Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

1 Chronicles 17:16-20 - “And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? [17] And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God. [18] What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. [19] O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. [20] O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

The prayer of King David teaches us an important lesson of gratitude and humility. From this passage, a famous hymn written by John Newton, the “Amazing Grace,” was composed and has blessed many through the years.

It was in December 1772 in Olney, England, when, at the age of 47, John Newton began writing a hymn that became increasingly popular over the next 251 years. Newton wrote about a grace that is immense. He wrote about the amazing grace of God that saved him out of his wretchedness.

“Amazing Grace” describes John Newton’s salvation story almost 251 years ago. No matter how long that has gone by, the meaning of this hymn is true for many people worldwide.

John Newton was involved in human trafficking and sold other human beings in the slave trade. As he states in the hymn, he was a wretch, but God saved him. God’s amazing grace transformed him, and it is God’s grace that sets His people free when the Holy Spirit convicts us. 

Newton began his life’s career by searching throughout the African coast for slaves to capture and sell for profit. On one occasion, Newton and his crew encountered a storm that swept some of his men overboard and left others with the likelihood of drowning. 

With both hands fastened onto the wheel of the boat, Newton cried out to God, saying, “Lord, have mercy on us.” After eleven hours of steering, the remainder of the crew finally found safety with the calming of the storm. Newton dated March 21 as a day for humiliation, prayer, and praise.

Upon arriving safely, Newton decided not to venture out to seek more slaves. Instead, he began to study the Word of God. He accepted requests to speak about his testimony of salvation in various congregations until he was eventually ordained and began to pastor a church. 

God changed him from a man leading the slave trade to a man actively working towards abolishing it. Newton's articles against the slave trade encouraged abolitionist William Wilberforce to continue his legal fight against slavery in England.

As he advanced in years, Newton began losing his memory. His thoughts were limited. However, Newton said he could remember two things, “That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.” He experienced the abundant life that could only be found in Christ, 

John Newton left his earthly life in 1807 at the age of 82. He lived long enough to see the signing of The Act for the Abolition of the Slave Market. Here are the words of this song that have blessed our hearts.

“Amazing Grace”

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.

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!

3.Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

4.The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

5.Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

6.The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

7.When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Our Prayer for today:

Lord, thank you for the Amazing Grace that has saved and transformed us to enjoy the abundant life you gave us. 

Forgive us that too often we forget it is your grace that has given us daily victories and has provided our daily needs. 

We pray that we will always be thankful for your amazing grace! In Jesus Name. Amen!