“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” I used this quote to begin a newsletter i sent out the week prior to Psalm Sunday – I find it an accurate definition for a follower of Christ, as well as a joyful challenge. Yesterday in one of the services we attended, we probably responded with “He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!” a dozen times. I’ve got Alleluia on the brain now…
Speaking that phrase in church, using that quote in a newsletter – both have given me some thoughts about the word “Alleluia”, which translated means “praise the Lord.” And just how do we praise the Lord for all he has given us through his son Jesus? What does “Alleluia in action” look like? Is Alleluia simply a word we use to praise the Lord, or does speaking it imply something more powerful?
I see it scripted across the sky, soaring through the heavens, hovering over the nations. It’s not a verb, but it’s a proclamation that oozes action. If we are going to praise God, we need to jump in with not only echoes of “Alleluia”, but with strategic Alleluia Actions.
The question we all can ask ourselves after a joyous Easter celebration is what exactly does “Alleluia” say to you? I was moved to tears several times in the 2 services we attended – by songs, by singing, by Scripture and by the pastor’s words – thinking of so many who do not know Jesus. I looked around me at a sea of worshipers, many young families, some college students from a local Christian university, and a generous sprinkling of gray hair. I thought about each group and realized that the older generation sitting in the pews are the only ones who have lots of time to go and do. Parents are ministering to their children, college students are focused on their future, and retired members at church? What are we focused on?
Then our ladies choir got up to sing and the majority were retired women – wives and widows who are experiencing Alleluia Action by practicing and preparing for worship on Easter Sunday. What a beautiful gift of song they gave to us. I looked at our ushers – again, retired members who generously give time each Sunday to serve the congregation. I watched grandparents going up to receive communion tenderly carrying grandchildren down the aisle. I have watched retired women come and go on Saturdays preparing the altar for worship. How wonderful to know there is a place to serve for each of us!
Each one of these gifts of time is treasured and appreciated. Each believer is finding a way to continue to serve and act as the hands and feet of Jesus, despite advancing years. And as I watched Christian Alleluia in action, I thought about how God has asked me to serve. And then wondered how he had called the woman sitting next to me to serve. Then thought about all the hours retired believers have to give to show the world a Savior who loves them, wants to care for them and walk with them in this life and beyond.
So the next question to answer is how are you living out Alleluia Actions? What opportunity is God bringing to your life, what concern can you not shake, what door is opening for you to spring into Alleluia Action? What is God speaking into your life about how you use your time? And how are you responding? From praying to proclaiming, from singing to serving, from giving to going, from loving to leading…and everything in-between. The list is long of how we express our praise through Alleluia Action.
Seek, listen, respond. Ask him where you can be active, using all of your resources for HIs good and His glory – for the growth of His Kingdom here on earth. Move from the “what’s on your heart” feelings to the action of living out an Alleluia in your life!
Don't Waste Your Retirement 