Fortunate is the person who has a good friend here on earth. It is very special to have somebody who really cares about you and what is happening in your life. It is unusual to have somebody who sticks with you in the good times as well as the bad times. You are blessed if you have someone with whom you can share your joys and sorrows, your fears and worries, your concerns for tomorrow. Such friends are hard to find. And sadly sometimes the unexpected events of life, such as major moves or especially death, will end these important and valued relationships. That I have personally experienced in recent years. But we are reminded in the Scriptures (Proverbs 18:24) that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. And that Friend is Jesus. And for those who have been born into His family, He is the perfect Friend. He loves us, He cares for us, He has a plan for us, He guides us, He comforts us and He is always there and will never leave us or forsake us. For that we have His promises. What a Friend we have in Jesus! And this is the truth that Joseph Ludgate (1864-1947) conveyed in this week's hymn choice. We know very little about the author or the events behind his writing of these words in1898. He was raised as a Roman Catholic but later joined the Salvation Army where he served for many years. He also served as a chaplain in World War I and as spiritual advisor to the Wheaton Military College. It is interesting to note that the music for this hymn was arranged by Stephen C. Foster who is best known as a composer of popular music such as "Suwanee River" and "My Old Kentucky Home". Foster's work has been adapted to numerous hymns and gospel songs. As you study the words of this song you will be reminded of God's grace and mercy that would allow us to be a friend of Jesus. You will be reminded of His faithfulness to us when even those closest to us would disappoint us. You will be reminded of how He is with us in the good times as well as in the challenging times of life and how He will be there to meet us someday on heaven's shore. What a friendship, what a sweet communion, and what a thrill to know that Jesus is your Friend. Rejoice in that knowledge this week.
(1) A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
Should ever have a Friend like this
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(2) A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend Who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(3) A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(4) A Friend when life's short race is o'er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven's shore,
A Friend when home at last!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
Now videos of Ludgate's hymn are extremely rare and difficult to find. I only found one that was acceptable enough to share in my blog and even that one is not very good. But here it is to view.
Because of the poor quality of that I am also including a link to the background music and the words that you might want to listen to and possibly sing along with.
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