The Crying Stones

Luke 19:37-40

19:37 When he [Jesus] 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:

19:38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

19:39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

19:40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

One time I was at a program of religious music. It was played and sung by a wonderful choir, big organ, and an excellent orchestra. They played the kind of music I like best…oratorios. Now, I realize that doesn’t thrill too many people…I mean oratorios don’t. But think of a program of music that you absolutely love, which is important in your life for whatever the reason, and was played gloriously. In fact, it was played so well that you just wanted to clap your hands and whoop and yell because you were so happy.

And what if you were in a situation in which that would be inappropriate behavior. Wouldn’t that just make you want to “die” right on the spot? Perhaps you would leave the building just as fast as possible so that you could talk with another person who shared that kind of pleasure…the joy of the performance. And if you had to be quiet about the joy, you would just burst. I know that feeling. I imagine all of you know it as well

That is the type of thing which Jesus is talking about in this passage. The disciples were yelling and carrying on joyfully and praising God as they were coming into Jerusalem. Then some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke them…to pipe down. And Jesus had this wonderful line, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry.” What a terrific thing to say! I love it. I hope you do too.

Carol

Bible Breath: Blessed be the / Name of the Lord