Song Spotlight: I'd Rather Have Jesus

I grew up in Prescott, Arkansas, where my family was part of Central Baptist Church. Among the many happy memories I have of our times at Central are the times when Carl Dalrymple would sing "I'd Rather Have Jesus."  I can still see him standing on the platform and moving his head in worship as he sang this song of devotion to Christ.

I recently came across this song again. I suppose that many people my age probably don't even know it. Here are some of the lyrics:

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.

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

This song started as a poem written by Rhea Miller in 1922. George Beverly Shea, a young Christian man with a golden voice, had been offered a radio contract that could possibly lead towards fame. As he pondered direction, he sat down at the piano. His mother had left a copy of Miller's poem on the piano for her son to find (aren't mothers great?). George saw it and was struck by the lyrics, which seemed to speak directly to his situation. "I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause..."  He began to make up a melody to go with the words and sang it right there at the piano. Because of God's leading through this experience, he declined the offer.

Later he met Billy Graham, and began singing with him at his evangelism crusades. This is where the  song, "I'd Rather Have Jesus" was made popular.

It's a very simple song, but one that speaks clearly of consecration to Christ and delighting in the Lord above the things of the world.  I invite you to listen to this song through the links below and freshly express your devotion to Jesus, the one who died for us and rose again!

There are MANY versions of this song available (even Willie Nelson has recorded it). Here are a few:
1. Crystal Lewis - (in my oppinion, she just tears it up) http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/I+d+Rather+Have+Jesus/2Kmhvn
2. Allison Kraus & The Cox Family - (a nice country version) http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/I+d+Rather+Have+Jesus/f2kKU
3. Jeff Deyo - (leans to the rock genre) http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/I+d+Rather+Have+Jesus/2rpGAT
4. Finally, here is George Beverly Shea himself - http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/I+d+Rather+Have+Jesus/3scvSM

Which one is your favorite?
Is there a version that I missed that is good?

(Information about the story behind "I'd Rather Have Jesus" taken from http://www.allaboutgod.com/id-rather-have-jesus.htm and http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/idratherhavejesus.htm)

Singing About Penal Substitutionary Atonement

Not a lot of songs being written these days about Father God choosing to show off his glory to the universe by crushing his innocent Son under the infinite, righteous wrath of a sin-hating God in the place of condemned sinners. But there is no greater "material" for the songwriter who has seen the cross! The love and justice of God meeting in Christ in that amazing "hour" (Jn 17:1), as he hung on the tree to redeem us! No greater theme for writing, singing, meditating and worshiping. Hallelujah to our God for his beautiful, soul-stirring gospel!

It takes us to the lowest depths of human emotion as Jesus felt for the first time in eternity the Father's...absence. The presence of his Father's glory, which was his passion and delight, was gone. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

This same gospel transports us to the highest realms of love; love that is beyond what we can ever fathom; mercy greater than our comprehension; GRACE poured out - lavished - upon those he could have crushed under good and perfect justice. Pardoning our wretched abominations! Giving to us the righteousness of Christ! Making us his sons and daughters!
O, wonderful love of God in Christ! ! !

Where are the songs on penal substitutionary atonement?

Here are a couple hymn verses that have elated my soul and filled me with wonderful praise to our Savior and God today:

The Lord in the day

Of his anger did lay

Our sins on the Lamb, and he bore them away.

He died to atone

For sins not his own;

The Father hath punished for us his dear Son

Love moved him to die

On this I rely

My Savior hath loved me, I cannot tell why;

But this I can tell:

He loved me so well

As to lay down his life to redeem me from hell

(Charles Wesley)

Ok, one more:

Death and the curse were in our cup

O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!

But thou hast drained the last dark drop

'Tis empty now for me.

That bitter cup, love drank it up

Thy bruising healeth me!

Jehovah lifted up his rod

O Christ, it fell on Thee!

Thou wast sore stricken of thy God

There's not one stroke for me...

Thy tears, thy blood, beneath it flowed

Thy bruising healeth me!

(Fanny Crosby).

There's no greater theme than the gospel!
Let it capture your heart, your thoughts, your emotions.
And if it leads to a song, sing it loud!!!