Hello Dear Friends,

It was one week ago when I stumbled upon the newest music video from Andrew Peterson’s latest album entitled “Is He Worthy?” (Link below) I was mesmerized by the cinematography, yet even more by the poignant interplay between the narrator and the choir. I found my heartstrings pulled heavenward with an inescapable yearning for the day when our Worthy Lamb would “break the seal and open the scroll.” Right in the midst of my work day I was captured by a glimpse of heaven, and I found myself wanting more! For the rest of that day I had the song on repeat, I shared it on Facebook, and the words have been ringing in my heart ever since. Take a read for yourself:

[Verse 1]
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)

[Verse 2]
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)

[Pre-Chorus 1]
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

[Chorus 1]
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is

[Verse 3]
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)

[Pre-Chorus 2]
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

[Chorus 2]
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!

When Jane asked me later that evening what about the song meant so much to me I found myself fumbling for words to describe the heavenly impact. Yes, it was mixed well. Yes, I was captured by the wonderment of how they could have shot that video in one continuous take. Yes, heaven came down in my work office. But all of this pale in comparison when I consider how this video effortlessly shifted my gaze towards Jesus. It evoked a palatable sense of worship for my Savior!

Similarly to how this video drew my attention to Jesus, I see the Sabbath as a weekly signpost redirecting my attention to Jesus. He is the One worthy of all my praise and honor and worship. What better way to celebrate and welcome the Sabbath than by turning my gaze onto Jesus. As the hymn states, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

May you be refreshed and encouraged on this Sabbath as we gaze in worship and adoration on our Risen Lamb!

Gazing with you,
Clyde

P.S. Link to video: Is He Worthy