His Cross Our HopeSampel

Have you ever been so enthusiastic about something you couldn’t keep a secret? Surreal best describes our trip to Israel two years ago, especially the experience of walking down the Palm Sunday road, following the path tradition says that Jesus walked as He made His way into Jerusalem shortly before His death. We paused to look out on a rock-covered field stretching as far as we could see in both directions. These silent markers stood over thousands of Jewish graves—some over three thousand years old. It was there Jesus said, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out’” (Luke 19:40). We don’t know how many graves were there when Jesus passed by on His way to Jerusalem, but the landscape around the Holy City is rocky terrain. To announce that the stones would cry out would imply a great multitude of voices in a thunderous roar. For the religious leaders who wanted to keep Jesus’ identity a secret, this must have been unsettling. But for those of us who know Him as our Messiah, what a thrilling prospect it presents. Like a small child with a big secret, the gospel cannot be hidden, suppressed, or denied. If the stones themselves can and will proclaim it, how much more overwhelming will the truth be when all of creation joins in (see Psalm 96:1-3, 11-12)? Church buildings may close, and those who don’t believe may attempt to silence pastors. But we have the comfort of knowing the universe cannot be silenced. Creation speaks when man is speechless. Knowing the stones can cry out isn’t an invitation to be quiet. This is an encouragement to boldly share this good news. Like a toddler with a happy secret, truth and hallelujahs should be bursting from our lips. ~Lori Altebaumer Writer, blogger, and speaker