Issue 1229 – Hallelu Yah – August 23, 2023
Have you ever said or done something out of habit without thinking about or knowing why you do it or say it? Perhaps if asked, you would have to say, “I don’t know. We always do it that way.”
For Christians, Sunday morning worship is filled with things we do out of habit or customs. We stand up or sit down at specific points in the service. We sing certain songs for particular events. We talk about benedictions and doxologies without having a clue what those words mean.
Worship can be done out of habit. Sometimes, prayer is just a habit. We can recite a phrase or Scripture verse without considering what we say.
I have nothing against tradition; it can be wonderful and comforting. Perhaps traditions would be more meaningful if we understood the why. There might be greater depths of worship if we understood why and when we do it the way we do.
One of the words I hear people frequently say in a worship setting is “Hallelujah.” We don’t know what the word means, but it seems an appropriate response in specific settings.
I have even heard non-Christians say it when something good happens in their lives. Hallelujah, I got my promotion. Hallelujah, the new car I ordered has come in. Hallelujah, I just won the lottery.
So what does “Hallelujah” mean? If you know the answer, move to the top of the class. I once asked a group of very mature Christians that very question. None of them knew although they recognized it as an expression of praise.
Hallelujah (or its counterpart alleluia) is a portmanteau (two words made into a single word). It combines the Hebrew words Hallelu and yah, meaning Praise and Yahweh. It simply means “praise God”. Yet, that simple phrase is profound. Praising God is an integral part of why we were created.
The next time you say it, reflect on what you are doing and saying and feel the powerful impact of praising the Lord. There are songs where hallelujah is repeated over and over again. Ponder what you are saying as you sing.
May you have many reasons to hallelu Yah. Here is one.
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:6-9
Until next time, May the Lord grant you insights into why you do things in your prayer and worship life. May that understanding draw you ever closer to him.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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