PRAISE THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“And when He was come nigh, even now at 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 that they had seen; Saying ‘Blessed be The King that cometh in the name of The Lord; Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.’  And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, ‘Master, rebuke Thy disciples.’  And He answered and said unto them, ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.’ ”  Luke 19:37-40 (KJV)

 

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 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)  When He came near Jerusalem, Jesus wept over it for He knew that the day would come when the Romans would level the city and slaughter all of the inhabitants. (Luke 19:41-44)  When He went into the temple, He cast out those who were selling animals for sacrifices.  Then He began His daily teachings in the temple, while the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him. (Luke 19:45-58)

 

APPLICATION

In multiple places 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 to cause 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 our mouths. (Psalm 34:1 and 71:6)  So, let us praise The Lord, for He is worthy to be praised.