I am not a musician, nor an audiophile. I don't typically saunter through my day with music playing in the background. I'm the kind of guy who seldom turns on the radio in the car. In fact, I think I could hop in my '09 Camry and drive cross-country in complete silence. Silence is a dear friend of mine.
So, when I encounter a song that honors Jesus in a new way, it makes a strong impression on me. That happened a few days ago, when I heard the song Is He Worthy? Let me give you a link to the song below, then discuss it!
The 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!
Interrogative and Antiphonal.
That subtitle is just a fancy way of saying this song uses two beautiful stylistic devices:
- Interrogative: This song asks question upon question upon question. In fact, by my count, it asks 28 questions! Stunning. What a unique and profound way to explore something together. Questions.
- Antiphonal: This song allows for a second voice, a choir, to answer each of those 28 questions. In fact, I think part of the reason my heart is so stirred by this song is that this musical interaction may be a foretaste of heaven! Indeed, we may sing antiphonally, answering such questions that exalt the Lord Jesus! We shall join with a Heavenly Chorus of angels in (perhaps) a song that we'll wish never ends.
My Favorite Lines
Though this song has many great lines, these are my three favorites:
- Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do.
- Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is.
- Does our God intend to dwell again with us? He does.
Even now, a beaming smile comes across my face, that I cannot hide. These three lines, all questions anticipating wonderful responses, give me profound hope for the future.
Scriptural Allusions
The song makes many connections to the Scriptures. Here are a few hyperlinks (underlined, just click them) for you to explore the origins of this song:
- "Is all creation groaning? It is." Romans 8:22.
- "Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?" Revelation 5:1-10
- "The Lion of Judah, who conquered the grave, He is David's Root ..." Revelation 5:5, Genesis 49:8-10, Revelation 22:16
- "The Lamb of God who conquered the grave ..." John 1:29,36.
- "From every people and tribe, Every nation and tongue ..." Revelation 5:9
Is He Worthy? He Is!
I can't listen to this song without two related responses. First, I immediately begin to sing aloud and along. I can't help myself. Second, I've noticed that I get "lost" in the song and can't keep my hands from raising above my head in worship. (What's important to realize is that I'm not usually this demonstrative). My eyes close and my smile has nowhere to hide. And I think: Is Jesus worthy? Is He worthy? Is He worthy? He is!