February 11, 2005

The Wonder of it All

Words and Music by George Beverly Shea, 1909-

     But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet." Hebrews 2:6-8.

    George Beverly Shea has been called "America’s most beloved gospel singer." He has been a partner in the Billy Graham ministry for more than 50 years and is known throughout the world for his rich baritone voice. This public television documentary chronicles his life and music.
    George Beverly Shea often wished he could preach like his father and grandfather, but he seemed to lack the "gift."
    Even so, when he was on staff at the Moody Bible Institute's flagship radio station in Chicago, a professor advised him to "turn his eyes to the pulpit" because he'd never be able to make a living singing sacred music.
    Shea didn't listen. Instead, he began a career as a Christian singer that has spanned six decades, sharing the gospel in song with perhaps more people than anyone in history as featured vocalist with Billy Graham's evangelistic crusades.
    Shea recalled the words of a colleague who said, "'God uses music to open the heart and the word of God to fill it.' I just try to set things up for Mr. Graham to talk about the Lord."
    His resonant bass-baritone voice has been heard on "The Hour of Decision" radio program for more than 50 years, and he has recorded more than 70 sacred music albums and composed Christian standards such as "The Wonder of It All."
    But his greatest joy has come in traveling with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, singing gospel songs on every continent and in every state of the Union.
    Shea already has committed to participate in upcoming evangelistic meetings in Kansas City and Los Angeles this year, in addition to Graham's return to Madison Square Garden in 2005.
    "Madison Square Garden almost has to be the last one for him at his age, and I'm 10 years older than he is," he said.
    Shea knows his voice is not as strong as it once was, but he said, "I'll go along and do what I can. ... I talked with Mr. Graham less than a year ago, asking if he wanted me to step down because of my age. He told me, 'If you lose all your teeth, just come whistle.'"

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

There's the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that's only begun.

Chorus:
O, the wonder of it all!
The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
O, the wonder of it all!
The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.