הַלְלוּיָהּ

We were made.

We have a Maker.

So, why, why did this Maker make you and I?

Our journey takes us back to the ancient Hebrew Scriptures. It is here we first learn about our Maker. His name is יהוה from which we get the English spelling Yahweh or in shortened form, Yah. Consider this excerpt from Exodus 34:6-7 when Yahweh met with Moses on Mt. Sinai.

“The LORD (יהוה) passed before him and proclaimed, “יהוה , יהוה, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

What does this reveal about our Maker? He is God who is merciful, gracious, patient, faithful, loving, forgiving, and just. We were made by the LORD — Yahweh.

So we ask, why? Why did He make us? What’s the reason? What’s the point? Why am I here? Why are any of us here? Are we hopelessly lost? Are we on our own to find our own way? Is there more to this life? Is it meaningless? Is there purpose? And if there is, how can I know it to be true in my heart and in my head? How can I experience it? How do I know it’s real?

The Bible opens with the words In the beginning (Genesis 1:1) and ends with Amen (Revelation 22:21); we find ourselves in the in-between. This book introduces us to the One who makes and the ones who were made. And it also tells us why.

The answer may be found in the Hebrew Psalter (Book of Psalms), wherein it uses the word הַלְלוּיָהּ which is transliterated as Hallelujah. This word, this idea, is what National Convention 2019 is all about.

In Hebrew, hallelujah is really two words in one: hallel – yah, or, Praise Yahweh! In the midst of mountains and valleys of life, what is our cry? What is the banner over our lives? What remains true when all else is stripped away?

Together, we are going to wrestle with a lot of questions. We will be challenged to consider the breadth of our calling, the depth of our character, and the faith required for a life of blessing in the midst of brokenness.

As you prepare your heart for this event, ask the Maker to give you a soft heart. The Lord is near, so join the hallelujah chorus and get excited for National Convention 2019.

Not able to join us at National Convention? Join us via Live Stream at teenpact.com/live and our NatCon19 website at teenpactnatcon19.com. Check back during the week to experience elections, speakers, worship and more!