We just returned from Boston Symphony Hall where our souls were nourished for two and half hours as we listened to Handel’s Messiah. It is not difficult to pinpoint my favorite five minutes. I know we all stood for the Hallelujah Chorus but for me the best was yet to come. It was the very next aria “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and tho’ worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.” Job 19 and I Corinthians 15.
When the soprano sings “I know that my redeemer liveth” I want to jump and shout, “Yes, Yes, Yes.” This old body grows decrepit but I gladly trade it in for the newest best model. There won’t be a next year’s model because it will be the best possible model. That’s not because there won’t be any needed or wanted additions it is because it comes with never ending self/divine improvement software.
I did notice that some did not stand for the Hallelujah Chorus so I watched them at the end when the soloists came out for their bows. Those same people stood, applauded and some even yelled, “Bravo.” I should hold my judgment because I’m sure each had their personal reasons. But for me if I stand to applaud a fellow human whose accomplishment was to sound good, why not stand for the praise, honor and glory for the one who shall reign forever and ever because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Tonight I shall go to bed hearing in my head, “I know that my redeemer liveth” and I will sleep well.
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 28, 2016
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