Dear Friends of the Chapel,
Last Sunday we sang the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The words were written by Joseph Medlicott Scriven in 1855 as a personal poem to comfort his mother in Ireland, who was going through a period of illness and sorrow. Scriven had known a great deal of sorrow in his own life, so he knew how important comfort in Jesus can be.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1819, just before his first wedding, his fiancé drowned. His second fiancé would also later die from illness. His own poor health and all these losses made him decide he needed to leave Ireland. He immigrated to Canada in 1844. There he dedicated his life to preaching and teaching about Jesus.
Being far away from his mom when she was struggling, Scrivner wanted her to know that Jesus was always with her. He would be her friend and carry every burden, forgive every sin and listen to the cries of her heart, even though her son was far away.
Scriven never intended the poem to be widely known. He gave away most of his writings away freely and did not seek credit. When later asked about it, he said, “The Lord and I wrote it between us.” Charles C. Converse later put the poem to music in 1868, leading to its rapid spread in churches and prayer meetings.
Although there is some question as to dates for Scrivner, the message of the song remains strong and hopeful. It is said that a friend of Scrivner found the poem and saved it or it would have been lost for future generations. God works mysteriously so many times through the hands and hearts of friends.
John 15:15 (NIV) reads: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
How are we doing this week at being a friend to Jesus and to those we meet? May we be the kind of friends who make the world a brighter place for everyone.
Growing in Friendship with You,
Pastor Donna