“Watching in the crowd there were the Pharisees, When the people praised Him, they were so displeased. Pharisees said to Him, tell them not to shout. He said if they don’t praise me, all the rocks will cry out. The rocks will cry out Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
These are the lines from one of the songs the church choir I sing with is singing for the Easter services this year. The song is amazing and give you just a sense of what it was like that day on the streets of Jerusalem. When we practice, my daughters and nephew will often leave what they are doing to dance in the aisles of the sanctuary. They wave their arms and sing Hosanna! It’s a wonderful scene. Cute because they’re darling, but beautiful and moving because I imagine that’s exactly what the children were doing the day that Jesus rode into town.
The children’s joy is uninhibited. They sing at the top of their lungs to Jesus. I imagine the joy of the children in Jesus’ day was even more pronounced as they sang to and worshiped this Man who they loved so much.
Often, when we talk about Palm Sunday, we move right along to the end of the story…the death and resurrection. I would encourage you today though to take some time to think about how you are praising God. Are you reserved? Are you quiet? Are you timid?
I’m not suggesting that you run out shouting in the streets or even make a scene. I’m just suggesting you think about it. And when you do have an opportunity to praise Him, I’m suggesting that you praise Him to the fullest! Sing loud in church. Participate in a choir. Sing praise in your home. Praise Him in your prayers.
Make sure that you’re praising God enough that it makes Satan wish you’d be quiet. Remember, the Pharisees were uncomfortable with the way the people were praising Jesus…and that was a good thing.
Take time to praise the Lord on this blessed day, and every day!
Matthew 21:19 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
I love the pic, thanks for sharing! – stretchingittotravel
Amen! I love to sing praises throughout my day. And my mom just commented on the powerful way my boys sing out in church. He is worthy of our praise–always and forever!
Isn’t it wonderful to hear our children sing? I think that is one of the ways my children bless me the most…with their beautiful voices singing to Jesus!