April - Is He Worthy?

Lyrics

Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)

Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)

But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do)

Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)

Is all creation groaning? (It is)

Is a new creation coming? (It is)

Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? (It is)

Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?

Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?

The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave

He is David’s Root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

Of all blessing and honor and glory?

Is He worthy of this? He is!

Does the Father truly love us? (He does)

Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)

And does Jesus our Messiah hold forever those He loves? (He does)

Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?

Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?

The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave

He is David’s Root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

From every people and tribe

every nation and tongue

He has made us a kingdom and priests to God to reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

Of all blessing and honor and glory?

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

Is He worthy of this? He is!

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

He is! He is!

Bible Memory Verse

Revelation 5:12

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

Story Behind the Song

This hymn was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive and first released in 2018. They live with their families in Nashville.

Andrew loves telling stories in songs and books. This piece of music is a little bit different. He wrote it to be a liturgical hymn for congregations to sing together. The word liturgy means ‘work of the people’. It is used to describe the shape of a church service and often with written out parts that the congregation speak together. 

In this hymn it is a sung part not simply a spoken one. The song has a ‘call and response’ style. Andrew sings the call, or in this case the question, ‘Do you feel the world is broken?’ And then the congregation respond with ‘we do’ and so on.

It was written for a collection of new songs called ‘The Resurrection letters’. He wanted the congregation to enjoy singing songs together about the Risen Christ. The language of this hymn is inspired by the book of Revelation. It tells us of the great victory and unmatched worthiness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The melody is very emotive and builds as the understanding of all the Lord has done and will do deepens! Our favorite memory of this hymn is when Andrew came to the Odyssey arena in our home city of Belfast and led everyone so powerfully in singing it!

Something to Think About

When I was 11 years old my grandmother passed away. You can see her holding me as a baby in this photo. I remember it being the first time I really thought about how life here does not last forever. I remember thinking about heaven and how my grandmother was now with the Lord. I remember feeling sad and how important trusting the Lord is. I was also grateful to be part of a family that talked about the Lord in very real ways. This was a serious moment when it really really mattered.

Perhaps you have had a family member or a friend pass away. It is a very difficult and painful thing. It makes us ask lots of questions. But if those tears and those questions lead us to Jesus it can bring comfort and beautiful hope to us. 

When we look to Jesus we see someone who cries our tears and knows our loss. He took away our brokenness and our sin by dying on the cross. He brought us the hope of new life when He rose again. All who come to Him can share in this joy especially as we think about death.

Every time I sing this hymn it makes my heart burst with gladness because I know one day all the goodbyes will be over. I will see my grandmother again.  But even more I will see the Lord who has loved me and praise Him. For He is worthy. Yes, He is!

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,

Thank you that you have won the great victory over sin and death! Thank you that you have given us a living hope! May we bring glory to your great name as we sing this hope together.

In Jesus name

Amen