It popped up on my social media page as a living photo collage. Framed within squares and rectangles, dozens of singers and musicians performed an emotional song of worship that encouraged disheartened Christians as it gave glory to the Lord.
The virtual video appeared during the pandemic when people were mandated to stay home. Attending in-person worship services was banned. Even after gatherings at houses of worship were permitted, local politicians decreed that singing and chanting were forbidden, claiming such breath use increased the risk of spreading the virus. Many churches disregarded the edict, citing how they must gather to worship God by singing.* Satan was hard at work so that no one would assemble for worship or hear about God. Hundreds of churches continued to follow lock down rules, remaining closed once the restrictions were lifted. But Satan's plans were thwarted. Thousands of people heard the gospel when live-streaming services came into their homes via the internet.
A social media platform known as Zoom became a household name. Folks could virtually gather as a group without leaving home. In this instance, the use of technology combined individual voices and instrumentations into a heavenly sound that spoke of Jesus' worthiness to break open the seven seals of the scroll during the final judgment.** The song and its performance comforted many people worldwide. This gentle piece opens with one single singer asking questions with each verse, and the choir of squares responds with two words such as 'We do, It is, and He does.' After a powerful crescendo declaring the One who is deserving, it softly finishes by asking if Jesus is worthy. The choir concludes with: 'He is.'
Drying tears with my sleeve after watching the video, chills coursed through my body as I whispered a prayer of gratitude. God was still in charge. Nothing could prevent His children from worshipping together with singing.
Christians knew in their hearts that God's will would work through those terrible times, but sometimes the soul needed reinforcing reminders. This song was that sign.
The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all praise -- no matter the circumstances.
*'Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.' Colossians 3:16 NASB **'And they sang a new song saying: 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood. Men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.'' Revelation 5:9-10 NASB