Last Sunday afternoon, I left the Church with a song stuck in my head. Is He Worthy? Written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. Our congregation sang this song as we prepared for Communion, and it just really spoke to me. Much of the song is even more meaningful if you have some familiarity with the Book of Revelation. I’m going to hopefully help make part of the song more understandable, and meaningful.
Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? This part of the song comes from the Book of Revelation, chapter 5. Here’s how it reads. Revelation 5:1–4 (NASB95) I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;
John, in his vision, is in the Throne Room of God. There is a book, (which can also be translated scroll) but no one present is worthy to open it. John breaks down in tears. An Elder speaks to him and says this. Revelation 5:5 (NASB95) “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” “The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave…” The “Lion of Judah” refers to Jesus, who is physically a part of the tribe of Judah. Judah is referred to as a “Lions whelp” (young lion) in Genesis 49:8–9 (NASB95) Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to 1you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up? Jesus is THE LION of Judah!
“He was David's root…” This refers to Prophecy that said that there would be a descendant of Jesse, who was the father of David. This descendant would reign forever.
Isaiah 11:1–2 (NASB95) Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength,
“and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave…” This part of the description refers to Jesus being our sacrificial lamb. Exodus 12:21–24 (NASB95) Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and take for yourselves lambs according to your families, and slay the Passover lamb. You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. “And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.” Jesus, the lamb that was slain is our eternal Passover Lamb. He died so we could live forever!
“Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory? Is He worthy of this? He is…” This part of the song reminds us that Jesus IS worthy of ALL blessings, honor and Glory! He is also worthy to open the scroll in heaven that begins the final days before Jesus’ return as King! He is TRULY WORTHY!
John
