“O Jesus, I Have Promised,” ELW 810 and LBW 503
1 O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
remain forever near me, my master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide.
2 Oh, let me feel you 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, then draw nearer to shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh, let me hear you speaking in accents clear and still
above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will.
Now speak to reassure me, to hasten or control.
now speak and make me listen, O Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, you have promised to all who follow you
that where you are in glory your servant shall be too.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
oh, give me grace to follow, my master and my friend.
Devotion
This hymn, which was my confirmation hymn, had an impact on my early teen years. “O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end” are amazing words for a teenager, or whatever age, to sing and confess.
It reminds me of my mother, at whose end her confirmation gave her great hope. We had gathered with hospice staff to discuss the prognosis and treatment for her developing cancer. Her response was to say that at her confirmation she realized her life was centered in Christ’s death and resurrection. In light of this, she did not fear earthly death, for she had already died with Christ and lived her life in this identity and hope of resurrection.
Mother lived out the promise of these words, “Remain forever near me, my master and my friend.” This is the promise that holds us from a confirmation of faith to the end of life.
Prayer
O Jesus, we live in the present promise that you walk with us each day. In this life you call us to serve you to the end. In this identity we receive the gift of life in your name now and live in the promise that we will also live with you in glory. Amen.