I. This song is a folk melody from India, arranged by Pam Stephenson.
II. Verse 1
I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back.
Matt. 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, Matt. 9:9, Luke 18:18-30, John 13:34-38,
21:19-25, 1 Peter 2:20-25, Heb. 10:19-27.
To decide to follow Jesus is to commit to a life of serving him
and doing those things commanded by Him and set before us by His
example. Many commitments made by people today are taken lightly.
They may have an intention to follow through in the beginning,
but other cares and commitments can prevent them from fulfilling
these. We as Christians need to be fully prepared to fulfill our
commitment to Christ. The cost of not succeeding is too high.
There are ways that we can accomplish this commitment. When we
decide to follow Jesus, it is first important that we determine
to find out all we can about Him and His word. This knowledge
will help us to see problems and be prepared to confront them.
Secondly, we need to utilize one of our most powerful tools, prayer.
Thirdly, support and knowledge that we gain from association with
other Christians can not be underestimated. All these will help
to increase our faith, belief and commitment to God and to Christ.
III. Verse 2
The world behind me the cross before me; No turning back.
Matt. 13:22-23, 16:25-27, 18:7-9, Rom. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 1:18-25.
Our commitment to Christ will cost us. For the Christian the things
of the world that conflict with the will of Christ must be left
behind. We can not serve God and the world. The sacrifice of Jesus
on the cross demands that we take up our cross and follow Him.
Taking up our cross means leaving behind many of the pleasures
we enjoy, and sometimes friends and family because of their unwillingness
to follow the authority of the crucified Christ. To turn back
to enticements of the world, after we have taken up our cross
will have disastrous results to our eternal souls. (2 Pet 2:20-22)
IV. Verse 3
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow; no turning back.
Luke 6:22-23, Joshua 24:1 4-15, Daniel 6:16-24.
Joshua's statement that he and his house would serve the Lord
is one of the greatest statements of commitment ever seen. Daniel's
courage in facing the den of lions is one of the greatest fulfillments
of commitment ever seen. We should let these examples of courage
and perseverance strengthen our resolve to always follow the Lord,
even if we stand alone!
V. Verse 4
Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back.
Acts 8:26-40, 9:17-20.
The Ethiopian eunuch and the apostle Paul had one great thing
in common: when they learned of the truth they obeyed the truth.
They made the commitment, they followed the Word of the Lord.
In the case of Paul, we are told of all the trials he endured.
He did not turn back. He was able to say in 2 Tim 4:7-8, "1
have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
We need to make the commitment, follow through and be able to
repeat the words of Paul when we come to the end of our lives!