Keeping the Stones Silent
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Luke 19:37–40
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was fulfilling prophecies that were hundreds of years old. Every detail happened just as God had said, according to the timeline revealed to Daniel in his vision. There were many who welcomed Jesus, but most of them wanted Him to be a king who would overthrow the Romans rather than the Saviour who would rescue them from their sin. For the Pharisees, even a political deliverer was too much. They feared the loss of their prestigious and profitable positions. “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:48). So they demanded that Jesus quiet the throngs who had gathered.
In response, Jesus told them that if the people were silenced, the very stones would cry out. The praise, glory, and greatness of God is beyond human ability to properly express, but that should not stop us from doing our best to let everyone know our love and gratitude toward God. The gift of salvation alone would be worthy of a lifetime of praise and worship, to say nothing of the daily blessings and provision we receive. Yet, too often our praise is tepid at best, rather than filled with sincere joy and appreciation as it should be.
Luke 19:37–40
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was fulfilling prophecies that were hundreds of years old. Every detail happened just as God had said, according to the timeline revealed to Daniel in his vision. There were many who welcomed Jesus, but most of them wanted Him to be a king who would overthrow the Romans rather than the Saviour who would rescue them from their sin. For the Pharisees, even a political deliverer was too much. They feared the loss of their prestigious and profitable positions. “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:48). So they demanded that Jesus quiet the throngs who had gathered.
In response, Jesus told them that if the people were silenced, the very stones would cry out. The praise, glory, and greatness of God is beyond human ability to properly express, but that should not stop us from doing our best to let everyone know our love and gratitude toward God. The gift of salvation alone would be worthy of a lifetime of praise and worship, to say nothing of the daily blessings and provision we receive. Yet, too often our praise is tepid at best, rather than filled with sincere joy and appreciation as it should be.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Praise in the heart is good, but praise expressed outwardly so that others see and hear it is far better.
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