luke 19: join with creation

Today’s Reading: Luke 19

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

As we get closer and closer to the end of Luke, we come to the end of Jesus’ life on earth. In this chapter, we read of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey: The Triumphal Entry. The people gather in a large crowd to watch him enter, they call him king, and praise his name loudly. Of course, the Pharisees have an issue with this and they tell Jesus to make it stop. But, I love Jesus’ reply. Even if the people stopped, creation would not stop praising the true king! Even the rocks would cry out in praise!

It’s hard to wrap our brains around the fact that these people would praise his name so loudly and boldly, but soon they would turn on him and allow him to be crucified. Luke says that they worshiped loudly because of all the miracles they witnessed. What would have happened if Jesus performed a miracle and freed himself from the Roman soldiers and certain death? Would the people have resumed their praise? We don’t know, but it seems like their worship was temporary and dependent on circumstances. It’s easier to praise when things are going wel,l and God is healing. It’s more difficult to praise when the future looks uncertain.

But, no matter what, we should join with creation and praise. The earth never stops praising the Lord! With every wind gust and flower bloom comes praise to the Creator of life. This should be a challenge to us. If inanimate objects praise the Lord, how much more should we?

Spend some time in praise today! Join with creation. Watch the sun glow in worship. Watch the intricate snowflakes or rain fall in honor of their Maker. Don’t stop praising!​