This is hymn 54 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
HYMN 54: THERE’S NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS
1. There’s Not A Friend Like The Lowly Jesus,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
None Else Could Heal All Our Souls’ Diseases,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
Refrain:
Jesus Knows All About Our Struggles,
He Will Guide Till The Day Is Done;
There’s Not A Friend Like The Lowly Jesus,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
2. No Friend Like Him Is So High And Holy,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
And Yet No Friend Is So Meek And Lowly,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
3. There’s Not An Hour That He Is Not Near Us,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
No Night So Dark But His Love Can Cheer Us,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
4. Did Ever Saint Find This Friend Forsake Him?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
Or Sinner Find That He Would Not Take Him?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
5. Was E’er A Gift Like The Saviour Given?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
Will He Refuse Us A Home In Heaven?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
THERE’S NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY
Beloved in Christ, in a world of fair-weather friendships and human limitations, the soul longs for a companion who is utterly reliable, perfectly understanding, and unconditionally present. This hymn, “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus,” is a joyous, repetitive celebration of the unique and unparalleled friendship offered to us in Christ. With its emphatic refrain “No, Not One!” it systematically dismisses every potential rival, leaving Jesus alone as the sinner’s supreme and sufficient Friend.
Why Sing This Hymn
We sing this hymn to fix our hearts on the unmatched character of Christ, to comfort ourselves with His constant nearness, and to proclaim His unique power to save, heal, and keep. It is a hymn of confident reassurance, perfect for moments of loneliness, struggle, or doubt. It declares that in Jesus, we have a Friend who combines infinite power with tender humility.
1. It is a Hymn of Unique Power and Empathetic Guidance (Verse 1 & Refrain)
The hymn begins by establishing Jesus’s unique ability where we need it most: “None else could heal all our souls’ diseases.” He alone has the remedy for the fatal sickness of sin. The refrain immediately adds the profound depth of His friendship: “Jesus knows all about our struggles.” He is not a distant healer; He is an intimately acquainted guide who promises to lead us “till the day is done.” Our Friend combines curative power with compassionate understanding.
2. It is a Hymn of Majestic Paradox (Verse 2)
This verse marvels at the breathtaking nature of Christ’s friendship. He is simultaneously “so high and holy”—the transcendent God, worthy of all worship—and yet “so meek and lowly”—the accessible, humble servant who calls us friends (John 15:15). No other being in the universe occupies this space. In Him, infinite dignity meets gentle approachability. We have a Friend who is both our Sovereign King and our Compassionate Confidant.
3. It is a Hymn of Constant Presence (Verse 3)
The proof of true friendship is faithful presence. Jesus passes the test perfectly: “There’s not an hour that He is not near us… No night so dark but His love can cheer us.” His companionship is not seasonal or conditional. In the hour of our deepest despair or darkest sin, His love remains a cheering, light-bringing presence. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
4. It is a Hymn of Unfailing Faithfulness (Verse 4)
The hymn poses two rhetorical questions that history and Scripture resoundingly answer. Has any true saint ever been ultimately forsaken? “No, Not One!” (Hebrews 13:5). Has any sinner who truly came to Him ever been turned away? “No, Not One!” (John 6:37). His friendship is steadfast toward the believer and open-armed toward the repentant. He is perfectly reliable.
5. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Gift and Eternal Security (Verse 5)
The friendship of Jesus is the ultimate gift, far surpassing any other. But this Friend does not merely walk with us through life; He secures our destiny. The final question holds eternal weight: “Will He refuse us a home in heaven?” The triumphant, repeated answer, drawn from His own promise (John 14:2-3), is our glorious hope: “No, Not One!” Our Friend is the guarantor of our eternal home.
A Word for Your Spirit Today
Are you feeling friendless, misunderstood, or battling a “soul’s disease” that others cannot see? This hymn directs you to your true and constant Companion.
Bring your struggles to the Friend who knows all about them. Marvel that the high and holy God is meek and lowly enough to draw near to you. Reject the lie that you are alone in the dark hour—His love is there to cheer you. If you have wandered, remember He will not forsake His own, and He will not refuse a coming sinner.
Today, rest in the friendship of the lowly Jesus. There is not, and never will be, another friend like Him. Cling to Him, walk with Him, and rejoice in the gift of His presence now and His promised home forever.
No, not one!
In the name of Jesus, our incomparable Friend and Saviour, Amen.
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