I’d Rather Have Jesus

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

As you know, the inspiration behind the words for certain hymns can be truly powerful, but the same can be true for the composers who write music to certain lyrics.  That is the case with this week’s hymn.  Although I could not find much about the author this hymn, I was able to find a story about the man who wrote the music for it.

George Beverly Shea, a name familiar to many of you, was an integral part of the Billy Graham Crusades for over 60 years.  He was the composer of the music of this song when he was in his early 20’s.  Mr. Shea had grown up in a Christian home.  He was gifted musically and could play the violin, the organ and the piano in addition to his wonderful singing talent.  Mr. Shea, however, worked a secular job in an insurance company in his early 20’s.  During this time, he would also sing at churches and on Christian radio, but he earned his living through his insurance job.  He had auditioned for a lucrative singing job, and had performed very well.  The job, however, was not singing Christian music.  While he struggled with whether or not to pursue that career, his mother would leave him notes, poems, literary quotations to get him thinking.  One Sunday morning, she left the a poem for him to read written by Mrs. Rhea Miller.  That song was “I’d rather have Jesus.”  So moved by the words, he sat down at the piano, wrote the music, and sang the song that same day at his father’s church.

Wow!  What a difference a thought-provoking note from a parent made!!  Billy Graham is quoted as saying “I couldn’t have had a ministry without him” in referring to George Beverly Shea.  I’m glad today that Mr. Shea heeded the Spirit’s call and submitted himself to his mother’s influence.  200 million people over the last 60 years have heard his voice, and the message of Gospel, from his obedience.

Here’s a link to Mr. Shea’s rendition of this song from 1965.

Couple of comments on the lyrics:

• Led by His nail-pierced Hand – Although not necessarily a pleasant image, I think it is interesting that the author chose to use the words “nail-pierced hands.”  She could have said “kind and gentle hands.”  She could have said “strong and powerful hands.”  But the reality is that we are led by His nail-pierced hands.  They are visible reminders of the suffering and the agony He endured.  They are constant reminders of the Cross.  Yes.  I believe Jesus is on the throne, and I also believe He is kind and gentle and powerful.  But I also know that He carries the reminder of the sin He bore for me and for you 2,000 years ago on Calvary.  He doesn’t forget that day, and we shouldn’t forget it either as He is leading us day by day.

• Held in sin’s dread sway – Last week, the phrase “absolute sway” was part of the hymn I sent out (Have Thine Own Way).  Last week was a prayer for God to have absolute sway in our lives.  Absolute power and control.  This week, however, is a reminder that we are either held in God’s absolute sway or we are held in sin’s dread sway.  There is no middle ground.  You can’t ride the fence.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  The author is comparing the blessing of being a child of God with the pain and suffering and eternal damnation that comes from being held in sin’s dread sway.  When you look at it that way, there is no comparison.

What was neat to me about this particular story is influence the simple notes that George Beverly Shea’s mother had on him through these little notes.  I have attached another example of the encouragement one can get from a simple note.  The attached note, however, is not from a hymn writer. It is not from a seasoned Christian, or from a parent to a child.  It is from my 7 year old daughter Maddie to me, her Daddy.  The note is sweet.  It is cute.  The pictures she drew made me smile and will probably make you smile. 

But this note convicted me as well.  A 7-year-old can understand the importance of a kind word or a sweet note.  What an encouragement it was to me to come home from work and have her give me something that she made!  But it is also convicting because I realize I need to do more of these kinds of things.  Can I send a card to someone in need?  Yes.  Can I encourage someone with a kind note or Bible verse?  Sure.  Is there a George Beverly Shea out there somewhere that is needing me to give him those encouraging or challenging words to inspire him to do something great for the Lord?  There probably is.  Unfortunately, I find myself in the busy-ness of life saying “I’d rather” do this or “I’d rather” do that.  God is calling all of us to do these kinds of loving things for Him.  To let others know how much He means to us, and how much they mean to Him.  To let them know we would “rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.