Friday, February 22, 2013
Someone said there are three words that are recognized in every language: Amen, Hallelujah and Coca-Cola. Sadly, we probably know more about the third word than the first two.
Hallelujah is a combination of two Hebrew words. The Hebrew verb halal means to praise. The noun yah is short for Yahweh or Jehovah. Yahweh was the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. God said to Moses, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). So, hallelujah literally means “Praise I am” or “Praise Yahweh”.
This is not just something I say, but it is a way that I live. My life should be a praise to the Great I am.
Psalm 150 is a great Psalm that teaches us several things about hallelujah. Notice this psalm begins and ends with hallelujah (Praise the Lord).
This psalm teaches us the where, why, how and who of praising the Lord.
Where should we praise God? – Everywhere. The first verse tells us in his sanctuary and in his mighty heavens. In other words, we should praise him everywhere. When we are gathered together or when we are alone. Derek Kidner states, “God’s glory fills the universe, his praise must do no less.”
Why should we praise God? - For every one of his acts and attributes. Verse two tells us to praise him for his acts of power. God’s power is most visible in the Gospel. Romans 1:16 tells us that the Gospel is the power of God. We should never get over the wonder and the power of God saving us by His Son – Hallelujah! We also praise him for all his attributes – his surpassing greatness. We praise him for who He is – the great I am.
How should we praise God? – With everything you’ve got! I believe the idea behind verses 3-5 is to pull out all the stops and get your praise on! If you have a trumpet, blow it for the Lord. If you can dance, dance for the Lord. I’m so glad accordions are not listed. I don’t think accordions can praise the Lord, do you? Seriously, all we have in emotion and thought and passion should be directed in our hallelujah’s!
Who can praise God? – Everyone. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Individually or corporately, if we have breath we should be praising the Lord.
God’s people should be caught up in praising God. Is your life characterized by hallelujah?
Hallelujah is a combination of two Hebrew words. The Hebrew verb halal means to praise. The noun yah is short for Yahweh or Jehovah. Yahweh was the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. God said to Moses, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). So, hallelujah literally means “Praise I am” or “Praise Yahweh”.
This is not just something I say, but it is a way that I live. My life should be a praise to the Great I am.
Psalm 150 is a great Psalm that teaches us several things about hallelujah. Notice this psalm begins and ends with hallelujah (Praise the Lord).
1 Praise the LORD. (Hallelujah)
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD. (Hallelujah)
This psalm teaches us the where, why, how and who of praising the Lord.
Where should we praise God? – Everywhere. The first verse tells us in his sanctuary and in his mighty heavens. In other words, we should praise him everywhere. When we are gathered together or when we are alone. Derek Kidner states, “God’s glory fills the universe, his praise must do no less.”
Why should we praise God? - For every one of his acts and attributes. Verse two tells us to praise him for his acts of power. God’s power is most visible in the Gospel. Romans 1:16 tells us that the Gospel is the power of God. We should never get over the wonder and the power of God saving us by His Son – Hallelujah! We also praise him for all his attributes – his surpassing greatness. We praise him for who He is – the great I am.
How should we praise God? – With everything you’ve got! I believe the idea behind verses 3-5 is to pull out all the stops and get your praise on! If you have a trumpet, blow it for the Lord. If you can dance, dance for the Lord. I’m so glad accordions are not listed. I don’t think accordions can praise the Lord, do you? Seriously, all we have in emotion and thought and passion should be directed in our hallelujah’s!
Who can praise God? – Everyone. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Individually or corporately, if we have breath we should be praising the Lord.
God’s people should be caught up in praising God. Is your life characterized by hallelujah?
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