There's a song that isn't in either of our hymnbooks at church, but I surely do think it should be. We used to sing it a lot at the Ashton Christian Fellowship in Ashton, Idaho, and I loved it, never knowing the amazing story behind the song.
Ever heard of Ray Overholt? Popular singer-songwriter in the 1950s--I know, way before your time. (Not mine, though.) One day he thought maybe, since he'd written a lot of songs for the world that he would write one for Christ.
He knew a little about the Bible, thanks to his mother, and he started reading the New Testament. When he reached Matthew 28, he read the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, how He told Peter not to use his sword. You see, if it had been necessary, Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels to defend Him. I know, that's actually more like seventy-two thousand angels, but Ray didn't know that at the time. He just really admired the Christ who had spoken those words.
So he wrote Ten Thousand Angels, and he sang it in a small church. Afterwards, the pastor gave a compelling sermon, and Ray Overholt knelt and gave his heart to Christ. Afterwards he became a traveling preacher and singer.
So--do you think maybe this man might have been one of the only ones who led himself to the Lord? Amazingly enough, people who really don't know God can write songs and stories about Him nearly as well as Christian authors. I'm thinking sometimes God leads when and where no one knows.
Listen to Loretta Lynn sing it: Click HERE.
Father, thank You so much for people willing to listen to You and put You into such awe-inspiring music. You are amazing, God! Amen.
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