Few weeks of the year rival Thanksgiving week. People all over America will pause to demonstrate a spirit of gratitude. From family to food to football, this week has it all. The final break before the Christmas holiday rush is good as well.
However, our gratitude is not complete unless we stop to recognize the source of all the blessings. We do not enjoy all these blessings from our own hand. None of us are sufficient alone to justify all the blessings we enjoy. We must begin our praise with God.
Even the Rocks Would Cry Out.
Luke captured an exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees. On His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, people were crying out in praise and adoration of Jesus. The Pharisees hated it, and asked Jesus to have His followers get quiet. Jesus responded:
40 But He [Jesus] answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40)
What do the rocks know that the Pharisees didn’t?
Jesus personified the rocks because even they recognized the necessity of giving Jesus praise. The Pharisees failed to see the significance of Jesus. They failed to recognize His position and role. To say the least, they missed Jesus completely. Jesus’ response: if these people fail to praise me, the rocks would cry out.
How does this impact your week?
Our greater culture is like the Pharisees. People all over America will gather, have fun, and share things for which they are grateful. Although some will mention God, most will not recognize the person and work of Christ.
Heaven forbid that the rocks will need to speak out this week. For those of us who have a relationship with Christ, this week provides us a perfect opportunity to praise God’s character, His providence, His mercy, His grace, and especially His Son.
As you begin your week, make it a priority to not give the rocks a chance at outdoing you this Thanksgiving season.
