No surprises about this week’s choice.
With our organist, Verna, as co-conspirator I sang I’d Rather Have Jesus during the offering today.
George Beverly Shea died this week at the age of 104, and it’s likely that his voice and songs would be identified as the soundtrack that accompanied the new birth of more Christians than any other musician who sang in the twentieth century.
But no matter how fine the voice or music, it’s the lyrics that matter and Rhea F. Miller’s words are a wonderful Christian testimony.
When I’m doing my version of a solo, I’m usually striving for poor man’s George Beverly Shea.
The lyrics:
1
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
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
2
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
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
3
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
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
Rhea F. Miller (1922)
© Copyright 1939. Renewed 1967 Word Music, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
In addition to Shea’s 1965 rendition included on an earlier post this week, here’s a 1983 version which demonstrates the singer’s mature skill in phrasing and articulation.
mgpcpastor's blog 