TMC has had a beautiful fall season, with so many rich and worthwhile challenges that I haven’t been able to write in quite awhile. But oh, my heart is so full. This current blog is inspired by a powerful, stirring scripture (Revelation 5) and a worship song based on that scripture: “Is He Worthy” by Andrew Peterson. I listen to the version by Chris Tomlin (Chris Tomlin ”Is He Worthy” [Live]. YouTube.com), and I encourage you to please take a listen— maybe even have it playing as you read the blog! I believe the song will inspire you as it has me, and draw you into worship….
Jesus is so worthy of our praise, in this season and always! THANKSGIVING JOY to you, even as you read!
Andrew Peterson
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! “Jesus loves you!”
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—
every people and tribe, every nation and tongue….
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God to reign with the Son!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy!
He is worthy of all blessing and glory and honor! He is worthy of this!
He is!
He is!
He is worthy! He is worthy!
HE IS!
“Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. And… the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because You were slain,
and with your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Hallelujah!