We learned today that our long-time friend, Roby Duke, went home to Jesus this week. Just to be clear...this is a GREAT day for Roby (and Jesus), but a sad day for those of us who loved to hang out with one of the best musicians around.
He was a good friend, fellow Southerner, an encourager, exhorter, servant, and lover of good food. I missed him when we moved out here to PA. I miss him even more now.
Roby had one #1 hit on Billboards CCM Charts. It was "I Shall See God" from 1990.
The lyrics are especially moving today:
It's almost as if someone is standing there
And I don't know what I'd give to see the face that seems to stare
All my life I'd give to know His ways
But, just how much I know, I'm no fool I dare not say
As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see God
Older, much older now, I still believe
That when all else is gone the Rock of Ages cleft for me
Holding something I can't feel or see
I'll tarry 'til the day I hear the music of the free
As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see Perfect peace, perfect love
Finally I'll face the beginning
As I go As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see God
I shall see Him
I shall see Him
I remember hearing that song when we lived in Miami. I said to Kendra..."Wow, that sounds like James Taylor. Did he become a believer?"
I had the pleasure of knowing Roby during his Renaissance years (basically the past decade). If you haven't heard his music lately, you need to. He has a couple of his newer cuts on his Myspace. I am proud to say that he gave me a bootleg copy of "Relaxed Fits" before it was released...it is simply beautiful.
I also got to hang out with him one day (he was helping me choose a guitar for my son, Derek) when he played for me a project that he was working on to help people who were in hospice care. Another beauty. No surprise...Roby was beautiful.
Now he's stunning.
While at Crossroads Bible Church (where Roby's best friend, Anne, was my co-laborer), I had the privilege of leading one of my favorite Roby Duke songs at least a couple of dozen times. I'll sign off with it tonight.
Good night, Roby. See you in the Morning...
He Shall Reign
Behold the God Who leads us day by day to worship his Son.
Behold the Lion of Judah Who for our salvation battled and won.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah!
He shall reign forever and ever.
The Lord omnipotent praise His name forever, amen.
He shall reign forever and ever.
His kingdom come His will be done forever, amen.
Behold the Balm of Gilead who heals and prays with Heaven's power.
Behold and praise the Son of God who hears us in our darkest hour.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah!
He shall reign forever and ever.
The Lord omnipotent praise His name forever, amen.
He shall reign forever and ever.
His kingdom come His will be done forever, amen.
4 comments:
Great post Rob! I wanted to write something for my blog, but you put it better than I could. Thanks.
thanks Rob ... you've said it better than most ... thanks for your phone call last night ... Roby would have loved it that you called me
Thanks Tim and Anne. Wish I was there with y'all.
Hi Bigley family! You don't know me, but I attended Crossroads Bible Church one Sunday when Rob was leading worship. I just happened to stumble upon your wondeful blog when I was looking for the chords or music, and lyrics to the song "He Shall Reign." Small world!!
Well, I found the lyrics (Thanks!!), but don't seem to be having any luck with the chords or music. Do you happen to know where I could get a hold of those?
I don't have a blogspot, but my e-mail is anna4bush@yahoo.com.
Anna
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