'I'd Rather Have Jesus' - The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys lead us in worship with a beautiful rendition of ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus.’

This iconic group consists of Duane Allen singing lead vocals, Joe Bonsall singing the tenor part, William Lee Golden with his baritone voice, and Richard Sterban singing the deep bass part.

They all joined the group at different times, but this lineup of men has been a part of the Oak Ridge Boys since 1973. Now, they’re singing praises to the Lord and it’s absolutely beautiful.

“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 land

Yes I'd rather be led by his nail pierced hands
Than to be the king of a best domain and beheld in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today”

The hymn ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’ first started as a poem written by Rhea F. Miller in 1922. This poem was left on the piano in the home of George Beverly Shea by his mother who wanted him to be impacted by the words.

The words to inspired George so much and conveyed to him about his own goals and ambitions in life. He was so touched that he began composing music for the lyrics.

His mother heard him singing the song and requested him to sing it at church. Years later, George Beverly Shea went on to work with evangelist Billy Graham and sang this hymn around the world.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”