Hallelujah!

Psalm 146 begins the last five songs of Psalms and they are referred to as "The Hallelujah Psalms."  It begins with "Praise the Lord!" and ends with "Praise the Lord!"  Thus, we sing "Hallelujah," which translates into "Praise the Lord."

In our culture of this day, most people have no clue that when they use this word, they are actually saying "Praise the Lord!"  As Jesus was entering Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago, many of those who knew of Him were shouting, Hallelujah.  To this the Pharisees were telling Jesus to tell these people to be silent, yet "He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40) 

Now we see this coming true as even pagans unknowingly are shouting His praises by saying and singing "Hallelujah."  Most likely, many of them would be astounded by the revelation of what they were saying.  Whether it is the profane golfer who finally hits a hole-in-one; or, the crooked business person who makes a big profit off of a shady deal; or, a college student who gets a grade of "A" when he knows he didn't deserve it; they all cry out "Hallelujah" never knowing what they are actually saying.  Yet, God says the stones...even the hard-hearted unbeliever...will cry out words of praise.

Do you remember the movie "Shrek" where the theme song is titled "Hallelujah?"  This animated movie, though funny for the most part, has nothing to do with God, yet there it is as if the rocks beside the road were Praising God. They sing it out because God alone is worthy of praise and He, as the choir-director, instructs all to praise Him.

When the church comes together, it is for one purpose and one alone...to sing praise to the Creator God.  One of many favorites of all the hymns, at least in my mind, is this refrain:

"To God be the Glory"

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

 

The litany of praises from the voices of the congregation of the people of God as they stood before the Temple, led by the Levitical choir, are songs of worship directed heaven-ward in thanks for who He is and for what He has done.  He had chosen them from among the nations as a people set apart unto Himself and as an example and light of the truth to the surrounding peoples.

 

There is a place for the children of Israel in the millennial kingdom as God fulfills His promise to Abraham, but for now, in the age of the church, the people whom God has chosen...you and me...are called out to lift voices high in praise to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who said, "When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."  Let us lift Him up in praise!

 

Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!