This morning in church we sang a song that normally you sing with littles, it brought to mind this other song that normally we sing with littles. I have decided to follow Jesus has an unexpected story behind it! I thought I would TELL you about it (the write 31 days challenge word).
Lyrics
- I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back. - The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back. - Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back. - My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back. - Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
Author/History
I have decided to Follow Jesus is a folk melody from India.
A revival happened in Wales. The result of that revival is Welsh missionaries heading off to India to convert the masses. One man headed off to Assam, India. Conversion of one native man occurred, resulting in the conversion of others. This led to a fair amount of resentment and anger on the part of the local village chief.
Learn the rest of the story below, then listen to a quiet rendition of this lovely, simple song.
Looking Deeper
When I discovered the story behind this song, my heart stopped for a moment. Considering… what would I have done in this situation? If I could save the life of my son, would I recant the Lord? What would I do?
Then another song that we sung in church this morning that spoke to how we need to become like a shadow of the Lord. Doing what he does, following him everywhere, serving as he serves, loving as he loves. Being his direct shadow.
Again my heart stops and I find myself stopping to ask. What is my first love? If I have to stop and ask the question doesn’t that call into question what is truly my first love? A first love shouldn’t need to be questioned or wondered on.
How about for you? What would you do in the situation? Would your actions, as a result of your love for the Lord God, be words that could inspire a song, inspiring others for generations?
This is one that I associate very closely with my childhood. It is one of the songs that our puppet quartet would sing during puppet shows. I loved it so much! I have always enjoyed singing and listening to this song. My favorite rendition of it is by Acappella.
I have always liked this song, but now I like it even more that I know the story behind it. Neat to hear the history it holds for you.