Jesus Said Dont You Know I Could Ask the Father to Send Legions of Angels

Story Behind the Song God sent 'Ten Thou Angels' to relieve song's writer

(The Destin Log (Destin, FL)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Mar. xv--"He could have called 10 k angels To destroy the world and prepare Him free. He could have chosen ten thousand angels, But He died alone for you and me." -- from "Ten Yard Angels by Ray Overholt.

God rewards patience. For virtually three years, I have searched through Web sites and sent east-mails and left vocalization mails for Ray Overholt, author of the popular and moving Christian song, "Ten Thousand Angels." And 1 contempo afternoon, I received a phone call from him -- out of the blue.

It is rare when a human being is led to Christ by his ain composition, but "Ten Thou Angels" did indeed lead Overholt to accept Christ as his Savior and has surely led endless others to the cantankerous.

Overholt, now in his 80s and bullheaded, was born in 1924 in Gaines, Mich. His mother, Clara, was a singer and played piano and encouraged her son as a immature boy.

"My dad bought me a $3 guitar, and I began singing when I was 11," Overholt told The Log. "I besides listened to Cistron Autry'due south music and was inspired by him."

Past the time he was ten, Overholt had written his first vocal, "The Lonesome Cowboy," and had learned to play keyboard and harmonica.

Growing upward on a farm in Middleville, Mich., southeast of Grand Rapids, Overholt first performed in boondocks halls and at meetings. His group, The Grand River Boys, sang on radio station WFUR in Thou Rapids. He continued to write songs, including "Dreaming of You" and "Finance Company Blues," and his start song published was "Will the Lord Look Downwardly and Frown on Me."

Later, Overholt hosted a TV program chosen "Ray's Round Upwards" where he entertained such guests as Gene Autry, Hank Williams, Stuart Hamblen and many others. He besides appeared on Kate Smith's national program.

Afterward leaving his show, Overholt entered the nightclub circuit.

-- -- --

In 1958, at the top of his show-business career, Overholt wrote his now-famous song, "Ten Thousand Angels."

"I was playing in a country band at a tavern, a dance hall, in Battle Creek, when I wrote the vocal," Overholt said.

"Why God selected me to write the song, I don't know. I drank a lot, was a profane individual and I needed a Savior."

Overholt says he didn't know much virtually this human being named Jesus, so he turned to the Bible to do research.

"I couldn't write a song and not know the human being I was writing about."

The Bible says Jesus could have called legions of angels to rescue Him, and it was this thought that Overholt used for his song.

"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Male parent, and he shall shortly give me more than twelve legions of angels?"

-- Matthew 26:53.

"I opened the Bible and began to read the portion of Scripture that describes Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, telling Peter to put away his sword," Overholt said. "I read where Jesus told Peter that he could ask his Father and he would send twelve legions of angels. I didn't know at the time that that would have been more than 72,000 angels."

After reading the passage, Overholt says he idea "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels" would exist a good title for the song.

"I wrote the first poesy and put it in my guitar example," Overholt said. "I then gave the club my notice that I was quitting. While I was trying to discover out who this man Jesus was and writing the song, I was saved."

Overholt finished the song and sent information technology to a publishing house which agreed to publish it.

"They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed;

They led Him through the streets in shame.

They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin;

They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."

Overholt's song describes the crucifixion and the suffering Jesus endured. His theme is the willingness of Jesus to suffer and endure alone, never giving a idea to calling x thousand angels.

"When they nailed Him to the cross, His mother stood nearby, He said, "Woman, behold thy son!"

He cried, "I thirst for water," but they gave Him none to beverage.

And then the sinful work of man was done."

"People need to remember the ability Jesus had, as the Son of God. He was so powerful, He could have cried out for ten thousand angels, but He stayed on the cross -- alone."

"To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.

The cross of shame He took alone.

And when He cried, "It'south finished," He gave Himself to die;

Salvation'due south wondrous plan was done."

Many have recorded the song, including Kenneth Copeland, The Cathedrals and Overholt's favorites, Kate Smith and Janie Fricke.

Overholt became a traveling vocalizer and preacher and wrote more than 200 other songs, none quite so powerful every bit "X Grand Angels," including "Hallelujah Foursquare" which was nominated for a Dove Award, "Tell My Daddy the Church Bells are Ringing" and "God'southward Chair in the Sky."

-- -- --

The Overholts still sing and take continued in their ministry for 48 years.

"Nosotros have been then blest to see people give up their lives to God," Overholt said. "It's been a wonderful life. We are slowing downward some, simply I am non ready to requite upwards yet."

The couple has i son, ii grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren who traveled with them for many years.

Overholt said he wants to be remembered equally a gospel singer/ songwriter "who was inspired past our before long-coming King. I am then thankful for what God and Jesus have done for my family unit and me through the wonderful guidance of His Holy Spirit."

And we will call back Overholt as a man God saved -- when He sent him "X Thousand Angels."

To meet more than of The Destin Log or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.destin.com/.
Copyright (c) 2008, Destin Log, Fla.
Distributed past McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, e-mail tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Grouping Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

[ Dorsum to the Next Generation Communications Customs's Homepage ]

changsniters.blogspot.com

Source: http://next-generation-communications.tmcnet.com/news/2008/03/15/3329175.htm