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327

I'd Rather Have Jesus

Lyrics by
Rhea F. Miller (1922)
Music by
George Beverly Shea (1922)
Tune
I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS · 10.9.10.9
Scripture
Matthew 16:26
Verse 1
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.
Refrain
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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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.

An early 20th-century gospel hymn emphasizing Christ's value above worldly possessions, popular in Billy Graham crusades.