I SAW ONE HANGING ON THE TREE

If I were asked to name my all-time favorite gospel soloists, that list would certainly include George Beverly Shea.  For you younger readers, Shea was the soloist for the Billy Graham Crusades for many years, all over the world.  His solos were so simple but delivered by one who understood and lived the words.  His music ministry touched thousands of lives and prepared hearts for the messages of Billy Graham and the work of the Holy Spirit.  I listened to him on the radio, sometimes on television and on 33 and 45 rpm records that I collected.  Once I had the special honor of hearing him live when he sang at the Graham crusade in Times Square.  Often he sang accompanied by the large crusade choirs.  But a few weeks ago the Lord welcomed him home in heaven after 104 years on this earth.  And while I have featured his music, his life and his solos in previous blogs over the years, I felt that it was necessary to remember him and his ministry by highlighting one of his solos this week.  The hymn that I have chosen is interesting because it was penned by another great name in Gospel music, the converted slave trader, John Newton.  The words to this hymn are self explanatory since they picture the horrible death and suffering that Jesus faced on the cross when He died for our sins.  But words can't adequately portray the pain that He bore for us.  May we never forget the price that was paid for our salvation.  And as you think about these words, may your spirit join in crying out "My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled, to think He died for me!"  May that reality flood your mind this week as you go about your busy schedule.  And take time to click the link below to hear one of Gospel music's greatest soloist sing this hymn.

(1)    I saw One hanging on a tree,

In agony and blood,

Who fixed His languid eyes on me,

As near His cross I stood.

O, can it be, upon a tree,

The Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled,

To think He died for me!

(2)   Sure, never to my latest breath,

Can I forget that look;

It seemed to charge me with His death,

Though not a word He spoke.

O, can it be, upon a tree,

The Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled,

To think He died for me!

(3)   My conscience felt and owned the guilt,

And plunged me in despair,

I saw my sins His blood had spilt,

And helped to nail Him there.

O, can it be, upon a tree,

The Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled,

To think He died for me!

(4)   A second look He gave, which said,

"I freely all forgive;

This blood is for they ransom paid;

I die that the Mays live."

O, can it be, upon a tree,

The Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled,

To think He died for me!

Listen to it being sung here.   LISTEN