A new song: Worthy is the Lamb
September 4, 2023 - Monday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Psalm 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13
The psalmist calls God’s people and all the earth to sing a new song to the Lord. During my seminary formation, we had a music class where we learned Gregorian chant, how to sing the mass and divine office and various Christian songs of which many were new to me. With the growing popularity of the Taize community, we also learned their most popular songs. But, my preference has always been for Charismatic music. The energetic rhythm and inspiring words - often direct quotes from the Bible - tend to lift one’s heart beyond this world towards God.
“Sing to the LORD a new song”. In the Book of Revelation, those who participate in the heavenly liturgy sing a new song that praises the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ for redeeming the world (Rev 5:9-10). Moreover, we are told that no one could learn that new song except those who followed the Lamb of God (Rev 14:3-5). I still remember learning to sing this song with a professional music teacher during additional music lessons. In English-speaking world Darlene Zschech popularised this biblical song in her song titled “Worthy is the Lamb”.
The psalmist offers us reasons for worshipping the Lord with a new song. He is the only real God who created the universe; other gods are not gods at all (Ps 96:5). He performed many incredible deeds in the life of the Jewish community. He could be adored in the awe-inspiring temple in Jerusalem. Finally, the psalmist proclaims that the Lord comes to judge the earth and rule the world with justice and truth (Ps 96:9, 13).
What are the reasons for the believers of Christ to sing a new song titled “Worthy is the Lamb”? I invite you to ponder over it yourself. John, the visionary who was given access to that heavenly liturgy, wrote for us the content of that new song. At first “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders” surrounding the throne of the Almighty sing:
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:9-10).
Then, they are joined by “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands” of angels who continue:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12).
Finally, “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them” add their part to the song:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev 5:13).
It is an incredible song that proclaims Christ’s supremacy over the whole universe and every creature - visible and invisible - in it. I do believe that every Christian should know that song and share its message with the whole world.