passage from Proverbs, as well as many others, offers the guarantee that we can "trust in the Lord with all our hearts." In everything we do we can acknowledge His authority and how He has done all that was necessary to forgive us and save us from ourselves and the evils of this world.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks Your Word is truth and Your commitment and compassion upon humankind is beyond contestation. May I always put my faith and trust in You who gave Your Son as my ransom from sin, death and devil. In Jesus' Name I pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 23-25    Luke 6:27-49

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