The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. (Rev. 11:15)


WHEN GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL composed the Messiah in 1741, he was recovering from a stroke that left him partially paralyzed on his left side. Nevertheless, he completed the oratorio in just twenty-one days. His servants, commenting on his demeanor while engrossed in the composition, said, “He was praying, or he was weeping, or he was staring into eternity.”

Another great composer, Ludwig von Beethoven, copied every word and every note of the Messiah in his own hand because he wanted to absorb every detail and nuance of the composition. The Messiah was first performed in Dublin, and later, when it was performed in London, King George II stood when the choir sang the mighty “Hallelujah Chorus.” Still it was not as popular as some of Handel’s other oratorios during his lifetime.

Today, the Messiah is most commonly performed during the Christmas season. It recounts the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, as well as the birth, life, death, and resurrection. The “Hallelujah Chorus” triumphantly proclaims that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.”

Although we do not know just how or when this future crowning of Christ as King will occur, we have confidence that it will happen. His first coming was predicted and occurred in God’s timing. So will His second coming.

Surrendering your kingdom to His kingdom is the best plan for your future.

Ron McClung, who works at his denomination’s world headquarters, lives in Fishers, Indiana, with his wife, Carol. They have two sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.