Amazing Grace
One of the most recognized Christian hymns in the English language is Amazing Grace. Many who have never set foot in a church can sing at least part of this song. Familiarity is a good thing, but it can also be not so good. Did you ever sing along with a popular song on the radio because you liked the tune, and only later did you think about what the words were really saying? If you have then you know what I’m talking about. It can be shocking when you realize how immoral some of those lyrics are. For example, I love Barbara Mandrell and grew up listening to her. One of her most popular songs went something like this: “If lovin you is wrong, I don’t want to be right”. Even though singing those words was never an expression of what I believed, it still must have grieved the Lord to hear those words come out of my mouth. I’m getting a little off track here, but the point is that we can sing words that we don’t understand or even believe.
I suppose it is the same way with the song Amazing Grace. Those powerful words, penned so long ago by John Newton, are probably sung by many without ever hearing or thinking about it. In this case we may be singing wonderful words but missing the true meaning altogether. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.” Let me ask you friend, are you amazed by grace? If not, I submit you have never thought about what it means. Think about it. Meditate on it and I’m sure the word will become a sweet sound to you.
“That saved a wretch like me” Saved? Do you know what you are saved from? To be saved has no meaning apart from some peril from which you have been saved. The quick answer is probably saved from hell, but that isn’t exactly theologically correct. We are saved from God’s wrath. Now, that is not a popular thought but it is true nonetheless. It is God’s judgement that we escape by accepting the sacrifice of the Son of God in our place! John 3:16 tells us we have been saved, but read on a couple more verses and you will discover that anyone who does not believe stands condemned already. We are wretched compared to the Lord. Newton had it correct when he said “a wretch like me”. Do you consider yourself a wretch? I would say most people do not. It is human nature to compare yourself to other humans who seem worse. But friends, that is a fools errand. Compare yourself to God and you will see how far away you are. Jesus is the standard and unless you can be a righteous as Him (which you cannot) then you stand condemned.
But wait! God loved us even though we were blind, wretched, pitiful & poor. He made a way for us. In a word, that way is grace. His only requirement is to believe that He has done this for you. Amazing, isn’t it? Can it really be that simple? When you fully grasp how sinful you are and how loving and merciful God is, then you will understand just how amazing God’s grace is and it will be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.
I urge you to spend a little time thinking about these things today and sing the classic hymn as you go about your activities with a new sense of amazement! May God bless you friends!
