On August 22, 1741, George Frideric Handel started composing an oratorio. He would not leave his home for three weeks. In fact, he rarely left his composing chair. Twenty-four days later, Handel emerged from his writing room with a 259-page masterpiece called “Messiah”. The opening act prophetically points to the coming Messiah.

“Messiah” debut as an Easter offering at the Great Music Hall in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. The music mesmerized its listeners, but it accomplished so much more than that. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a benefit concert.

That inaugural performance raised £400—$86,000 in today’s dollars! And that £400 was used to free 142 men from debtors’ prison. That is what qualifies Messiah as a double blessing. The first blessing is beautiful music that inspires the soul. The second blessing? Setting 142 captives free!

Blessing others gives encouragement to others to continue to walk with Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can bless others for Christ’s glory.

“Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.” Genesis 27:4

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