Would You Rather Have Jesus?

Matthew 16:24-26 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?'" What a familiar passage that has been read by so many people. What does it truly mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? As many people read this post, I imagine that the answers will be similar and would all relate to giving up your selfish nature. Our world has made it so very easy to focus on ourselves and be filled with pride and arrogance, which is the complete opposite command in the scriptures. I am reminded of the beautiful song, "I'd Rather Have Jesus" which was written in 1922 by Rhea Miller, the mother of George Beverly "Bev" Shea. Most of us know Bev for his role in singing the opening songs in the Billy Graham Crusade for so many years. Rhea was very concerned for the salvation of her teenage son, and had written the lyrics to this hymn. One day many years later, she had placed the words that she had written near the organ, hoping that he would see them as he practiced his music for the church service to be held the next day. As Bev read the lyrics and reflected on God's promises for his life, he created the music for the hymn that is sung in churches today. Here are the words to this beautiful hymn: 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. Dear Friend, is that your prayer and earnest desire today? Would you rather have Jesus than silver or gold? If we will allow Him to lead us, He will offer us peace and joy, and most of all, eternal life! Dave Henry