Come to Him

The Messiah, Parts 18-21

Editor's Note: "It's starting!" That's what we say or think when something we've long anticipated finally begins: a great concert, a show, fireworks, a wedding, etc. 

The next segments of The Messiah are about the show beginning -- the long-anticipated coming of the savior. How do the people know? The drum roll, the opening of the curtain, and eruption of music is replaced by a different beginning.  Jesus appears and suddenly begins performing great works of mercy: the lame walk, the mute speak, wounds are healed, and the dead are raised! 

WHAT A SHOW! 

After centuries of arduous anticipation, the Messiah has come in a battle to reclaim territory from the enemy. Like the Allies' invasion of Normandy in WW II, it's the beginning of the end. 

COME! 

Join the movement. Rejoice in its wonders until the closing curtain, when God's people bow, not to the audience, but to the producer and creator  --- the Father of all wonders, love, and peace. 

“Come unto him, all ye that labour, come unto him, that are heavy laden, and he will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of him; for he is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Mt. 11)

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Video Performance (4:32)

18. Air (soprano) – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is the righteous Saviour, and he shall speak peace unto the heathen.” (Zechariah 9, vv.9–10)

Video Performance (6:13)

19. Recitative (mezzo-soprano) – “Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.” (Isaiah 35, vv.5–6)

20. Duet (mezzo-soprano/soprano) – “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: and he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40, v.11); “Come unto him, all ye that labor, come unto him, that are heavy laden, and he will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of him; for he is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11, vv.28–29)

Video Performance (2:34)

21. Chorus – “His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.” (Matthew 11, v.30)