His singing voice was as distinct and recognizable as was the world-famous evangelist he traveled with for countless decades. And he was always featured just prior to countless thousands of gospel messages by the world’s best known preacher.
He is George Beverly Shea, who greeted this week birthday number 102 on February 1st. Not only did the gifted musician reach another chronological milestone, but he was also honored with something he never expected. As he closed out year number 101 and entered another new year of his Lord, he received a phone call informing him that he had been given the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
When asked about the award Shea stated, “It was a great surprise. The president of the recording academy phoned me about a month ago. I couldn’t figure out why he would be calling me, because it’s been a while since I’ve made a new record. I have received a Grammy before, but it was back in 1965.”
When questioned about any current performances, the 102-year old said that he still sings at the Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) about eight times year for senior adult events and at Christmas time.
Finally Shea had the question posed as far as his personal advice to those who have walked with the Lord for quite some time. His immediate and concise response was, ”Keep your devotions, study the Word, enjoy His presence, and learn from Him daily.”
Geroge Beveraly Shea is a seasoned senior citizen by any standard on earth. But his life, ministry, and advice is as fresh and new as the snow that blanketed half of the country on his latest birthday. His unwavering testimony, and the use of his special gifts for God for a lifetime, is a vivid reminder of the Parable of The Talents in Matthew chapter twenty-five.
The Lord described a master who had given his servants differing amounts, or talents, that he expected them to work with and multiply in his absence. Some did fair and others did nothing. But one exceeded all expectations. This one servant is discussed in verses 20-25. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:20-21)
It will be a sobering and hopefully a positive moment when every true Christian someday stands before their Savior and gives account of their lives as believers. (Romans 14:12) But if anyone will hear those same blessed words as did the faithful servant in the above passage, George Beverly Shea will certainly be in that list - along with those he served with for decades and others whose life priorities reflected their Lord’s word and will.
For those of us who may have more time left on earth than does this giant of the faith, we too can hear the only words that will matter in that momentous future moment. It will require following the example of the faithful and fruitful service, and great and godly wisdom, of a 102-year old servant of God offered to all who still have time to fully please and worship their Lord.
”Keep your devotions, study the Word, enjoy His presence, and learn from Him daily.”
Bill Breckenridge
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