“Worthy Is the Lamb” by Darlene Zschech

There is a common criticism today that much of today’s contemporary praise & worship music is shallow.  And to a large extent, I would grant that the criticism is valid.  But only if it likewise indicts many of the hymns written in around the turn of the last century (1900). 

 When we look at the Psalms, however, we see a mix of very deep theologically rich psalms, and simple heartfelt songs.  Today’s music (much like the popular “gospel” hymns from around 1850 through 1930)  often emphasizes the emotional response of the believer to the truths of God.  As long as the song expresses Bible truth and responds in a Biblical way, I would say the song is a Biblical song!  And as such we can and should use it. 

Now we may prefer the richer, deeper songs, and we probably should major on those songs for their teaching value.  But we must not hesitate to use the songs which help draw forth our spirits in heartfelt praise.

One such song is “Worthy is the Lamb” by Darlene Zschech.  This song is by no means shallow doctrinally.  However, you will notice there is no 2nd and 3rd verse.  My recent post on the modern hymn movement was not meant to convey the idea that only hymns are useful for praise.  This song, repeated twice (and the last half repeated more than that), is written in such a way as to focus our hearts and souls on a few key thoughts: the cross, the wonder of our personal redemption, & the exalted glory of our Savior.  And the music builds throughout the song making it the perfect vehicle for expressing our emotion of joy and love and wonder to God in a holy way.

I have been meaning to post on this song for quite some time, as every time I sing it, it soooo moves me!  I trust you will be moved by the message of this song, too.

 

Worthy Is the Lamb
Words & Music by Darlene Zschech

Thank you for the cross, Lord.
Thank you for the price you paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came
And gave Amazing Grace.

Thank you for this love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail-pierced hands.
Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know…
Your forgiveness and embrace.

Worthy is the Lamb
seated on the throne.
We crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious!
High and lifted up
Jesus, Son of God.
The darling of Heaven, crucified…
Worthy is the Lamb.

© 2000 Darlene Zschech & Hillsong Publishing.  CCLI #1596342

 

One little note, our church substitutes “High King of Heaven” for “The darling of Heaven” at the end of the song.  I am not sure if it is just us, or it this is a more common substitution.  It does add to the song, I think to change it, yet it stresses a different side of Christ.  Yes, He was the Ultimate Sovereign who humbled Himself, but He also is the Beloved Son of God, too.

For an idea as to the melody, click here (mp3).  Also, I found the entire song on YouTube.Com.  The video part shows some young ladies doing a choreographic dance to the music, but if you click on the link, you will at least here the song in total, even if you prefer not to watch the dancers (nothing immodest, here, too by the way).  If you click here, you will see a guitar chord chart of the music; and this link, will take you to a preview of the sheet music, which you can purchase should you so desire. 

To learn more about Darlene Zschech, check out her personal website.  This link, also gives a bio and a collection of links (and interviews) concerning Darlene, best known for her song “Shout to the Lord”. 

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∼striving for the unity of the faith for the glory of God∼ Eph. 4:3,13 • Rom. 15:5-7