Is He Worthy?
Chris Tomlin
A Divine Inquiry: Unpacking 'Is He Worthy?' by Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin's 'Is He Worthy?' is a powerful song that delves into the themes of hope, redemption, and divine worthiness. The song is structured as a series of questions and affirmations that reflect a longing for restoration and a recognition of a higher power's ability to heal a broken world. The lyrics open with questions that resonate with the human experience of seeing darkness and brokenness in the world, immediately followed by affirmations that despite the darkness, light and renewal are possible.
The chorus asks a pivotal question: 'Is anyone worthy?' This is a reference to the Christian belief in Jesus Christ as the savior who is worthy to open the scroll mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The 'Lion of Judah' and 'the Lamb who died to ransom the slave' are titles that refer to Christ, symbolizing his strength, sacrifice, and the redemption he offers. The song then transitions to affirmations of God's love, the Holy Spirit's presence, and the promise of Jesus to be with his followers eternally.
The bridge expands the scope of the song to a global level, mentioning 'every people and tribe, every nation and tongue,' highlighting the inclusivity of the message of salvation. The repetition of 'Is He worthy?' followed by the emphatic 'He is' serves as a powerful declaration of faith and acknowledgment of the divine's role in the world. The song is not just a personal reflection but also a communal affirmation of belief and hope in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.