When Creation Sings

The Testimony of Stones

Today's Scripture

Luke 19:37-40

Today's Insights

Some scholars believe that Jesus' statement in Luke 19:40 that "if [the crowds] keep quiet, the stones will cry out" is a reference to Habakkuk 2:11: "The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it." Others suppose that the stones in view are the stones of the very gates themselves, as seen in Psalm 118:19-20: "Open for me the gates of the righteous... the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter." Whether Luke 19:40 echoes an Old Testament text or not, it's an example of poetic imagery where inanimate objects praise God (see also Psalm 114:6; Psalm 148; Isaiah 55:12). Jesus had often refused praise during His earthly ministry. Now He not only accepted it but encouraged it. When humans fail to praise the Creator, the creation itself will praise God.

Today's Devotional

There's something profoundly meaningful about stones. Silent witnesses to the passage of time, they hold stories within their silent forms. After my father passed away, our family gathered by a flowing river to honor his memory. As part of our goodbye, each of us selected a stone from the riverbank—a tangible remembrance of a complicated but loving man. As I held my chosen stone, feeling its cool smoothness against my palm, I found comfort in this simple connection to both earth and memory.

This personal ritual with stones reminds me of a powerful moment in Scripture. When Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, crowds erupted in spontaneous praise. "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" they shouted, waving palm branches as Jesus passed by (Luke 19:38). The Pharisees, alarmed by what they considered blasphemous claims, demanded Jesus silence His followers.

His response was remarkable: "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40).

Throughout biblical history, stones have been silent witnesses to God's unfolding story. Two tablets of stone carried the weight of divine law, the Ten Commandments given to guide God's people (Exodus 34:1). Joshua commanded twelve stones be placed as a memorial after crossing the Jordan River—physical reminders of God's faithfulness for generations to come (Joshua 4:8-9).

Perhaps most powerfully, a stone sealed Jesus' tomb after His crucifixion, only to be rolled away three days later, becoming the first herald of the greatest miracle of all—Christ's resurrection (Matthew 27:59-66; Luke 24:2). That stone's testimony echoes Jesus' promise: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).

In a world that grows increasingly noisy with human achievements and arguments, perhaps we need to listen more carefully to the humble testimony of stones. They remind us that God's truth endures even when human voices fall silent. When we touch a stone—whether in grief, remembrance, or wonder—we connect with creation's ongoing testimony to its Creator.

Today, as you encounter stones beneath your feet or held in your hand, remember they stand ready to praise the Lord if we should fail. Let their silent presence inspire your own voice to join creation's chorus, declaring God's faithfulness from generation to generation.

Prophetic Significance

Jesus' declaration about stones crying out carries profound prophetic significance for believers today. In an age when many human voices attempt to silence the gospel message—through indifference, opposition, or distraction—this verse reminds us that God's truth cannot be ultimately suppressed.

The stones crying out points prophetically to the coming day when all creation will be fully liberated from its "bondage to decay" (Romans 8:21) and will openly declare God's glory. What began as localized praise during Jesus' triumphal entry will culminate in universal recognition when "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).

This statement also serves as a prophetic warning. If God's people—those who have experienced His salvation—remain silent about who He is and what He has done, God will raise up unlikely witnesses. Throughout history, when the established religious voices failed to proclaim truth, God often spoke through unexpected sources—the metaphorical "stones" of society.

In these last days, as traditional Christian influence wanes in many cultures, we see this prophecy fulfilled as testimonies arise from unexpected quarters—former atheists, people from closed nations, individuals from backgrounds formerly hostile to the gospel. These modern "stones" cry out when conventional witnesses grow silent or compromised.

The prophetic call to today's believers is clear: join your voice with all creation in declaring God's praise, or the very stones beneath your feet will testify in your place.

Reflect & Pray

How have the stones of God's work in our world "cried out" to you? What message might God intend for you to take to heart?

Creator God, You've filled even the silent stones with Your testimony. Open my eyes to see the witnesses You've placed around me, and unstop my ears to hear their praise. Forgive me for the times I've remained silent when I should have spoken of Your goodness. Help me join my voice with all creation in declaring Your glory. When my faith wavers, let the stones remind me that Your truth endures forever. In Jesus' name, amen.