I'd Rather Have Jesus

I'd Rather Have Jesus

Text written in 1922 by Rhea F. Miller (1894-1966)

Tune composed in 1939 by George Beverly Shea (1909-1976)

Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

V. 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: Thank 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.

V. 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.

Refrain

Psalm 19:10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

Song of Solomon 2:2 Like a lily among thorns

is my darling among the young women.

V. 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.

Refrain