“Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like Me!”
John Newton’s hymn is timeless.
Although there are many hymns and songs which articulate the same truths this one does, it will always be a favorite.
The first line vibrates with such meaning.
For a sinner, covered in the stains of disobedience, the sound of Jesus’voice granting both cleansing and rebirth is the sweetest melody.
“I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.”
The truth of being lost in utter darkness is a terrifying place to be, but oh how joyous to have Christ throw open the heavy disgusting prison door of wickedness and separation from God, to allow the truth of His sacrifice to bring such as myself into the glory and healing of life in the Son.
“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How previous did that grace appear The hour I first believed!”
When one sees clearly, the enormous gap between the sinner and God Almighty seems an unreachable divide.
Then the cross becomes a door, a gift of grace to all who chose to enter, and upon opening the door of belief in Jesus each one finds even more grace through the abundant love of Christ Jesus.
“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.”
Once the sinner turned saint steps into the journey of life in Christ Jesus they find a friend Who walks with them through every trial and trouble.
They are sojourners on their way through this world toward life eternal with Christ in heaven.
“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 first begun. Amen”
Our time oriented minds can not truly fathom eternity.
But to spend a little imagination, we might think, we might well picture what praise, worship, and prayer at the foot of God’s throne could be like.
To be utterly free from sin, wickedness, evil, death, fear, anxiety, trouble, hunger, grief, pain,…
I can easily see why we would spend ten thousand years worshipping and be content to continue on and on.
Revelation 4:8 NKJV — The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for being holy. Thank You for salvation and Your amazing grace. Lord, thank You for giving us so much, for we do not deserve any of it. Lord Jesus, please help those who have yet to know You to see You and recognize Your salvation. Lord, please soften hearts and open their eyes to Your truth. Lord, for those who are called by Your name, please help each one of us to remain humble, aware of Your incredible grace each and every day. Let us never take advantage of the glorious gift You have given, but instead strengthen us to remain vigilant, wise servants who watch and wait for the return of their Master. I love You, Jesus. I praise Your holy name! Amen.
patientlyhopeful 