What an answer Jesus gave to the Pharisees! “I tell you, if My disciples were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Their rejoicing is so strong, it must have an outlet; if they don’t speak, the rocks will.
This overflowing joy shows up in other places in the New Testament. For example, Peter and John said to their enemies, who were threatening them, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
I read this and I wonder a little: What has happened to us Christians today, that we are so silent? Have we lost that joy that the early believers had? Or are we frightened of our enemies—those who would shut us up any time we dare to speak about Jesus? Many of us have become silent rocks—steadfast in our faith, but having trouble speaking it.
I don’t know. Maybe it’s both reasons. But the cure is the same. Luke tells us that “the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.” The more we hear and read about what Jesus has done for us—the more we meditate on it and let it sink in deep into our hearts—the more joyful we become, until we can’t help spilling over. We “rocks” find ourselves crying out for joy.
And what are these mighty works that Jesus has done? So many things! He left heaven to be born as a baby among us; He grew up among us sharing every part of our life, especially the hard parts. He took our griefs and carried our sorrow, healing our wounds with His own suffering. He lay down His life to reconcile us to God, and to make us new, living, joyful children of the Father. And He rose from the dead to break the power death had over the whole human race, and to give us a life that will last forever, overflowing with peace and love.
THE PRAYER: Lord, work in my heart so that I, even I, will cry out Your praise. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever seen something explode, big or small?
2. What would it be like to be so joyful, you couldn’t help but explode with it?
3. If you’ve had that experience, how did you express your joy?