“Who is this King of glory?”
ADONAI–Tzva’ot [the LORD of Hosts]—He is the King of glory! Selah  Psalm 24:10, TLV

Who is the King of Glory?    George Frideric Handel* was the composer of The Messiah, however the text was written by Charles Jennens**, a wealthy landowner who had a passion for music and literature.

This duo produced several religious oratorios, but The Messiah has become one of the most recognized and revered of those musical masterpieces. Why? I believe it was because it is the full gospel’s journey, from Biblical prophecy to resurrection. It even includes Paul’s letters about the resurrection.

When Handel’s success of composing Italian operas became less popular, he began composing English oratorios based on Biblical stories (such as Saul, Esther and Deborah). When he wrote The Messiah in English, in 1741 for “ordinary” vocals and instrumentations, over time it became increasingly more popular being performed in both public and church venues.

After Handel’s death other composers from around Europe began expanding the production with more polished and professional choirs, singers, and musicians. Each composer brought their own passions to the story.

One of my favorite versions was a more contemporary interpretation, The New Young Messiah, with vocalists from the contemporary Christian world. Produced in 1993 it is a beautiful mix of traditional and gospel.

So what has that to do with this passage and us?

Well, first the miracle collaboration of a businessman who was passionate about his faith and music with one of the great composers of that time. How amazing is that? An example of a divine coupling that would impact the world. When Jennens submitted his lyrics to Handel, he was nervous that Handel might not catch the vision. Jennens wrote to his friend:

“I hope [Handel] will lay out his whole Genius & Skill upon it, that the Composition may excel all his former Compositions, as the Subject excels every other subject. The Subject is Messiah”.

The second piece is that Handel and Jennens may have collaborated on an anointed production, but The Messiah grew in popularity and passion and skill as the years went on. Century after century new revelations in vocals and technology brought more beauty and worship.

As a writer, I know that God can inspire me to write what I am to write, but the Holy Spirit will adapt it to the reader. I’ve received letters from readers who shared powerful messages the Father showed them—and I scratched my head wondering how that came up with that revelation. Finally, I realized my responsibility was to write what He showed me and the rest was up to the Holy Spirit. I had no control.

Somehow, I think both Handel and Jennens would rejoice over the impact of The Messiah on generations of seekers and believers. That:

He is the King of Glory! Halleluyah!

Hope you enjoy the musical version of today’s verse from the The New Young Messiah.

Until tomorrow, rejoice for our God reigns! Please continue to pray that the Sar Shalom [Prince of Peace] will reign in the hearts of all. God bless you!

***

*Born in Halle, Germany in 1685, he became a naturalized British subject in 1727.

**British, Charles Jennens was born in 1700 and died in 1773. He collaborated with Handel on several Biblical oratorios.