Almost 270 years ago, a German man named George was facing a mountain of debt and imprisonment. His health was failing, so that evening, 56-year old George gave his farewell concert.

But then two strange things happened to George:

1. A wealthy friend, Charles Jennens, gave George a libretto (fine prosaic words which are meant to accompany music). This libretto was based on the life of Christ and was taken entirely from the Bible.

2. George received a commission to compose a work for a Dublin benefit.

For three weeks, George ensconced himself in his home, barely eating or sleeping. When he emerged, a servant said George had tears pouring from his eyes as he proclaimed, “I think I did see Heaven before me, and the great God himself.”

George Handel had just written the “Hallelujah” chorus. It had taken Handel only 24 days to compose 260 pages. Some have said it was the greatest feat in the whole of music composition. Messiah was performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742 as a charity benefit, which freed 142 men from debtor’s prison.

A year later, Handel performed his work in front of the King of England. As the final notes hit, the king stood. The audience, following royal protocol, stood in response to the king. Standing ovations have taken place ever since.

I’m one of those people who listens to Handel’s Messiah in June or August, not limiting it to Christmas or Easter. This music reminds me that there is a holy, mighty God who works wonders through dust people. I’m not exagerating, I sob every single time.

Now that makes me want to give God a standing ovation!

What in creation makes you believe in God? How are you limiting God today?

Ask him to create a Hallelujah chorus in you today!