Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." ~Luke 19:39-40
Pictured above is a shadow box I make as a gift for Danny. It is fashioned from water smoothed stones that I collect from the shallows of the vigorously flowing West Prong Little Pigeon River near Chimney Tops in the Great Smokies of North Carolina. It usually hangs in our bedroom above a traditional Catholic crucifix which Danny inherited from his father's side of the family. (It's history deserves a future blog post of its own.)
But because of the reflectivity of the Plexiglass, Danny positions it on our mantelpiece in order to present an accurate image. Considering the background of our stone fireplace with its Celtic cross on the mantle, it certainly takes on the air of eternal solidity and endurance that our Lord embodies.
The Old Testament is replete with references to God being our rock and our refuge. I'll bet most of you who visit this blog can recite verses right of the top of your head! And in the New Testament, Mark 12:10, Jesus references Psalm 118:22: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" as to His status as the Son of God. He has come to form the one true foundation, the solid rock, who takes away our sins, then, now and always for those who believe in Him.
As fantastical as it might have sounded to the Pharisees that stones could or would cry out audibly to Jesus, we now know, as the iconic Paul Harvey used to say, "the rest of the story." All God's creation acknowledges His glory and presence in whatever essence He has given them. And we know that what is impossible for man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26). So why then, at Jesus' command, couldn't the rocks and stones cry out to Him in worship and praise?
Do you recall that old children's song contrasting the wise man and the foolish one? I learned it, along with the hand motions, in one of the few forays to church in Sunday school. I then dutifully teach it to my little brother. When we travel north that summer to visit with our extended family (I am six and Bill is three), I remember performing the song for our great-grandmother who was a devout Christian. The joyful tears filling her eyes as we sang revealed her constant hope and faith in Jesus, her eternal Savior. Great-grandma had definitely built her entire life upon the living rock, our sure salvation.
She chose wisely.
Have you?
Amen!
For those of you not acquainted with this particular song, here is a link you can access. Honestly, I don't recall learning the last part of this where it mentions prayers and blessings, but now it seems to be the most revealing part of the message. Great-grandma didn't need that. She already knew.
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteThose are special stones you found at the river near Chimney Tops and in that shadow box they show well.
The Celtic cross is also very nice!
Yes, the biblical story of the corner stone is a good one, and also the fact that Jesus declared Peter the rock on which he built the Church. Pieter also meant rock and in him I lost my true rock...
Never heard that children's song but then I did not grow up in this country...
Hugs,
Mariette
I'm so glad you mentioned Peter being the rock upon whom Jesus chose to build His church, Mariette. That is such a crucial part of the New Testament, and your addition to this reflection gives the rock/stone analogy even more clarity. Thank you!
DeleteLove and blessings!
AMEN!
DeleteHi Martha! I saw that title and thought for sure you were going to reference that scene from Indiana Jones III when he comes to the cup of Christ and the rich (and arrogant) man chose the wrong cup and the ancient said, "He has chosen poorly." Then Indy chooses the cup least likely to be the cup of Christ by its shear plainness and simplicity and when he drinks from it the ancient says, "You have chosen wisely." Of all decisions to be made, the one concerning eternity is THE MOST IMPORTANT. You are right...choose wisely.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing double ... or is it quadruple comments by Bill.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Martha. Thought-provoking.
Thank you and God bless always.
Victor, Bill thought his comment wasn't posting in the moment, but now we know 'the rest of the story.' I will send him a private email shortly. I'm so glad you found today's post thought-provoking. Thanks!
DeleteLove and blessings!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy childhood contains vivid memories of the Little Pigeon River; my family spent several summers in the Smoky Mountains. During one trip, because we had several relatives with us, we had a shortage of bedrooms in the house we were renting, so my bed became the hammock on the porch overlooking the river. One night it rained, and the normally quiet river became something of a thundering torrent. And, yes, my mother liked to collect stones from the river from each trip, something I still do each time I visit the Shaw Nature Reserve some 40 miles west of St. Louis. Stones of memory, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Glynn, for sharing your personal memories of family times in the Smoky Mountains. I can tell those vacations near the river were spectacular, and sleeping outdoors in a hammock for kids is like a dream come true. How coincidental that your mother collected river stones and that you, too, have carried on that tradition. Those are, indeed as you stated, stones of memory.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love that little song about the wise man built his house upon the rock, etc. I remember our little boys singing that too! That one and one about Zaccheus Was a Wee Little Man. Precious memories. And yes, I believe the rocks will cry out if we do not praise God! I believe all nature sings and rings out it's praise for the Creator every day. I love your rock cross and the place on the mantel. Very appropriate indeed!!
ReplyDeleteI felt sure that you would know that song, Pamela, and our children's choir at my former church performed the Zaccheus song when I was helping to lead them. And I also feel that were we not here to sing God's praises, His creation will always do so, even if we cannot 'hear' them.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Hi, Bill! I know you sent me a private email saying you didn't think your comment appeared, but it did - four times!!! Wonder what gives with Blogger today?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as you already are aware, I love that you contributed to the conversation with this quote from the Indiana Jones' movie as I didn't even think of that in writing this post. I love how readers like you can add their own wonderful interpretations and impressions. Always makes for a better read.
Love and blessings!
Lovely box
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine.
DeleteLove and blessings!
SWEET sweet story AND how artistic and talented you are!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Martha!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Lulu. I thought you would!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh my goodness, that song. I remember it, we had it in Dutch, even with all the movements :) The blessings come down when the prayers go up!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a sweet and memorable song, Marja, I agree. The blessings come down and our prayers go up. May we all give thanks to God for His wonders and His love.
DeleteLove and blessings!
That shadow box is so dear! I'm sure Danny cherishes it. I wasn't familiar with that song, but this children's performance is the best! Now I'm wishing Robinson Springs church might add this to its playlist some Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAren't these little ones so sweet? I fell in love with each one of them as I listened and watched, Myra. And we both treasure the shadow box. God is and always will be our rock and our refuge.
DeleteLove and blessings!
The song rings a bell, but I can't say I really remember it, I like the look of the shadow box not something I have heard of before.
ReplyDeleteI am not the artsy-crafty type, but I did enjoy creating this shadow box, Jo-Anne. It means a lot to both of us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Praise God for the Rock of refuge, protection, and stability he offers! I too grew up singing that song about the foolish man and the wise man, complete with the last verse about prayers and blessings. Now, after decades as a Jesus-follower, I can personally attest to the reliability of our Rock! P.S. What a lovely shadow-box you created for Danny!
ReplyDeleteWhen we build our lives upon God's Rock, Nancy, that firm foundation will hold us up and protect us for all of life's vagaries and hardships. Thanks for your kind words about the shadow box, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
When I ride my bike, I often sing to the Lord. These old songs from our Sunday School days are special, rich with great meaning that we understand all the more now that we are adults and have observed those truths in our lives and the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Barbara! Those songs we are taught as children definitely take on much deeper meanings as we grow up and grow in with Jesus. I think it's wonderful that you sing when riding your bike, too. We can praise the Lord no matter where we are or what we're doing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
God is our rock, and the wise man builds his house on the rock.
ReplyDeleteLovely children's song about choosing wisely.
Thank you, Duta. Yes, God is our sure and solid foundation no matter where we may roam.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I hadn't thought of that song in years and years, Martha! Thanks for the link so I could hear it again! God is my rock and my salvation. Amen!!
ReplyDeleteI almost didn't include that link, Terri, but I felt that nudge from God to do so. I'm glad I did! And He is and always will be our sure foundation.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love the creative way you arranged those stones, Martha. It reminds me of how God can take litle disparate, unrelated pebbles and put them in relationships that present a beautiful picture and a powerful message to the world. And like you, my trips to church as a child were rare, but I do remember hearing that song. Although, unlike you, I didn't sing it for anyone and both the song and its message soon faded. Thank God, the Gospel did find its way to me in my early 20's and I met the One who embodies wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing your insightful post spoke to my heart is how so many people in our nation have been seduced to build their lives on the shifting sand promoted by TicToc, Instagram, and other social media platforms. They prey on people craving love and acceptance and some sense of purpose and hope and looking for someone to lead them out of their confusion, fear, and loneliness. God bless you for your dedication to the mission of leading them to the Rock that will never crumble beneath their feet and to the love and grace that can make them part of a family that will never leave them orphaned.
Thank you again, dear friend and fellow warrior, and thanks for sharing the artwork that you and Danny have now displayed to those of us who may never see it in your home.
Thank you so much, Ron, for your thoughtful and detailed comment here today. Certainly, there are too many in our society who are 'looking for love in all the wrong places.' Distractions from a focus on God, the source of all love, will only reap pain and suffering for those who have been duped into thinking that they can find happiness and satisfaction in the things of this world. We know that lasting joy and peace can only be found in the Lord, our God, our Savior.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteQue linda postagem, como é importante construir a nossa casa sobre a Rocha que é Cristo. Obrigada por lembrar esse belo louvor, vou cantar com as crianças na Escola Biblica Dominical, trabalho com os primários, bjs querida.
Oh, I'm so excited to know that you will be singing this song with your children on Sunday, Lucinalva! I know they will love it just as I did as a little girl. It's also sweet to hear that you work with these little ones in primary school. I know they are so fortunate to have you as a teacher.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wonderful post. My roots go back to Irland and Scotland through my Great grandmother. I also have Native American in my family somewhere according to my father. God is good.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
I can trace mine back to Ireland and Scotland with a bit of Brit thrown in, Jim, but no Native American roots. We are who God made us to be and yes, He is always good.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, that is a beautiful photo. The stone fireplace with the shadow box and the Celtic cross is not only lovely to view, but also a powerful reminder. I'm thankful Jesus is the cornerstone, the solid rock on which we stand, and the rock on which we build our lives. Karen Friday
ReplyDeleteAmen, Karen! May we all choose to lay the foundation for our lives on the solid rock of Jesus.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh yes, Martha, I remember that song well! And living in an area of sand and cliffs and precariously built homes, the truth of what you're saying here today is profound and I can't help thinking about this reality often - spiritually and in the natural world God's created.
ReplyDeleteI am so familiar with those cottages precariously built close to the Cape Cod beaches, Linda. Shifting sands are no place to even think about laying down a firm foundation. May we trust Jesus, our Rock and our Redeemer.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a beautiful reflection on the symbolism of stones in Scripture and in your life! The shadow box you made for Danny, with stones from the West Prong Little Pigeon River, powerfully represents the enduring strength of our Lord. Your great-grandmother's joy when you sang that song as a child is a touching reminder of the legacy of faith we build when we choose to stand on the solid rock of Christ. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story. Amen!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings, Martha
Thank you so much, Veronica, for your heart-felt and thoughtful words here today. A legacy of faith is certainly the best gift we can leave to our children and grandchildren. I pray that I am doing just that with mine.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Love your creativity and doesn't it say something about having things around the house reminding us of our faith, and our heritage. these items do both!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jean, I love having those special items around the house that keep me grounded in my faith. And those that hold special memories for both Danny and me are the best.
DeleteLove and blessings!
thecontmeplativecat here The cross is such a strong statement Hallelujah.
ReplyDeleteThe cross, for me and so many Christians, is the core of our faith, Susan. Let us always cherish Jesus' sacrifice that we might live fully in this life and eternally with Him in the next.
DeleteLove and blessings!
She chose wisely and you have been blessed!
ReplyDeleteAll God's creation acknowledges His glory and presence in whatever essence He has given them. And we know that what is impossible for man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26)."
Thanks! Glorious!
All things are possible with our God, Cloudia, and we can always trust and have complete faith in Him.
DeleteLove and blessings!
So thankful for our salvation through Jesus, our rock! B Blessed Martha!
ReplyDeleteOur salvation because of Jesus is our forever treasure, Mike.
DeleteLove and blessings!