Ain't No Rock

Scripture:
Luke 19:40, “But Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!’”

Observation:
God loves the praise of His people. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people began praising God joyfully. They hailed Jesus as the king coming in the name of the Lord for they had witnessed his many miracles. But while they declared peace in heaven, there was unrest on earth. The religious leaders couldn’t understand why they praised Jesus this way and they told Him to make His disciples stop. Jesus’ response shows that God will be praised no matter what. The praise they offered and the glory they gave to God the Father was right and Jesus wasn’t going to make them quit. He said that even if they did quit, the rocks would begin to cry out the praises of God. That’s amazing. But it tells me that God will be praised. He must be glorified. If we will not, creation will in our place.

Application:
I don’t need to be silent about the goodness of God. He has been so good in my life. I have seen His miracles and fell like my life is a walking miracle. It is right for me to declare the glory of the Lord — to sing and shout that there is peace in heaven and glory in the highest. I don’t need to let the voices of the disgruntled or unbelieving shut me up. I am reminded of the psalm that says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” I want to praise God when we worship at church. But I also see that I am supposed to praise God and speak of His glory even when I’m not at church.

Prayer:
Father, You deserve all praise for You have done great things. Lord you have been so good to me — You are so faithful. I tell You today that You are great. But God, You want me to tell the world of Your greatness. Lord, don’t let me be ashamed of You or the hope that is within me. May I never stop speaking of Your glory and goodness. Put Your praise on my lips and in my heart. Father, I am reminded of the song that says, “Ain’t no rock gonna cry in my place.” Lord let that be true of me. When I am at home, with friends, at work, or out doing the things of life, let my words tell of your glory and grace.

— Chip Henderson, senior pastor