April 18, 2013

The song is timeless. The life that wrote and sang it had a God appointed time to spread it around the world. Thousands and thousands walked down aisles .. stood at their seats .. and surrendered their lives to the timeless truth of believing and belonging to Jesus. George Beverly Shea wrote these words and sang his sermon all over the world. He was Billy Graham’s friend and gospel messenger for over 60 years. He died (104) but now sings better than ever. The words are simple, but the life they offer is nothing short of glory-filled and grace-gripped: May God be praised for Bev Shea’s life: (Read the words slowly and let them sink in…)

“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Rather-Have-Jesus followers and friends of Priority One (kchesterp1@gmail.com)