Music and Poetry (3)
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 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Devotional thoughts by Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien.
William Booth believed that the gospel would be taken to every land through the Army of committed Salvationists. He really could visualize the blood and fire banner with its motto written in every language, and people of every nationality and every social class being welcomed into the ranks of soldiers.
Maybe militaristic language is now old fashioned, although its roots are firmly scriptural. 2 Timothy 2:3 instructs us to take our place as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. And Ephesians 6 talks about the full armor we should be using.
We often used to sing songs about winning the battle. They were cheer up songs, encouraging us to fight for God and spread the gospel.
“We’re a band that shall conquer the foe, If we fight in the name of the king; With the sword of the Spirit, we know, We sinners to Jesus shall bring.
I believe we shall win, If we fight in the strength of the king”
“Write it on your banners, Get it on your knees, Victory, victory, victory!”
John Gowans referred to The Salvation Army as God’s own shock troops. The Army was born on the spiritual battlefield and all our activity should be focused on defeating sin and evil in whatever form we encounter it.
But here’s the good news. The outcome of the battle is already decided. It is our privilege to help bring it to conclusion. How do we know?
Because Jesus said this, “Take heart! I have overcome the world”
The words of this great Catherine Baird poem were set to music by Leslie Condon for the 1965 centenary celebrations. And the setting still thrills, with the victorious last verse, leading to the triumphant statement in the coda.
Christ has overcome the world!
Christ has overcome the world!
Has overcome the world!
Our great redeemer liveth still,
His love sustains us in Thy will;
Because He conquered, we shall win,
His cross before, His joy within;
Our cheerful banners are unfurled,
For Christ has overcome the world.
Catherine Baird (1895 – 1984)
From The Salvation Army Songbook – #359 verse 5