I’d Rather Have Jesus – Hymn Lyric
In the poem “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” the author expresses their preference for having Jesus over worldly possessions like silver, gold, houses, or lands. They prioritize being led by Jesus’ nail-pierced hand and remaining faithful to His cause rather than seeking fame or applause from others. The author finds Jesus to be more beautiful and fulfilling than anything this world has to offer.
Table of Contents
I’d Rather Have Jesus – Hymn Lyric
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Meaning of I’d Rather Have Jesus
I’d Rather Have Jesus
Have you ever thought about what’s truly important in life? I mean, what really matters when we sift through all the stuff we own and the things we wish we had? A long time ago, a song was written that captures a choice some people make about what they value most. This song, called “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” talks about a love for Jesus that’s stronger than the desire for money, beautiful houses, or any kind of worldly success.
Let’s explore the ideas in this song, and think about why someone would rather have Jesus than anything else money can buy. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but as we sing these words, we start to realize that it’s about choosing between the temporary thrills of this world and the everlasting love and peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
The song starts off with a bang, proclaiming right away, “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold.” Silver and gold represent wealth and all the fancy things money can get you. But the person singing this hymn is saying that they’d actually prefer to have Jesus in their life than all the riches they could possibly imagine. This is a bold statement, as lots of people dream about winning the lottery or becoming super rich! But why would someone choose Jesus over a mountain of money?
Well, the answer can be pretty profound. Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy happiness, love, or peace of mind. Having Jesus in your life is like having a best friend who’s always there for you, loving you no matter what, and helping you feel peaceful and secure. That’s something money just can’t compete with.
Then, the song says, “I’d rather be His than have riches untold.” Being “His” means belonging to Jesus, having a special relationship with him. It’s like being part of a family where you can always count on someone having your back. And Jesus is someone who can guide you, teach you right from wrong, and help you become the best person you can be.
Moving on, we hear, “I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands.” Big mansions, vacation homes, and owning lots of property can seem like a dream come true, right? But the truth is, no matter how big your house is or how much land you own, it won’t automatically fill your life with joy. Having Jesus as a friend means that you have a home with Him in your heart, and that’s a home that you carry with you wherever you go.
The idea of being led by “His nail-pierced hand” paints a picture of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. It’s his love and the things he went through that guide us through the tough times. The nail-pierced hands are a reminder of the depth of his love and his willingness to go through pain for the sake of others. Following Jesus means you’re choosing a path marked by love, sacrifice, and the kind of courage that helps you face any challenge.
The hymn then compares all this to being “the king of a vast domain.” That sounds pretty cool, doesnt it? Imagine being a king or queen with everything at your command, people waiting on you hand and foot, and ruling over an entire kingdom. But even the most powerful kings and queens have problems. They can feel lonely, sad, or confused just like anyone else. And power doesn’t mean you’re free; in fact, it often comes with tons of responsibilities and worries. With Jesus, you get a leader who understands you perfectly and whose wisdom is out of this world.
Finally, the song talks about being “held in sin’s dread sway.” Thats another way of saying being stuck doing things that we know are wrong and that hurt us or others. It’s like being caught in a trap that we can’t escape from. But with Jesus, that trap is broken! He offers a way out through forgiveness and the power to change our lives for the better.
Choosing Jesus means choosing love, kindness, and a sense of purpose that’s about more than just what you own or your job title. It’s about building a life full of meaningful relationships, helping others, and growing inside to become someone amazing.
To some, choosing Jesus over everything else might seem like a huge sacrifice, but for those who make that choice, it doesn’t feel like they’re giving up anything at all. Instead, they’re gaining so much more a life filled with real value and the kind of riches that don’t fade, get old, or ever disappear.
So, when we sing “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” or even just think about its powerful message, we’re considering what our hearts truly long for. In a world where ads and TV shows tell us that we need the latest gadgets, clothes, and toys to be happy, this song whispers a different secret: True joy is found in the love and peace that comes from a friend like no otherJesus. And when we understand that, we begin to see that some riches aren’t found in a bank; they’re found in the heart.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
