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Verse:Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” —Revelation 11:15
One of the most majestic musical compositions of all time is George F. Handel’s Messiah, best known for its “Hallelujah Chorus.” Using the Bible-based, Christ-centered lyrics of Charles Jennens, Handel composed his masterpiece in only twenty-four days. At the end of the score, he wrote “SDG,” an abbreviation of Soli Deo Gloria, which means “glory to God alone.” The work was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742, for a very appreciative audience of seven hundred people.
According to a widespread tradition, the practice of standing during the “Hallelujah Chorus” began in March 1743 at the London debut performance, when King George II was supposedly so moved that he rose to his feet, and everyone else in the auditorium did the same. Some critics question this story due to the lack of contemporary historical evidence. Regardless of its origin, the practice has survived through the centuries and is still observed as a symbol of reverence to the exalted Christ.
The “Hallelujah Chorus” reflects the sublime expressions of heavenly praise described in the Revelation of John as rendered in the King James Version.
For example, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (Revelation 19:6). Based on John’s visions of heavenly realms, Handel’s chorus praises the enthroned Christ as “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). It may be considered a slight foretaste of the music of heaven. The whole plan of salvation was conceived and implemented so we can live in the very presence of God, “to enjoy the light and glory of heaven, to hear the angels sing, and to sing with them.”20 But much more important than simply knowing about the praises of heaven is preparing ourselves to praise God in heaven! After all, “heaven is worth everything to us, and if we lose heaven we lose all.” If we miss heaven, we miss the very purpose of our existence. By God’s grace, you and I have to be there.