One of the most popular spiritual songs is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." No one would call it a majestic hymn, but many Christians have found it rich in comfort for souls in need. Wherever the Gospel is preached, people have come to love the familiar words. How faithfully the song reflects the Scriptures may be seen in the following:
"What a Friend we have in Jesus"
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). Jesus is "a friend of tax collectors and `sinners'" (Matt 11:19).
"All our sins and griefs to bear"
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows" (Is. 53:4). "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24).
"What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer"
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (John 15:7). "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
"Oh, what peace we often forfeit"
"He himself is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
"Oh, what needless pain we bear"
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Ps. 42:5).
"Have we trial and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?"
"Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering" (1 Peter 4:12). "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). "The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials" (2 Peter 2:9).
"We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer"
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28). "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" (Ps. 55:22).
"Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?"
"I no longer call you servants Instead, I have called you friends" (John 15:15). "In all their distress he too was distressed In his love and mercy he redeemed them" (Is.63:9)
"Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness"
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin" (Heb. 4:15).
"Are we weak and heavy laden Cumbered with a load of care?"
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).
"Precious Savior, still our Refuge"
"Satan has asked to sift you as wheat, But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail" (Luke 22:32). "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).
"Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?"
"Even my close friend, who I trusted … has lifted up his heel against me" (Ps. 41:9). "Remember the words I spoke to you: `No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).
"In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there"
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you" (Is. 66:13).
My sincerest wish for you all is that Jesus is your best of Friends. In Him you find healing, peace, comfort and eternal salvation.
HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU!
God’s Richest Blessings as you cultivate that friendship through Word and Sacrament.
