The stones would cry out

And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." – Luke 19.39-40

The Pharisees looked for every occasion to criticise Jesus. Here Jesus was coming to Jerusalem for what He knew was the last time. As He drew near the people gathered to welcome Him and cheer Him on. They thought Messiah was coming to overthrow the local Roman authorities and send the occupying soldiers back to Rome. Their cheer was excited and hopeful.

‘Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.’

The King was coming. Victory was nigh.

But the Pharisees were anxious. They had a comfy relationship with Rome. They didn’t want to see the boat rocked. ‘Tell them to be quiet’ they said.

Jesus let them know that God is going to be praised. It would do no good to quiet this crowd. If they were silenced the very rocks would cry out of God’s glory.

God will be glorified. The heavens declare his glory and very earth itself, including the stones themselves show God’s handiwork.

Creation glorifies God. We see God’s handiwork wherever we go.

As part of God’s creation we should glorify Him at least as much as the rocks do. I wonder how we do on a day to day basis glorifying God in our words and our actions. I wonder if whatever we say or do glorifies God.

It is easy to sing out and shout out praise when we are gathered together in the safety of our assemblies. How do we do day to day and in front of the world? Do we do any better than the rocks?