The Stones Would Shout
As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
– Luke 19:37-40
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, on which we mark the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he would be crucified. It is a strange and bittersweet Sunday because it acknowledges the worship and praise of Jesus Christ, even as it anticipates his death at the hands of Rome and religious leadership.
I love Jesus's response to those who attempt to silence the praise of his followers: "if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
His response is reminiscent of Psalm 66:4, saying: "All creation worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.”
To me, this verse humbles me, reminding me that I am just a small part of God's creation and my worship is merely joining in the song creation has been singing since long before humans walked the earth.
Outside my window, everything is blooming all around me. Purple wisteria adorns my neighborhood like tinsel. Birds are singing extra loudly. Everything is blooming.
If you can, spend a little time outside today, even if it's just out in your patio. Look around and see the way the world is singing God's praise. All that is going on the world right now, the pandemic and the struggling economy may silence our praises, but the worship of God goes on. May we choose to join in the song today.
Kelsey Lewis Vincent
Pastor for Youth and Families
First Baptist Church of Decatur