And He Shall Reign
Reflections on Handel’s Messiah
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Revealed
Accompanied Recitative: Comfort Ye
Aria: Every Valley
Chorus: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 40:1-5 KJV
The opening tenor recitative and aria are certainly an iconic entrance to the tremendous work that is Handel’s Messiah. The text from which the librettist, Charles Jennens, compiled, begins in Isaiah 40. Isaiah is a book of prophecy likely authored by Isaiah, son of Amoz, about 700 years before Christ’s birth. Probably written to those exiled during the Babylonian captivity, the central themes of this book reveal much about God himself. In chapter 40, it reveals God’s comfort for His people. A bird’s eye view of Isaiah shows us the message of God’s redemptive plan for all people, simply, a broken relationship with God because of sin, God’s plan of salvation, and His work to redeem His people.
Remember in books of prophecy and poetry, it is common to see metaphoric language and verses 1-5 are no exception. In verses 1-2 God’s message to His exiled people is one of forgiveness and compassion. Imagine what it would have been like to have been exiled: no home, no hope, no future. But God brings comfort, declares that the war is finished, and that sin will be forgiven. It’s interesting that we begin with comfort. The all-powerful, holy God could have started with a “refiner’s fire,” but instead, we start with comfort. That is a powerful description of the way God works. He is patient, slow to anger, and compassionate.
Then, there is a quick transition in verse 3 to what all of us with New Testament eyes immediately recognize as the message of John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:1-6, John declares a message of repentance for the kingdom was at hand and he quotes Isaiah, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3b ESV) What was prophesied in Isaiah is fulfilled by John the Baptist. More figurative imagery is used declaring that preparations will be made for the glory of the Lord to be revealed, and all will see it, Jews and Gentiles alike, for the Lord has spoken. Just as we saw the power of God’s word at creation, here we see the power of God’s word in the prophecy and fulfillment of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I often define “worship” as recognizing and responding to the revelation of God. Just as God has always done, He reveals Himself, and the true believer who recognizes the power of God is compelled to respond. So, in hearing words of comfort, forgiveness, and preparation, we begin with hope. Hope that the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Perhaps you have felt exiled, or lonely, or lost, anxious or dismayed. Maybe you recognize your own lostness, distance, or broken relationship with a holy God. Let this voice of comfort calm you, give you peace, give you hope. Keep your eyes on Him and the work He is doing. The Lord has spoken, and His glory will be revealed. Ready yourself to respond.
Questions to consider:
1. In what area of your life do you need God’s comfort?
2. What parts of your life do you need God to make straight paths?
3. What part of God’s character has He revealed to you and what is your response?
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Handel’s Messiah is considered one of the greatest choral masterpieces of all time. Countless school, community, and church choirs perform portions of this work every year. The music, in collaboration with the scriptural texts, creates a spiritual experience that brings to life the prophecy, passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In He Shall Reign: Reflections on Handel’s Messiah, Dr. Jordan Cox provides the reader an opportunity to listen, reflect, and respond to the scriptures set to Handel’s iconic masterwork. Based on his dissertation research, Cox suggests that spiritual experiences cannot be created, but an atmosphere can be cultivated in which spiritual experiences may occur. These spiritual experiences often take place when there are elements of connection at play, one of which is connection to the text.
In eight Advent devotions and twelve Lenten devotions, Cox provides five-minute readings to reflect on the text and theology of Handel’s Messiah. Whether you are a choral director, singer, or avid listener of choral music, these devotions will deepen your engagement with this work and develop connections to these scriptures that will stir your soul spiritually, musically, and theologically.
About the Author
For over twenty years, Dr. Jordan Cox has lived at the intersection of choral music, faith, and education. Holding multiple degrees in music education and worship, alongside extensive experience in conducting, worship leading, and teaching, Dr. Cox brings his zeal for spirit-filled music to inspire audiences and performers alike.