Jesus sends us out to further his apostolic ministry to the world - this is being set free. Although the world and its systems are hostile to the Anointed One, being sent by Jesus is the greatest adventure. John 17, Psalm 2

#apostle #sent #hostileterritory #adventure

Anya jokes that her and Bogdan's children are in every nation in the world, they have so many. Then, four years ago, an enemy invaded her home country of Ukraine; Russian troops had advanced to only a few miles away from Kyiv. Some of the many children now live abroad, some are fighting, one has died as a soldier, others are still living at home. This is an impromptu interview, kindly given over breakfast. This is a woman who deserves to be heard.

The extraordinary story of a wildfire fighter from Canada who joins the Ukrainian Army to fight against the Russian invaders only to be shot in the head by one of his comrades. Hear how this hero of Ukraine escapes alive and lives to tell his remarkable tale.

Watch David's interview on CBC CA News

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-david-rauser-donetsk-9.7063338

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/JEC_t3erZbY?si=FvkVML304JJgSHvL

In the final sections of the masterpiece, Handel leads everything to a climax with the soprano solo voice, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" followed by the whole choir resounding with an anthem of praise echoing the choirs of heaven. Amen! Amen! Amen!

Romans 8:31-34, Revelation 5:12-14

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

The victory won by the Messiah means that death has been disarmed of its main threat - that of permanently isolating the human being from God's presence for ever. This is pretty important stuff and while Handel has our attention he makes sure he gives us the full message!

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

Through the mouth of a gorgeous soprano soloist, Handel courageously grapples with the huge questions of death, bodily decomposition and resurrection. He takes the fashionable music-loving social elite on a thorough theological examination.

Job 19:25,26, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

The most famous and instantly recognisable part of the whole Messiah - the Hallelujah Chorus. In many ways this is the defining moment in the Oratorio. We join the combined voices of every creature in heaven and earth worshipping God and the Messiah, the Lamb of God. We glimpse the great moment which will be the culmination of the great story of God and people, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Revelation 19:6, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 19:16

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

In a world saturated with a non-stop flood of breaking news, current affairs and 24 hour global reportage it is easy to see world leaders as supersized characters competing like Titans on a huge stage. We clearly do see the effect of one nation's actions as it directly impacts our lives, but in this section Handel gives us a glimpse of another reality. Including something which God seems to find very amusing.

Psalm 2:1-9

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

We are inspired to become part of the great host of preachers with beautiful feet, prowling the good news of the Messiah!

All musical samples are taken from:

Messiah

The scene changes dramatically from the suffering, despised and rejected Messiah, to the glorious conquering hero King. We see Jesus conquering the final enemy that faces each human being: Death.

Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrews 1:5,6, Psalm 68:18

All musical samples are taken from

Messiah