Amazing Grace
Thursday November 6, 2014
Amazing grace was written by an Englishman named John Newton. It's one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. The words of the song are filled with hope and forgiveness regardless of the sins we may have committed. They tell the story of how a person can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God.
You might be surprised to learn that John Newton was not a great guy. He served in the navy but was dismissed for disrespecting authority. He was famous for his evil ways and foul swearing mouth. After being kicked out of the navy John Newton turned to a career of trafficking in slaves and worked his way up from an ordinary ship hand to becoming captain of the ship. During a storm, when it was thought the ship might sink, he prayed to God for deliverance. Another time when he was violently ill, he prayed and asked God for mercy and healing. God responded and touched his heart and his body. God forgave John Newton's sins, even though they were severe and many. This became a great turning point in Newton’s life. Instead of swearing and selling slaves he became a person who preached the love of God. He even went to the British parliament and spoke against slave trading and had a huge influence on changing this awful practice. This is a snapshot of the life of the person who wrote the song Amazing Grace. I don't know which verse of this song touches you the most. The first verse reminds us without God we are all in trouble. We've all sinned but if we repent God will forgive us. VERSE 1: Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. The Bible says: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 3:23, 6:23 NIV)
The second verse reminds us that no matter what troubles we face, God is with us, ready to help us and bring us to a safe place. VERSE 2: Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed. The Bible says: You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 12:7, 46:1)
My heart is always comforted with the third verse because it shows how God has promised extravagant good for us. We can safely put our lives in the hands of a God who seeks to give us life’s very best. VERSE 3: The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secure. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. The Bible says: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
In a more modern version of this song a chorus has been added. This chorus helps us remember that we need God's power to free us from our problems and failures as surely as someone in chains needs to be set free. CHORUS: My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace. The Bible says: You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18 NIV)
The fourth verse reaffirms for us that no matter how uncertain our circumstances are; no matter how many changes take place in our families or our community, God will be with us and help us to find rest and strength. VERSE 4: The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine. But God who calls me hear below, will be forever mine. The Bible says: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV)
Today, let’s remember how amazing God’s care and love is for us, even when we fail. Like John Newton, let’s put our trust in God’s ability to keep us safe and give us a life that is rich and secure.
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