"Dumb as a rock." Have you ever thought about that phrase?
When we let the insult twang off our verbal bowstrings, we're often talking about intelligence. But how do we know that rocks are dumb? Perhaps rocks have their own patient wisdom.
But there's another side to the phrase.
In his retort to the Pharisees, Jesus points to the dumb rocks. The stones all around him form buildings and homes, roads and alleys, temples and terrain. They pile up to form mountains and hold the oceans on their shoulders. And they stand silently. Dumb.
What would the rocks sound like if they could talk? An avalanche's whisper rises to a roar. A slung stone sings through the air. Gravel's gravelly voice grinds under weight and holds firm.
What would the stones say if they could talk? They'd cry out praise to God. That would be their first and most important declaration. Perhaps, after that, they'd ask you to move your car onto the grass. But Jesus paints a picture of the stones silently standing eager to testify to the rest of creation that God is generous and peace-making and glorious. They're just waiting their turn. Dumb patience.
We get to go first, if we will.
One way we can lift our voices to glorify God is to talk to people about him. This could involve sharing your story of God's work in your life, telling someone about something you're learning about God, or directly inviting someone to connect with God.
This time of year—Eastertime—is for many in our broader community a brief beat in the annual calendar when they might feel more open to hearing you speak up. Perhaps you've been resting in dumb patience for months or years. Is now the time the Lord would invite you to speak up?
Jesus, I want to speak up. Would you give me an opportunity to do that today? Please show me if I can share my story with someone, talk about what I'm learning, or invite someone to connect with you. Is there anyone you're have me invite to come with me to Easter Sunday? Please give me wisdom and courage. Amen.