“Jesus, thou divine Companion, help us all to work our best. Bless us in our daily labor.”

 

Hymn: “Jesus, Thou Divine Companion” – Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)
Tune: PLEADING SAVIOR, HYFRYDOL

For Labor Day Weekend, I decided to use a line from a mostly-unfamiliar hymn. I’m attaching a copy of it for you to read this line in context.

I very much like the concept of Christ being my Divine Companion… One who accompanies me wherever I go as my Escort, Comrade, Confidante, Compadre – Friend. By dictionary definition, a companion is “a person who shares the experiences of another, especially when these are unpleasant or unwelcome.” THAT is what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!

Sticking with definitions, a companion is also one of a pair of things that complements the other. This also applies to our relationship with Christ: he improves my attitude and my actions, and I raise his image among my constituents when I behave and react more like he would. We have an interdependent, symbiotic relationship.

Although it is rarely used, this word can also be a verb: Jesus companions me, and I him.

Interestingly, the very word from the Latin means together (com) with bread (panis). Bring that to mind the next time you approach the communion table.

Not only does he travel with me, he is my Assistant – not as a second-in-command, but as one is there to help whenever needed. This is where we arrive at today’s hymnline, imploring his help in our work and his blessing on our labor. We are not asking him simply to help us get our work done or accomplish a task; our prayer is that we might give it our best effort and that the product would be the best we can give.

I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve often been accused of being a perfectionist. That is simply not true… and can’t be in local church music ministry! I am unashamedly a “best-est,” convinced that nothing offered to God in worship should be anything short of our finest. (2 Samuel 24:24)

I hope this is an encouraging word as you face bosses, deadlines, inter-workplace conflicts and projects that seem way beyond your capabilities. You are not alone. You have a Divine Companion. And all the people said…

“PLEADING SAVIOR” Hymn Tune
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