It is human nature for a person to enjoy a variety of things. It is not hard to imagine that the same person who enjoys a fancy dinner of filet mignon followed by an evening at the opera might also, some other evening, enjoy a hot dog (with mustard … mmmm!) served at a ball game. We were created in God’s image, and so I suspect the Lord, too, enjoys a variety of “tastes”. I feel this must be so, otherwise how could the Lord warmly welcome both George Handel, who offered the “Hallelujah Chorus“, and Johnson Oatman Jr., who wrote “No, Not One”. The contrast between the styles of these two piece of music could hardly be greater, but they both glorify the same Lord. I smile at the thought of each of these composers someday leading an evening of praise and worship at the foot of the great throne. I wouldn’t miss either evening. I’m confident the Lord would be delighted to receive them both with hearty approbation. Please give “No, Not One” a sing-along listen, then come back for a tip Paul gave us on outreach.
High art even in low places
Johnson Oatman Jr. shared his joy of the Lord through songs he wrote. “No, Not One” is cut from the same cloth as another of his works, “No Friend Like Jesus“ . These songs are fun to sing and a blessing to ponder. It seems they’d fit right in any place blue jeans and T-shirts are welcome — and fancy suits, too.
Paul told the Corinthians, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” Some might argue it is just plain better to wear suits than blue jeans — and vise versa — or that it is better for worship leaders to use traditional music rather than contemporary — etc., etc. But Paul ends the argument with this reason to be versed in much: “that I might save some”.
I still cherish my Mom’s approach. She said — “It is so inconvenient not to like something.”
No friend like Jesus
Oatman Jr.’s song gets us singing praiseworthy truths about the Lord Jesus Christ, set to a simple, bright melody.
“♫♪ There’s not a friend like our Savior, Jesus — None else could heal all our soul’s diseases ♫♪”
Jesus ate, drank, talked and laughed with all kinds of people. Because of that, many were blessed and they embraced his light, love and encouragement. Some thought it appropriate to disapprove — accusing him of being a friend of sinners — and they missed out. Jesus told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Jesus said to his disciples, “…I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.”
“♫♪ Jesus knows all about our struggles ♫♪”
In Hebrews 4 we read, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”
1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
Hebrews 12:3: “Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
“♫♪ Was e’er a gift like the Savior given? ♫♪”
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” [1 Corinthians 9:15]
You and I could find many more Bible verses and launch wonderful conversations about these and other lyrics found here. I’m pretty sure that’s what attracts us to songs like this — songs which overflow with joy for the Lord while helping us get to know Him better.
No, not one
One big thought this song inspires — nothing is more important or satisfying in this life than knowing the Lord — and being known by Him — receiving everlasting life, and partnering in Kingdom work as salt and light. There is so much in this life to be thankful for and to enjoy, but I cannot think of a single thing more important to us than the Lord — no, not one!
God bless you lots
-Dale R.
LYRICS – No, Not One
Text: Johnson Oatman (1895)
Tune: George C. Hugg (1895)
1 There’s not a friend like our Savior Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases–
No, not one! no, not one!
Chorus:
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like our Savior Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!
2 There’s not an hour that He is not near us –
No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark that His love can’t cheer us–
No, not one! no, not one!
3 Was e’er a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! no, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! no, not one!
Let’s stay in touch
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