Making Meaning of Hallelujah

Let’s talk about familiarity and meaning. After Jesus’ resurrection, He had an interesting encounter with two followers. The risen Christ walked a long way with them towards Emmaus, but they did not recognise Him.

“When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight.” – Luke 24:30-31

In the disciples’ moment of grief and hopelessness, all they could focus on was the recent crucifixion. Although Christ walked with them, His presence held no meaning for them until after He broke bread. That’s because hopelessness can make us lose sight of meaning, even in the presence of the familiar.

Think about the word ‘Hallelujah’. It is so familiar that you’ve probably said it a dozen times this week. How many times did you really think about its meaning though?

The Bible recounts that Jesus was in hades for 3 days, and then He rose from the grave on the third. He didn’t just rise though; He set the captives free, led captivity captive, and later ascended (Ephesians 4:8). This is the story of Easter but, more than that, it is the believer’s story. The resurrection is where we were regenerated. God transformed us from death to life.

The Sacred Sound of Resurrection

Jesus did not leave hades alone—He left with the saints (Matthew 27:52), and I believe He came out with a sound. I submit that that sound is Hallelujah—the perfect sound. Hallelujah means “God be praised”, but it is not just a word. It is a sound that serves as a key. Praise is the sound of war; it is the sound of victory. That’s why Hallelujah vibrates in hades, resounds on earth, and opens the heavens.

When you say Hallelujah and mean it, it reminds hell of Christ’s victory years ago. It reminds all powers and principalities that just as He came out of hades and the grave, you are coming out.

So, dear friend, in what areas have you lost hope? In what way has the familiar lost meaning to you? This Easter, open your eyes and see that Jesus is walking with you. Open your mouth and release Hallelujah! Let it vibrate. Let it resound. Let it open the heavens!

Shalom

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