But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” Luke 19:40 (NASB)
Two sticks placed in the grass, one lying vertically and another horizontally positioned on top—a simple cross for everyone walking nearby to see from the sidewalk. I noticed it in someone’s yard during a mid-morning walk. Most likely a school-aged child placed it there as the location is a designated bus stop. I delighted in the possibility.
The image reminded me of a Bible verse about rocks crying out. When I returned home, I opened my Bible and read the nineteenth chapter of Luke. The Scripture tells of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt. People loudly proclaimed His triumphal entry into the city by waving palm branches and shouting praises to the King. Most people shouted with excitement to see the Man who performed many miracles. But there were some, Pharisees in particular, who weren’t happy to see or hear about this Man. They wanted Jesus to quiet His disciples. They really wanted to put a stop to Jesus. But He answered them saying, “If these become silent, the rocks will cry out.”
Suddenly this scene met me in the 21st century. I envisioned incidences around the world where people attempt to hush and kill Christians, censor the belief system, or take down crosses and the Ten Commandments from places where they have existed for years. Fear gripped me until I heard my Savior say, “If all else is silent, the very rocks will cry out.” God’s answer brought me hope. Even when mankind tries to muzzle Christians, nature shouts His glory.
The evidence of nature testifies to the marvelous glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Whether through rocks, sticks, or children, God will have His way and His Word will be proclaimed. And we are left with a choice—to believe or not to believe in Almighty God who created it all.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6 (NASB)