If you grew up attending Sunday School or children’s church, or maybe even church camp there is a good chance that you sang “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”
Sorry to any Greek enthusiasts, but there is no Greek in this post. I tried to find a Greek version, and there may be one, but I couldn’t find it.
I was rehearsing the Spanish version of the song, as it was Missions Week at my church this week. As I was ‘surfing the web’ for lyrics, I found out the story behind this song. I never knew. In Spanish it is “He Decido Seguir a Cristo.” I even found a French one: J’ai decide de suivre Jesus. (A couple of accents are missing.) I am familiar with the Spanish version due to a couple of mission trips to Mexico long ago.
I’m just going to copy the Wikipedia story here, but I also found the story at this website: hymnary.org
Wikipedia states: “The lyrics are based on the last words of a man in Assam, north-east India, who along with his family decided to follow Jesus Christ in the middle of the 19th century through the efforts of a Welsh missionary. Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, the convert declared, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” In response to threats to his family, he continued, “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.” His wife was killed, and he was executed while singing, “The cross before me, the world behind me.” This display of faith is reported to have led to the conversion of the chief and others in the village.” (wikipedia.org)
It looks as though this song has been translated into many other languages including: Navajo, Hmong, Spanish, French, Swahili, and probably more.
Hearing this story deepens my appreciation of this song. When you think of facing death and standing by your faith, it just strengthens the words. It changes the meaning a little. He wasn’t just claiming that he had decided to follow Jesus. He was saying that he was going to follow Jesus, even if it meant that he would be killed. Even if no one else followed Jesus with him, he still would. And when he is about to be killed, he is focusing on the cross, looking to the cross, and putting the world behind him. Powerful.
I don’t think I ever heard this story! Wow, inspiring! Thanks!
yes, this is inspiring! I always sang this with great enthusiasm, and determination, but now I believe I’ll be singing it with a bit more sobriety, remembering that many people, give up their family, their earthly goods, and even their lives for their faith in Jesus. While I sit in my comfortable pew, there are people being martyred. I pray that the words will remain true if I am ever called to that point!