| “I am a companion of all them that fear Thee” (Psalm 119:63). |
| Yesterday we talked about friends. Today let us think about what the difference might be between friends and companions. I think of companions as more of an action word. It pictures to us friends working together. |
| Paul had a special companion in a young man named Epaphroditus. In Philippians 2:25 he says, “Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier.” According to the verses here, he had been sick, and almost died. Paul says he would have had “sorrow upon sorrow” if this had happened. He really loved and appreciated his companion and friend! They were working and travelling together. Back in the first century (a long, long time ago!) travel was not as it is today. It involved miles of walking, sea voyages that often included storms and shipwreck, sleeping in the cold and not having any “fast food” from the drive-thru when you were really hungry! |
| So, can you be a companion today? There are lots of opportunities to work together for the Lord with others. Picking up the hymn books after Sunday school, cleaning the meeting room together or maybe going with others to sing to some elderly people in a nursing home. We had a young brother travel with us on a long trip to a foreign country, who said, “I just want to come along and carry your luggage!” He was a real companion and did a wonderful job in serving the Lord in that way. |
| The Apostle John mentions companions in Revelation 1:9. “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation.” If we are going through a tough time, how wonderful to have someone to go through it with us. I am very sure that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were “companions” in that fiery furnace trial they endured together and with the Lord. |
