“The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, ‘“From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise?” And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.” Matthew 21:14-17

Dear Jesus, When you rode into Jerusalem and the people praised you, the Pharisees objected. You told them the rocks would cry out if the people stopped. (Luke 19:40) Then here on the next day, when the Jewish leaders objected again, you led them to the Scriptures which say your Father ordained praise from even infants. How hardened people can be to prevent themselves from seeing you for who you are, their Maker and Redeemer! You gave too many convincing proofs that you’re the long promised Messiah. How sad that anyone would miss it. I want my life to praise you too. I want to praise you with my lips, my hands, my feet and my thoughts. I am nothing without you. I’m going nowhere without you. I have no hope without you. Today, give me the purity of a child and the boldness of a rock to speak your praises no matter who might object.

If our lives do not reflect appreciative praise for his life, then we are surely darkened no matter how enlightened we claim to be.