Luke 19:28-40

Be still: Lord, help me to slow down and become aware of your presence. As I read your Word today, give me a heart that is open and ready to listen. Amen

Read: Luke 19:28-40

‘I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.' (v40)

Encounter: Recently, my neighbourhood was transformed by a sea of football supporters pouring through the streets to celebrate their league win. Regardless of your feelings about football or any particular club, it was impossible not to be swept up in the moment. Chants and songs rang out, houses were decorated, and strangers greeted each other like friends.

Coming from New Zealand, this was all spectacle to me. It was equal parts impressive and intimidating to see such open, expressive devotion at a scale that could take over whole boroughs.

I wonder if that’s how the Pharisees felt as they saw the crowd of disciples joyfully calling out their praise to Jesus. Was it the volume, the lack of control, or the fact that Jesus was in the middle of it all? Whatever it was, it unsettled them enough to plead, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ (v39).

This instinctive urge to rein things in reveals the Pharisees underlying belief about what ‘proper’ devotion looks like. If these unruly crowds were genuine in their worship, then where does that leave them?

Jesus’ response shows that not only is it right for the disciples to praise boisterously, but that there’s an inevitability to this kind of worship. It’s baked into creation: ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’ (v40). In other words, this is the most natural thing in the world: for creation to ring out with praise to the one who holds all things together.

People sometimes ask why God requires our worship. He doesn’t need it from us, but he desires our wholehearted, joyful praise. And if it comes from that place, it will overflow into the streets.

Apply: Has your worship of Jesus become too controlled, cautious, or self-conscious? Take a moment to praise him honestly and freely, whether through a song, a prayer, a walk, or naming aloud what he has done.

Devote: Jesus, awaken wholehearted praise in me. Forgive me for the times I hold back because of pride, fear, or self-consciousness. Let my life join with creation in declaring that you are King.