Hallelu Series

INTRODUCTION:

One Sunday Morning during a worship service a man began to be moved by the HS while the message was being spoken. Out loud he exclaimed “Amen!” to the preacher’s words. And around him people were a little disturbed and shocked. A little while later he said loudly, “Hallelujah!” Now a few more people were becoming disturbed, looking at him, and whispering to each other. As the preacher finished his next point the man raised his hand in the air and shouted “Praise Jesus!”

Finally an usher moved quickly down the aisle. He bent over and whispered to the man,

“Sir! Control yourself!” The man exclaimed, “I can’t help it. I got Jesus!!!”

To which the usher responded, “Well you didn’t get Him here!”

Can I ask you a question? Just something to consider. Have we become rather stoic and unemotional in our worship? I’m not just talking about Highway Christian Church; I’m talking the Church as a whole. Have we become emotionally detached and self involved as we come to worship God? Do the words stir anything within our hearts anymore or remind us just how much we love Jesus, or are we focused on other things… things like the style of music that we don’t like, the room temperature, how tired we are or how we wish the service would just end so we could beat the Baptists to the restaurant? What if someone came in to our worship service and did that? Would we stare; would we be disturbed, bothered, annoyed by it? Would we say, “Control yourself!” as if our way of worshiping God is so much more holy? Would we judge him… say he’s just doing that for attention? It’s not real.

What does it mean to truly praise the Lord? Is it just to sing a song of praise? Is it just a prayer of thanks? Is it worshiping God with hands held high in adoration and love? Is it telling God, “Good job! Way to go!”? Or is it maybe all of the above and more?

According to Webster, praise means an expression of gratitude, approval, or to glorify for personal favors conferred. To commend, to applaud, to magnify, to glorify, to honor.

- Summarized from Noah Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language 1828

Since this month is November and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, we will be studying what the Bible says in regards to praise. And we will be asking ourselves the question: “Do I really come to praise God and worship Him?”

The word “hallelujah” occurs at least 31 times in the Psalms alone. In the other 65 books of the Bible, it is said only 7 more times, once in each of the other books where it is said. A psalm, again quoting from Noah Webster’s dictionary, is a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise to God. As I’ve said before, the book of Psalms was to the Jews their Hymnal, their song book for worship.

They would memorize these words and sing or chant them at different times during the year at festivals and on holy days. Especially the ones that are known as the hallel. Hallel means “praise.”

Some of us may still remember the old children’s song “Hallelu.” If you don’t, it goes something like this. There are two sides. One group stands and sings “Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah.” And then the other side stands and sings “Praise ye the Lord.” Now that might sound familiar to you. You may not remember however that this song actually teaches children exactly what that word “hallelujah” means.

It literally means “praise ye the Lord.” “Praise the Lord!” So we going try something today. When I say the words “praise the lord,” I want you to respond back by saying “hallelujah!” Can we do that? Let’s practice once. Ready? Praise the Lord! [Hallelujah!]

Many of the Psalms actually begin with those three words: “Praise the Lord.” [Hallelujah]

So does Psalm 111. And that’s the one we are going to look at today.

BODY:

So now, if you have your Bible this morning, please Turn to Psalm 111.

What I love about this passage is it begins with praise and also it ends with praise.

Psalm 111 (NLT) says…

1  Praise the Lord! [Hallelujah!]

I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. 2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. 3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. 4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! 5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. 6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. 7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. 8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. 9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! 10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.