The unexpected death of Jenny, our firstborn and only daughter, ushered in a period of difficult adjustment for me and my family. And though I certainly believed in heaven, an unusual and instantaneous experience transformed my abstract conceptof heaven into a settled reality.
I clearly recall having been discouraged and thinking about her death when without warning my mind’s eye was opened, and I saw–truly saw that heaven was indescribably real and that all was well with Jenny and would be with me.
This may seem odd and far-fetched, but it is certainly not unique. Of his writing of the “Hallelujah Chorus” in Messiah, George Frederick Handel would say, “I thought I saw all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.”
Out of those moments of enlightenment soon came this poem, a picture of the glories of heaven as described in Revelation 4 and 5:
HE WHO IS WORTHY AT LAST
I was discouraged when cares held my heart;
Troubles rolled in like the sea.
Cries to the Father that they might depart
Inclined His ear to my plea.
When through the Spirit enlightenment came —
A door to heaven for me —
Glorious splendor demanded surrender,
Compelling my heart to its knees.
Throned upon emerald, pavilioned in light,
Covenant rainbow arrayed;
Lightning and thunder acclaiming His might,
Holy, the Ancient of Days!
“Thou who art worthy of honor and pow’r,
Riches and blessing and praise,
For by Thy pleasure in limitless measure
Creation Thy glory displays!”
When none was worthy to open the book —
Sealed from eternity past —
Millions of angels their silence forsook,
Filling the heavens so vast:
“Weep not; behold Him! The Lamb that was slain
Now has the book in his grasp!
The Root of David, for ages awaited,
It’s He who is worthy at last!”
(Refrain)
Blessing and pow’r and glory to the Lamb.
Forever and ever, bowing to the Lamb.
He redeemed us to God
By the cross, the crown, the blood.
Blessing and pow’r and glory to the Lamb.
(Based on Revelation 4 & 5)
Copyright 1997 James McAlister
Not long afterwards I gave these words to young Zack Stanton, 14 years old at the time, who set them to music. Today Zack, now an accomplished composer and conductor, is on track to receive his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition at the University of Texas at Austin in May 2012. And though he describes his youthful efforts at composition as “green,” I never tire of hearing “He Who Is Worthy At Last” and would love to see it published and used to encourage others.
Zack has given permission for me to post a copy of his original musical score along with a printer-friendly version of the words. As with other items on this web site, usage by individuals and churches is permitted, but other usages require written permission.
This is my favorite song/poem combo of yours!