This poem was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea, hoping it would influence her son.
The words moved George Beverly Shea so much that He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit.
George was offered a popular music career with NBC, but a few years later chose to become associated with evangelist Billy Graham, and he sang this hymn around the world.
I love playing this song on the piano at church. Usually, by the third verse I’m sniffing with tears.
In his letter to the Philippian Church, the Apostle Paul reveals his dedication to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:8-9 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
I’d rather have Jesus.
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“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.
Chorus
“Than to be a 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 world-wide 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 of the comb; — He’s all that my hungering spirit needs, — I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.”
Rhea F. Miller 1922
Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.
