Saturday night i sat in a little church nestled in a NE Minneapolis neighborhood listening to the music of Flora. Mark and Lisa are two of my very favorite people and if you ever have a chance to see them live, it is truly an amazing experience. Their flavor of Americana Gospel with a rockabilly flair is always a recipe for a great night. Towards the end of the show, Lisa stood alone at the mic, and sang a very powerful rendition of the old hymn "I'd Rather Have Jesus". As she sang, and as her heart spilled out into the ears of those who listened, you could almost hear Jesus say, "What would you rather have?" i was unable to get that song out of my head for days and in the quiet moments since, i can still hear it echoing in the chambers of my mind. i can say without question, that yes, i would rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. Knowing that my life does not always emulate this desire, and i sometimes fall short, i am reminded that some things i have been chasing after pale in comparison to the living water that Jesus offers not just the woman at the well, but to each and every one of us who thirsts. So often i forget and try to drink of so many things that will never satisfy. i hope that this song whispers gently into your ears this week as an amazing reminder of the love that Jesus has for us, and that He is truly all we need. This is such a counter cultural message especially right now when so many of us are suffering job loss, and economic hardship...but i think this is maybe when we are most open to the reminder in Luke 12:22-34 You are more valuable than the lilies! Also read Mathew 16:24-26; Phil 3:8 Thanks Mark and Lisa for sharing your hearts and for not only listening to your Abba, but for going where He says "Go!".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.
Than to be a 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 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.
I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea.
