When the Rocks Cry Out

Think of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday. Luke 19:38-40 (NASB) “As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher; rebuke Your disciples.’ But Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!’”

Have you ever been to a parade for the Super Bowl champs? Or what about the World Series champs? The closest I ever got was when President George W. Bush was staying at a hotel half a block from where I worked. As he was departing the hotel, the street was full of people shouting and cheering and waving their hands. You could describe it as joyous. There’s nothing like a parade for the champion!

Let me ask you; Does this sound like your Sunday morning church service? Do you hail the “Victorious One?” I swear, I’ve been to some of the most somber services you can imagine. Things were just plain dreary. Not only did I ask myself, “Why did I come?” but I wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. Christ is our King! He is the glorious One! Why don’t we cheer? Where is our celebration? Could it be that there are no miracles to witness? And why is that? Do we live flavorless lives? There should be a certain zest to the Christian life! Right?

Could it be because we have reduced our Sunday mornings to a code of ceremonial forms and courtesies? When everything becomes a ritual there will be no joy, no life, no miracles.  Are you really satisfied with only that? If you want things to change then you must be fully willing to participate. And if you like things the way they are, then you are most likely part of the problem.

What is the typical church service? Let me guess; A few songs flashed up on the front wall, turn and greet someone, one or two short prayers, and a teaching by the pastor. Aren’t you tired of the routine yet? Our praise has become pitiful. How can we cheer a football team and not our Lord?

I know every church has those who wish for a lot more than what’s going on. But they are mostly in the minority. Considered to be too radical they are subdued by a congregation of nonchalants. Our biggest clue to this is the lack of miracles and downtrodden joy. This must all change!

The radicals must speak out. Let your joy shine! Glorify the Lord! Abandon yourself to the Spirit and let come what may. There will always be a small group of truly extreme believers. Find each other and band together. Don’t feel threatened from expressing your wonder of the Lord. If Christ is a marvel to you then shout out His glory. The time for passiveness is over. Rise up and glorify the Lord! Like Samson, break the chains of bondage that the crowd has wrapped you in and proclaim Christ’s fame!

Jesus is way too magnificent for a gloomy service. If your church lacks the proper cheer, you have but two choices; Leave and look somewhere else or be bold and overwhelm the others with your joy. If you look somewhere else you most likely will find the same boredom. So best to just do your work where you are.

I have witnessed in the past when joy became contagious. So contagious that miracles began to break out. Lives radically changed. Salvations happened daily. And our baptismal tank was always full of people. So full that our pastor had to keep several changes of clothing on hand. Don’t you want to see the glory of the Lord? Don’t you want to sense His presence? Let’s welcome Him then!

If you are convinced of the grandeur and nobility of our Christ then be honest about how you feel. Don’t hide it, share it. When a few of us begin to glorify the Lord, the Holy Spirit takes interest in what’s happening. The freedom of true worship also opens the door where the Spirit can move through the church with power and His glorious gifts. No more nodding off from the boredom. Abundant life takes over!

We must change otherwise the rocks will take over for us. Do you want to be known as the church where the rocks cry out but you don’t?

What say you