Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Luke 19:40, “He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.'”

Background

You’ve probably heard the joke about the religious man on his roof during a flood. As the waters rise, a man in a boat comes by and tells him to get in. But he refuses, saying he has faith in God to grant him a miracle. When the waters reach his waist, another boat comes by, and he again refuses, as he does when the waters reach his chest. Finally, the waters are at his chin and a helicopter comes by and drops a ladder down to him. He refuses the help one last time and wakes up at the pearly gates talking to Peter. He tells Peter he thought God would grant him a miracle, but he was let down. Peter asks him, “What more did you want? We sent you three boats and a helicopter.” It’s a silly example of something we all have been guilty of – ignoring the obvious or mundane in hopes of the spectacular. We avoid grinding it out or putting in the time, wanting the quick fix or the miracle solution. 

Application

And although it’s usually not the case, many times it seems we do the same thing in our walk with the Lord. We ignore the commands and promises of our Father, thereby keeping silent, because we’re content to wait for the rocks to cry out instead. We haven’t started spending time daily with Him because we’re waiting for God to light our fire and wake us up early if it’s meant to happen. We haven’t begun tithing because we can barely pay the bills we already have, and God wouldn’t want us to get behind on our credit cards. We have yet to say anything to our neighbors about the Lord because surely they see us driving to church every Sunday. You see, we convince ourselves that God’s kingdom is moving forward and we’re a part of it, but how would God recognize us when we’ve shirked and avoided and ignored for so long? Are you willing to surrender your place to a stone? Is your heart filled with His grace and forgiveness? A rock has never been forgiven, but they lie waiting to praise their Maker. How much more should we bring to our Savior, our Redeemer, our Father? 

Charge

As we seek Him today, make like a rock and let the testimonies and praises roll out of your mouth. Give Him what only you can give. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words