As Jesus made His triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem riding on a colt, the crowd, some who had met Him and heard Him preach, and some who knew Him only by reputation began to spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road before Him. "When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!'" (Luke 19:35-38). Apparently upset at the noise in the austere temple area as well as the words that were being proclaimed by adults and children alike (Matt. 21:15-16), the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples," tell them to be quiet! But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:39-40). There was something going on, and for the people in the crowd who witnessed the event, stillness was not an option.

The first time I went to an Alabama football game in Tuscaloosa, I must say I  knew very little about the school or the team. However, the longer I stood in that massive, high-energy crowd with the excitement mounting (it was '92--what a season!), the more I had to shout right with them! Normally rather quiet, I couldn't help but shout.  It was absolutely as though the air was charged with some kind of electricity. I'll bet that was akin to the feeling of that day in Jerusalem. There were many who did not know the significance of what was going on--but they had to shout, they couldn't help themselves.  Whether they knew it or not, the prophesies were being fulfilled before their eyes!

We used to sing a song that said, "Ain't no rock gonna cry in my place, as long as I'm alive I'm gonna praise His Holy Name. . . Ain't no tree gonna lift it's branches, I'll lift my hands to glorify His Holy Name . . . Ain't no bird gonna sing in my place, I'll lift my voice to glorify His Holy Name . . . As long as I'm alive I'll glorify His Holy Name!" Don't know why it should be easier to shout at at football game than it is to shout to the Lord. Why should the world take us seriously if we get more enthused over a ballgame or a concert or a TV show than we do about Jesus? How can the nations know His deeds if we do not proclaim them? 

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.  Come into His presence with singing and into His courts with praise. Know ye that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us and not we ourselves. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name; for the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures through all generations" (Psalm 100).

Lord Jesus, open my mouth with praise for You. Help me to be bold to proclaim Your Greatness to all who can hear. Remove all forces of intimidation, embarrassment, fear, and fill my mouth and spirit with a joyful noise for You, my God and my King! Amen