With this comparison the Lord confronted those... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40

With this comparison the Lord confronted those who objected to the joyful praise of the disciples. If those called upon to praise him remained silent, God would employ apparently unsuitable instruments to express the praise of which His Son was worthy.

Therefore an angel announced the glorious news of the birth of Jesus to simple shepherds. They then went to see the Child and told others of their experience. But Jerusalem, "the city of the great king" failed to join in the praise. There were indeed a few faithful believers, but the arrival of the Messiah did not meet with public acclamation. So God broke the silence.

He sent the Magi from the East, who journeyed innocently to Jerusalem . Their inquiry caused consternation throughout the whole city. Nevertheless they went to the place where the Child was and paid Him homage.

The Magi were astronomers who also dabbled in astrology. Such men of dubious background came to worship the King of the Jews! What they knew of the one true God at that time is unknown. But God had so arranged for His Son to receive the homage that His people refused Him.

How suitable were the gifts those men brought the Child: gold, the symbol of divine justice in grace, frankincense, the sign of dedication to God, and myrrh that already indicated His future suffering (Matthew 2:11). That was all God's leading; they had not read it in the stars. And we rejoice for the Lord, who renounced so much, that God granted Him this honour.

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-11 · Revelation 19:11-21