HALLELUJAH
Rob (Bob) Briggs – Chaplain; Logan United Christian Soccer Club -February 2021
HAVE YOU EVER . . . . . ? I am sure you have come across that question many times in your lifetime. Filling out those bothersome forms at the doctor’s office or on those insurance application forms. Well I have another question for you to consider. HAVE YOU EVER considered who Jesus really is? If you remember in the last Chappie’s Chat, we talked about the ‘Names of Jesus’ (https://lucsoccer.com/in-his-name-christmas-blessing/ ). I identified around 31 different names that speak of Him in the scriptures. So many names that have the same meaning, referring to the same person, but pounced and spelt differently.
Well here is an interesting fact, there is one word in all the languages of the earth that is pronounced the same and has the same meaning. Can you guess what it is?
Of course, the word is “HALLELUJAH”. Dave Drum the founder of J17 Ministries says:
“Did you know that “hallelujah” sounds the same in every language? I knew that already, but I heard it for myself from many of these five languages. And isn’t that fitting? A word that means “praise the Lord” is the single most unifying word on the planet. No wonder Jesus’ prayer for unity begins by praying that the Son would be glorified – that’s where unity starts! When Jesus is lifted up, He draws us all together, whether we’re dedicating a new building or bearing another’s burdens.”
Here are some Russian children singing a song, listen and you will be able to understand at least one word I am sure, even if you don’t speak Russian.
What does HALLELUJAH mean? Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg explains:
‘Hallelujah is a Hebrew loan word, incorporated into the English language from Hebrew. But what does this word mean in Hebrew?
The word “Hallelujah” (הללויה) is actually a compound word (two individual Hebrew words put together): “Hallelu” (הללו) and “Yah” (יה). “Hallelu” is an exhortation to a group of people to praise someone or something. The old English translation of “Praise ye” is therefore a very accurate translation
“Yah” (יה) is a version of “YHVH” (יהוה) – an English transliteration of the covenant name of Israel’s God.’
So therefore, we see, Hallelujah means ‘Praise the Lord’.
How fitting is it then that as we approach Easter just a month or so away celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord that we should be heard to proclaim ‘Hallelujah’.
So can you answer the question, ‘Have you ever considered who Jesus really is?’ Jesus Himself asked that very question of His disciples and it is recorded in Matthew 16:13-17
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, some say that you are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
He said unto them, But who do you say that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven.
As we talked last time about all the names given to Jesus – ‘The Anointed one; Emmanuel; Lamb of God; Prince of Peace; Wonderful Counselor; Son of God, all expressed differently but describing the same person of Jesus. Yet there is but one word in every language on this earth that is pronounced exactly the same that tells us we should Praise Him as our Lord and Saviour.
As we contemplate the commencement of soccer with a full season ahead of us, should we not also proclaim Christ as our Lord and Saviour?
HALLELUJAH Praise the Lord.
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