Matthew 26:30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
The passover meal or what we call the “last supper” concluded with a hymn. It is a Jewish customary that hymns from Psalms 113–118 and 136 are sung before the benediction of a festive meal. “Hallel” in Hebrew means “Praise” and the “Great Hallel” is the song based on Psalm 136. Jesus led the disciples to sing the “Great Hallel” as they finished their last supper and ascended up to the Mount of Olives to prepare for His gruesome crucifixion and death on the cross. Psalms 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Singing prepares the place of prayer and praise is the prophecy into our promised future.
The prayer at Gethsemane was no ordinary “give me”, “bless me” prayer. Luke 22:44 being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. But the singing at the dinner table (last supper) set the stage for striving at the Garden of Gethsemane. There are songs of desperation, songs of deliverance and songs of celebration. Songs should be part of every phase of life, as songs, hymns and singing unleashes divine interference into our unpleasant intrusions.
Songs, singing and praising injects Heavenly help in three prominent ways:
1. Attendants: While Jesus was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, singing, praising and Hallel brought angels to attend to Him. Luke 22:44 An angel from Heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. On one hand the appearance of Heavenly helpers brought Jesus comfort but on the other hand they strengthened Him for the journey ahead. They helped Jesus to see the cross not as a ‘lethal weapon’ that put Him to death but as the ‘liberating warhead’ to defeat wickedness, evil and sickness. Our songs of “Hallel” will release divine attendants to comfort and strengthen us on our journey.
2. Soldiers: Angels are the armed force, military soldiers and servants who are waiting on us. Hebrew 1:14 Angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. As we open our heart and mouth to praise a cloud of angelic presence encircles us. Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Songs, centre stage of praise and worship, is a language that is familiar to the angels and attracts the Heavenly hosts to the saints who praise and raise the name of Jesus. Our singing intensifies angelic protection.
3. Messengers: “Hallel” attracts the Heavenly atmosphere. When we sing from our heart, we will be surrounded by scores of angels singing “songs of deliverance”. Psalm 32:7-8a You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. When we are desperate to hear the instructions from God, just surround yourself with songs of deliverance and the divine messengers will impart, inspire and initiate divine dialogues and direction. The song of our heart becomes the melody in our mouth to receive divine directions, instructions and inspirations.
Don’t let the angels, our ministering spirits, stand idle. Attract them with songs, praises, hymns and Hallel and deploy them to help, fight and protect. Songs bring celestials into the terrestrial.
Psalm 33:3 Sing to Him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the promise to send angels as ministering spirits, to surround, help, protect, fight, comfort and strengthen me as I make melody in my heart and sing praises with my mouth. Amen
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