Music and poetry (6)
The poetry of Catherine Baird
Catherine Baird was a gifted writer and, as a Salvation Army Officer, was used in that capacity for Salvation Army publications. In addition, she wrote poetry and song words, some of which are in the Salvation Army Songbook. These devotional thoughts are linked to some of her songs.
John 1:35-42 New International Version
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[a]).
Devotional thoughts by Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien
Andrew and his companion were good men. We know they wanted to serve God because they were already disciples of John the Baptist. On this occasion, their teacher pointed them to Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God”.
When Jesus saw they were following, His invitation was to “Come … and see”. When the two had spent some time with Jesus, they returned to share the news, firstly with Simon, who would become Peter, “We have seen the Messiah!”
Andrew saw and understood. His heart was awakened and he responded to the invitation of Jesus to follow him. How wonderful that we read that the first person he shared this with was his brother!
As we listen to this beautiful setting of Catherine Baird’s words, here are some directions for our prayers:
All of us have people for whom we are teachers, mentors. Sometimes that’s an informal relationship, as in the young musician looking up to a singer or player, who may not even know they are being watched. And we also have the formal teaching and leadership relationships. In all of these, may we always point people to Jesus.
And may our own sight be clear to recognize the Messiah in our daily life, to allow him to awaken our heart and to follow wherever he leads.
THE CHRIST CHILD
In every youthful face I see
The Christ Child smiling down on me;
For once, upon a night of joy,
And clothed in a little Boy,
God in sweet majesty came near;
His voice was young and passing clear,
Awakening the heart in me
And calling, “I have need of thee!”