Luke 19:37-39 – Then, as He was now drawing near 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 they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." (NKJV)

Apart from Easter, no day on the Christian calendar is so blatantly joyous as Palm Sunday. As we picture the scene, we see Jesus seated on a young donkey, entering Jerusalem in the traditional way of a king coming in peace. He was greeted by crowds of His followers, spreading their garments in the way, waving palm branches, and shouting praises to almighty God. However, the Pharisees were upset that Jesus did not disapprove of this, and willingly received the worship of the crowds, which should be offered only to God.

Luke 19:40 – But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." (NKJV)

I have always wondered how Jesus would have expected the stones to shout His praise. But recently, through watching nature specials on television, I have come to realize how the many wonders of our natural surroundings attest to the glory of God. As Christians, we believe that God not only created the world but also sustains it in existence moment by moment. Is that not a stupendous undertaking? That means that every rock, stone, pebble, and grain of sand in the universe is maintained in its shape and physical properties — over centuries, if need be — even though no one is there watching. Scientists tell us that even the hardest rock is composed of innumerable atoms with electrons whizzing around, but mostly empty space. Why then is it so hard and heavy? How does it maintain its shape and resist us when we try to break it? Why don't the electrons bite us when we pick the stone up?

I have come to the conclusion that this world is composed of an infinite array of such marvels, far more than even many Christians are willing to recognize as openly displaying (or shouting!) the glory of God.

But should the stones need to shout? When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, He was on His way to the cross, to pay the penalty of death for the sins of humankind — for yours and mine. When we receive the forgiveness He bought for us, He sets us free from the power of sin. When in Christ we see His glorious resurrection and victory over the power of death, we no longer need to fear death, for He grants us the peace that passes understanding. And when we look forward to His imminent return, we have hope for the future, in eternity with Him. Such thoughts should fill our hearts with such praise bubbling over at our lips that the stones will not need to shout!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today is truly a day of joy! We have read the end of the book, and we know that You win — and in You, we win also. Fill our lips with such praise that Your glory in the stones is pure gravy! Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
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