READ: Luke 19 (focus vs. 37–42)
MEMORY VERSE
“I tell you, . . . if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40
BACKGROUND
Bluestone is a fascinating variety of rock. When struck, certain bluestones will ring with a musical tone. Maenclochog, a Welsh village whose name means “bell” or “ringing stones,” used bluestones as church bells until the eighteenth century.
Interestingly, the ruins of Stonehenge, in England, are built of bluestone, causing some to wonder if that landmark’s original purpose was musical.
Some researchers claim that the bluestone at Stonehenge was brought from near Maenclochog, nearly two hundred miles away, because of their unique acoustic properties.
Musical ringing stones are yet another of the wonders of God’s great creation, and they remind us of something Jesus said during His Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem.
As the people praised Jesus, the religious leaders demanded Him to rebuke them. “ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out’ ” (Luke 19:40).
If bluestone can make music, and if Jesus made mention of even the stones bearing witness to their Creator, how might we express our own praise to the One who made us, loves us, and rescued us?
He is worthy of all worship. May the Holy Spirit stir us to give Him the honor He deserves. All of creation praises Him.
By: Bill Crowder
INSIGHT
When we think of Palm Sunday, we think of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the joyful, loud shouts of the crowd who rejoiced for “all the miracles they had seen” (Luke 19:37).
In their celebration, they sang Psalm 118:26, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” However, in Luke 19:41–42, we see different emotions expressed, ones we don’t normally associate with this day of celebration and welcome of Jesus.
In verse 41, we have the image of Jesus lamenting: “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it” (see also 13:31–35). Celebration and lamentation, praising and weeping meet in Luke 19:37–42.
While the crowds had seen the miracles and celebrated, what they hadn’t seen was the judgment that was to come because of the rejection of Jesus. Because of that, Jesus wept.
APPLICATION
How many ways can you think of in which creation praises God? How can you join in daily worship of our Creator?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Oh Lord, my God; When I, in awesome wonder; Consider all the worlds; Thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder; Thy power throughout the universe displayed; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art…” Hymn – How Great Thou Art
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“He is worthy of all worship. May the Holy Spirit stir us to give Him the honor He deserves.”
PRAYER
“Creator God, You are deserving of all worship, praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me that all creation sings Your praise.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“ALL CREATURES OF OOR GOD AND KING”
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice with us and sing
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy God to hear,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest all both warmth and light,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Dear mother earth, who day by day,
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
Alleluia, alleluia!
The flow’rs and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God’s glory also show,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And ev’ryone, with tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Sing praise and cast on God your care,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And thou, #most kind and gentle death,#
Waiting to hush our final breath,
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
As Christ before that way hath trod,
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship God in humbleness,
Alleluia, alleluia!
To God all thanks and praise belong!
Join in the everlasting song:
O sing ye, O sing ye,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Judges 16-18
Luke 7: 1-30
