Day 20: Is He Worthy? -Andrew Peterson

Is He Worthy?

There aren't that many worship songs based on Revelations 5:8-14 even though that scripture describes "ten thousand times ten thousand" angels, living creatures, and elders praising God in unison. The song centers around the concept that in that day, there will be a scroll that can only be opened by Jesus, since He is the only one that is worthy. This song is beautiful poetry just to read through the lyrics and the call and response using rhetorical questions puts it in a league of its own artistically.

Biblical Background

Revelations 5:8-14

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the [e]twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped [f]Him who lives forever and ever.

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! He is!
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is! He is!
He is worthy! He is worthy!
He is!

Abundant Life Fellowship Version

Andrew Peterson Version

Final Thoughts

This can be a difficult song to do for the first time in a worship service and works well as a special music instead of in corporate worship initially. This is because the concepts within can be taught along with the verses. It is not repetitive like much contemporary worship music and this can make it a little slower for the congregation to learn. It's worth it though as a beautiful addition to your repertoire. Also, if you're willing to put in the work, here's a link to all the bible references in the song.

Comments

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