John Bunyan (1628-1688)
READ: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Not to be confused with the man
with the big blue ox (Paul Bunyan),
John Bunyan was the author of one of the most significant works of religious
English literature. A poor man, he married an equally poor woman who came into
the marriage with nothing but two religious books. These books would have a
powerful impact on John who eventually came to repent of his sin and accept
Christ, even becoming a minister. But when Charles II restored England to
Anglicism in 1660, John was no longer legally allowed to preach. He did, and
spent 12 years in prison as a result. He would have been released had he
promised not to preach, but he would do no such thing. Instead he preached to
his fellow inmates.
John wrote at least nine books
during those years, spending the last four on his greatest work, The Pilgrim’s Progress. The story is an
allegory of the Christian life, and was a picture of Bunyan’s own conversion to
the Lord. John struggled with the guilt of his sin in his early Christian life,
thus the journey of the book’s main character, Christian, was dear to John’s
heart. He understood well the words he penned: “He that lives in sin, and looks for happiness hereafter, is like him
that soweth cockle and thinks to fill his barn with wheat or barley.” John
Bunyan was a man of deep convictions and immeasurable talent, spurred by the
grace he had received from the Father.
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
READ: Psalm 98
Across the centuries, many have
judged the arts (music, theatre, film) as a type of “Satan’s playground”. The
art world is indeed an interesting place and is sadly one where the sacred is
often desecrated. Much is done in the name of “art” that would be deemed
“public indecency” anywhere else. Yet creativity is a blessed wonder sprung
from our Lord who Himself is the very Source of creativity. “And God said…” begins the mystery of our
universe. And so it is no wonder that throughout history, He has placed gifted
and godly men and women in positions of artistic influence.
George Frideric Handel was once
such individual. Beginning music lessons at age 9, he wrote his first
composition by age 12. He loved to write operas, which was unfortunate, since they
were going out of style. By 1737 his opera company was bankrupt and he was
dealing with health problems. It was at this time that he developed a love for oratorios.
Unlike operas, oratorios were Biblical stories and were performed without the flamboyance
of costume and scenery. Ironically, the
church was outraged with Handel, revolted at the idea of common people
performing God’s Word, and in a theatre no less! But Handel continued with his
compositions, though depressed and frustrated by the kickback he received.
Handel loved the Lord and found great pleasure in working with two of God’s
creations – Scripture and music. He loved to set the Word of God to rhythm and
sound. In 1741, Handel was asked by a friend to compose the music to a libretto
the friend had written – a combination of Biblical and religious texts
outlining the work of Christ. Handel worked feverishly, completing the
composition – 260 pages – in only 24 days! The result was what has become one
of the best-known musical works of the western world: Handel’s Messiah. The oratorio poignantly
examines the life of Christ, from the prophecies of Isaiah, to the
resurrection. To quote the most well-loved portion: “Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. (Re 19:6) The kingdom of this world is become the
kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
(Re 11:15) King of Kings, and Lord of
Lords. (Re 19:16) Hallelujah!”
Handel
was an artist. He did what he loved, and God used Him to create a musical
masterpiece that illustrated the masterpiece of Scripture – the redemption of
mankind through Jesus Christ. It is only through men and women like this that
we will gain back ground that the enemy has stolen in the realm of creativity.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
