Pastor’s Letter 12-27-19

 

 “I did think I saw heaven…and the great God Himself”

Who would DARE say something like that?

—George Frideric Handel in 1742

 

After being prompted by a friend to produce a religious oratorio, George Frideric Handel began composing music that dramatically illustrated the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This daunting task undoubtedly would be a great undertaking for any music composer and would probably require many years of challenging work to produce. However, Handel wrote this masterpiece in just 24 days. Its title was “Messiah”.

                                               

Incredible Inspiration

Handel set to work composing on August 22, 1742 in his little house on Brook Street in London. He grew so absorbed in the work that he rarely left his room, hardly stopping to eat. Within six days Part One was complete. In nine days more he had finished Part Two, and in another six, Part Three. The orchestration was completed in another two days. In all, 260 pages of manuscript were filled in just 24 days. It is estimated that if he worked 10 hour days, he would have written 15 notes per minute!!  Impossible?

Sir Newman Flower, one of Handel's many biographers, summed up the consensus of history: "Considering the immensity of the work and the short time involved, it will remain, perhaps forever, the greatest feat in the whole history of music composition."

Handel never left his house for those three weeks. A friend who visited him as he composed found him sobbing with intense emotion. Later, as Handel groped for words to describe what he had experienced, he quoted St. Paul, saying, "Whether I was in the body or out of my body when I wrote it I know not." Many contend that Handel wrote the musical masterpiece under direct inspiration from God.

When the great composer Haydn later heard this masterpiece, he wept like a child and exclaimed, "He is the master of us all!"

 

The Power of Music

This work has had an uncanny spiritual impact on the lives of its listeners. One writer has stated that Messiah's music and message "has probably done more to convince thousands of mankind that there is a God about us, than all the theological works ever written." Handel was extremely generous and donated the proceeds of many a concert of Messiah to clothing the needy, assisting orphans and feeding the hungry. One of his contemporaries wrote, "Perhaps the works of no other composer have so largely contributed to the relief of human suffering." And no other piece of music through the ages has been performed in more places than Handel’s Messiah.                                                                                                                                                            

Handel’s Messiah, by far, is the #1 most popular concert of all time.

Handel was a devout follower of Christ and widely known for his concern for others. Handel's morals were above reproach. At church he was often seen on his knees, expressing by his looks and gesticulations the utmost fervor of devotion.

It would appear that Handel had the humility and profound respect for God that would be vital in obtaining God’s blessing for this project.

 

How About Us?

As imperfect beings,  IF we embrace humility and devotion to God, can we be greater instruments of His divine direction? Perhaps we cannot write scores of music but can we obtain God’s inspiration and direction in our acts of church service?

Last week my family and I went to see the Messiah performed in front of a thousand people. I felt that the audience, orchestra and conductor were all of one mind. With that unity it seemed as if divine inspiration swept over the auditorium as the orchestra performed the Hallelujah chorus and also many other powerful selections. I could not help but wonder if angels that may have been there as well as God listened in and were as moved by the music as we were. It made me wonder what level of dynamic power God can establish with us if we commit to living in spiritual harmony with Him. I also concluded that the rapid way the Messiah was composed, focusing on the role of Jesus Christ, is yet another proof that God exists.

Based on the standing ovation given to the orchestra and choir, perhaps God touched their hearts as they touched His. In this photo the performers appear amazed and stunned at how dynamic their collective efforts were. Our Christianity should work the same way. Luke 1: 37  “With God all things are possible”

 

Guess Who’s on the Move Again?

… Our beloved Deacon, Stan Braumuller - Recently on the island of Dominica where approximately 20 brethren decided to join the United Church of God. Stan visited several days with them in the first part of December.

Their first contact with us came when 2 of their members arrived at the Grenada UCG Feast site after their local leader died. They brought back a positive report to the other Dominican people regarding their feast experience. And so Chuck Smith asked Stan if he could go meet with them.

This weekend Stan will speak in Kingston, Jamaica. Sometimes we have to share our people; especially these younger ones. : )

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

I include a reminder for us to pray for Sharri and Sherrie, in the Ocala area with their on-going needs. Also Milly who has had back pain and also Dora.

Also remember Bob Lesman, our shut in member in Arcadia, FL. who had successful, quadruple by-pass surgery last Monday and goes to rehab soon. Please pray for his full recovery just as you did for Bill Wilson’s. We were able to see Bob Wednesday in ICU.

And Vero Beach member Connie Pooley would appreciate prayers for her entire family—her husband, plus sons who all have serious needs. And aside from that she will have hand surgery in January and has structural issues and discomfort with her back.

Please also pray for the January 11 public presentation in Ft. Myers, and perhaps most importantly, pray for lasting positive impact of the Asian trip of Vic Kubik and Darris McNeely (and their wives) who have conducted leadership workshop sessions with the local church leaders from multiple countries.

 

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This Sabbath, Dr. Berkel will be in Ft. Myers, Randy McQuien will speak in Vero Beach and I will be in Ocala. Tallahassee’s next service will be January 4.

Best wishes for a valuable Sabbath,

bv