PRAISE THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“When He 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: ‘Blessed is The King who comes in the name of The Lord!’  ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’  ‘I tell you,’ He replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’ ”  Luke 19:37-40 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  After He had finished teaching His disciples, Jesus left that area and headed towards Jericho.  As He approached Jericho, a blind beggar heard that He was passing by and called out to Him.  Jesus healed him, and he immediately received his sight and then he began to follow Jesus. (Luke 18:35-42)  As He entered Jericho, He stayed at the home of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. (Luke 19:1-10)  While there He told them The Parable of The Ten Minas. (Luke 19:11-26)  As He left there and entered Jerusalem, the crowd of disciples with Him began to shout praises to The Lord.  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd asked Jesus to tell His disciple to be quiet.  Jesus replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:37-40)

 

APPLICATION

In multiple locations throughout The Bible, believers are told to praise The Lord.  Here, Jesus, The Christ, makes it perfectly clear that if His believers do not shout out praises, then the stones will praise Him.  Some Bible scholars believe that the stones refer to non-Jewish people while others believe that the reference is literally to the rocks.  The Lord God has the power to bring forth unexpected people or even the inanimate objects to declare His praise.  I do not want a rock to take my place, so I will praise The Lord.  No rock will have to speak for me.  Believers should not have to be told to praise The Lord.  His praise should continually be coming out of their mouths. (Psalm 34:1 and 71:6)  Praise The Lord, saints!  For He is worthy to be praised.