As we witness again the deep brokenness of the world this week, we cry out with the psalmist, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1).
Sometimes the online news cycle moves faster than a human heart can process and grieve the events that unfold.
Within 10 days, we saw tragedies at…
- Tops Grocery Store in Buffalo, New York.
- Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California.
- Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Our hearts break. We grieve for those that were senselessly killed. We hurt for each family’s unique and painful loss.
I just can’t imagine being one of the children in that 4th grade classroom. It brings tears to my eyes, and a deep grief to my heart.
But tragedies do not get the last word. God will one day wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. In the midst of hurt, there is hope.
In moments like this, I find comfort from Andrew Peterson’s recent song, Is He Worthy?
It’s well worth 3-4 minutes of your time. The song is based on Revelation 5:1-14 (I encourage you to read these 14 verses before you watch the video).
The song and Scripture passage remind us that this is not the way it is supposed to be. Sin continues to ravage our world.
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.” (Romans 8:22)
But one day this world will all be made new.
No more sin, violence, death, war, hurt, pain, tears, sickness, or sadness.
Jesus – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – has conquered the grave and will one day usher in this new sinless world.
Is He Worthy?
By 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 was 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!
*One final note – another resource that I have found helpful during crises is A Liturgy for a National Tragedy.