Scripture References:
All st. = John 14:6
st.2 = Rom. 10:12-13
This hymn expresses Christian unity in diversity, especially cultural or ethnic diversity. As servants of the Lord, believers sing of hope amid change and turmoil. They find rest in the Lord's peace and proclaim their purpose by living the way of Christ. Based on Jesus' words in John 14:6 and on Christ-centered teachings such as those in Romans 10:12-13 and Ephesians 1:7-14, "Here, O Lord" states that Jesus, our Savior, is the Way (st. 1); Jesus, our Teacher, is the Truth (st. 2); and Jesus, our Healer, is the Life (st. 3). The song closes with a prayer asking Jesus, our Master, for continued help and guidance (st. 4).
While serving as a pastor of the United Church of Christ in Toyohashi, Japan, Tokuo Yamaguchi (b. Tomie-cho, Fukue Island, Nagasaki-Pref., Japan, 1900; d. Aichi-Pref., Japan, 1995) wrote the text for the fourteenth International Christian Education Conference held in Tokyo in 1958, just one year after the launching of Sputnik and the resulting new emphasis on education. The theme of that conference was "Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Everett M. Stowe (b. 1897) translated the Japanese text into English. The hymn was sung in both Japanese and English at the conference. No other information is available on Stowe.
Yamaguchi was a Methodist pastor in Sawara, Tanimura, Fujieda, and Asahikawa, following his graduation with a theology degree from Aoyama Gakuin University in 1924. His longest term of service was as pastor of the United Church of Christ in Toyohashi in the Aichi Prefecture (1937-1979). He translated The Journal of John Wesley into Japanese in 1961 and was honored by the Christian Literature Society of Japan in 1983 for his translation work.
Liturgical Use:
Beginning of worship; Worldwide Communion Sunday; All Nations Heritage celebrations; mission emphasis; similar worship services that stress the "communion of the saints."
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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