I Don’t Want No Rocks Crying Out for Me!

Michael W. Waters
Luke 19:28-40 (New Living Translation)
28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a] 39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

The scientific study of rocks known as petrology identifies three different types of rock formations: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when molten magma as hot as 2400 Fahrenheit cools once it reaches the earth’s surface. Sedimentary rocks are formed as particles are compacted and pressurized near the earth’s crust. Metamorphic rocks are formed by increases in temperature and pressure upon previous rock formations.

Rock formations are as beautiful as they are elaborate, and vary dramatically in their size, weight, and shape. They range from the towering mountain peaks of the Himalayas to microscopic pebbles along the seashore. Yet, despite all of its grandeur, the fact remains that rocks are inanimate objects, which by definition means that rocks are lifeless, spiritless, and breathless, unable to feel pain or relief, sorrow or joy.

Like rocks, we, too, have our own testimony of coming out of pressurized and heated situations that have made us uniquely who we are as individuals. But unlike rock formations, we are fully animated – gifted by God with life, spirit, and breath! Therefore, we are clearly better suited to praise God for His goodness and kindness towards us than any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock!

Regardless of any rebuke or scorn, heartache and pain you may experience, not praising God is not an option! Praise God in the midst of any and every situation! Since a rock cannot give your testimony, don’t give a rock your praise!

Michael W. Waters
Dallas, Texas
www.joytabernacleame.org