Title: Oh Jesus I Have Promised
Hymn Number: SS&S 606 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 Oh Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end ;
Be Thou for ever near me,
My Master and my Friend !
I shall not fear the battle,
If Thou art by my side ;
Nor wander from the pathway,
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
2 Oh, let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near ;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear :
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within ;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will.
Oh speak, to reassure me,
To hasten or control ;
Oh speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul !
4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be !
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end ;
Oh, give me grace to follow
My Master and my Friend !
5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own ;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end ;
And then in heaven receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend !
About The Hymn
The hymn “O Jesus, I Have Promised” (Hymn 606 in some hymnals) is a deeply personal and devotional song that speaks about commitment, guidance, and faith in Jesus Christ. The hymn is structured in several verses, each expressing a different aspect of the Christian journey and relationship with Jesus. Here is a thematic breakdown of its content:
Verse 1: A Solemn Promise to Follow Jesus
The hymn begins with the believer making a sincere and lifelong promise to follow Jesus. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of discipleship and the determination to remain faithful to Christ no matter the cost. The singer acknowledges that following Jesus means surrendering completely to His guidance and authority, with an unwavering desire to stay close to Him.
This verse conveys a sense of deep gratitude for Christ’s call and reflects the believer’s readiness to face life’s challenges with Him as their constant guide. It is both a prayer and a declaration of trust, echoing the biblical call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, as in Matthew 16:24: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Verse 2: Awareness of Temptations and Dependence on Jesus
The second verse turns to the struggles and temptations that believers face in their daily walk. The world, with its allurements and distractions, threatens to draw the singer away from their commitment. This verse serves as an honest admission of human frailty and a plea for divine help to resist sin and stay true to the path of righteousness.
The singer implores Jesus for His strength and protection, recognizing that only through His power can they overcome the trials of life. This plea reflects the believer’s reliance on Christ as a fortress in times of spiritual battle. It connects to scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:13, which assures that God provides a way out of every temptation.
Verse 3: A Desire to Hear Jesus’ Voice
This verse shifts to a longing for intimacy with Jesus. The believer yearns to hear His guiding voice above the noise of the world, seeking comfort, instruction, and reassurance. The hymn highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ words, which bring peace and clarity even in the darkest moments.
The singer prays for attentiveness to Jesus’ voice and the strength to follow His commands without hesitation. This verse beautifully illustrates the personal nature of faith, emphasizing the joy and security found in maintaining a close relationship with Christ. It reflects the biblical imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd whose sheep know His voice (John 10:27).
Verse 4: A Prayer for Steadfastness in Faith
In the fourth verse, the hymn takes on a tone of resolve and perseverance. The singer acknowledges the struggles of the Christian journey but prays for the grace to remain faithful to Jesus until the very end. This verse is both a reminder and a request to stay vigilant, not being swayed by fear, doubt, or weariness.
It conveys the believer’s trust that Jesus will provide the strength needed to endure. The verse calls to mind passages like Philippians 3:14, which urges believers to press on toward the goal of their heavenly calling. It is a declaration of hope that Jesus’ presence will sustain them in every circumstance.
Verse 5: Anticipation of Eternal Glory
The final verse shifts focus to the ultimate reward of faithfulness: eternal life with Jesus. It expresses a joyful anticipation of heaven, where the believer will dwell in the presence of Christ, free from the trials and burdens of earthly life. The verse evokes a vision of heavenly bliss, where the faithful will join the heavenly host in eternal worship.
This hope of glory strengthens the believer’s resolve to remain committed to Christ, as the promise of eternity far outweighs any temporary suffering. It reflects passages like Revelation 21:4, which promises that God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain or sorrow. The verse serves as a source of encouragement, reminding believers that their faithfulness will be richly rewarded.
Overall Themes and Reflections
“O Jesus, I Have Promised” is a hymn of discipleship, devotion, and hope. Each verse builds on the previous one, taking the singer on a journey through the commitments, challenges, and joys of following Christ:
- Commitment to Follow – The believer pledges to follow Jesus faithfully.
- Dependence Amid Temptation – A recognition of human weakness and the need for Jesus’ help.
- Intimacy with Jesus – A yearning to hear His voice and be guided by Him.
- Steadfastness in Faith – A prayer for endurance and perseverance.
- Hope of Eternal Life – A joyful anticipation of heavenly glory with Christ.
The hymn resonates deeply with the struggles and aspirations of believers, offering both a challenge to remain faithful and the comfort of Jesus’ unwavering presence. It is a timeless reminder of the joys of discipleship and the eternal reward awaiting those who remain true to their Savior.