2008-03-17 14:00:00
"I tell you," Jesus replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40).
In the course of our daily walk we pass a farm with sheep peacefully grazing in a very rocky meadow. I don't suppose this section of land is tillable due to the abundance of rocks, but it works well as a grazing spot for sheep. This setting brings to mind many Bible story settings where David carefully tended his sheep or where Jesus likened His followers to being like sheep. The sight of the rocks also prompts a recall of today's text!
Our scenic nature walks bring a recurring spirit of praise and thanksgiving to God our Creator. After spotting our first robin on this morning's walk Brooksyne excitedly said, “Let’s look at the jonquils to see if they’re in bloom yet.” Sure enough the buds are visible and most likely this afternoon they’ll open up to the brilliant sunshine that’s warming the crisp air. Vivid reminders of the spring season, along with warmer temperatures, let us know that spring is just around the corner.
God's Word makes it abundantly clear that He desires His people to praise Him. There are seasons, settings, and events that make it very natural to praise God, but God wants us to praise Him in everything and at all times. The Psalmist reminds us that we are to bless the Lord at all times and that His praise should continually flow from our mouth. If we regularly practice this spiritual exercise, it’s not likely that gossip, swearing, lying, or hateful words will characterize our speech. Instead thanksgiving and praise will be witnessed in our conversation from day to day for our attitude is revealed through our words and actions.
Today's Scripture text is from a portion of the Bible dealing with the Triumphal Entry, an event that took place on the day the church calendar refers to as "Palm Sunday." The whole crowd of disciples began to joyfully praise God in loud voices as Jesus went by. "As He went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” (The other gospels record that this is where they proclaimed, "Hosanna in the highest!")
The angry Pharisees demanded that they be silenced: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" Instead of a demanding rebuke, Jesus made this powerful observation: "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
The call to praise includes:
• Everyone: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the Lord.
• Everywhere: From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
• All the time: But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, "The Lord be exalted!"
That includes you and me today. Let's not let any cold, inanimate stone take our place in praising our King of kings. Hosanna in the highest!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, I want to praise You, my great Redeemer, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout my day. I never cease to praise You because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Redeemer's praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Amen
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