Worthy is defined as deserving effort, attention, respect.
Who is more deserving of this title Worthy than the God of the universe? The one who spoke and there was light and life? The very one who sent his son to die for undeserving sinners? That the mere act of trusting in Jesus covers a man's sins and they are counted against him no longer. Living a grace-filled full life is not only possible but is a reality for those who will receive.
He is worthy because He is God. He is the great I Am. Revelation 4:11 exclaims, Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is holy--set apart. Yet, even in his splendor, majesty, complete perfection, he chooses love as that which makes a way for the broken and feeble to enter into his gates, even into the holy of holies, to commune with him in his presence. Awesome.
And if we truly believe all of the promises that fill the pages of the Bible obedience is not a question, shouldn't be a question. After all, he sent his only son to die for me, to die for you. He promises to work all things out for the good of those who love him, that trials are merely a refining of our character, a necessity in becoming better equipped to fight the good fight and press on. And, if we truly believe that what will come in eternity is far greater than this life it seems as though the sting of the sacrifice is lessened, not gone completely. Perspective is what allows us to count the cost, take up our crosses daily and lay down our own wants and desires before the King of kings and Lord of lords.
What would it look like if we truly started believing and living out the words of the apostle Paul:
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. -Philippians 3:8-9
Maybe we would start living lives that require risk, move us from our comfort zones. Maybe we would start living lives of full surrender, knowing that the best truly is to come. Maybe we would stop giving him lip service and start praising and serving him who is worthy of all praise.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot
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