How Sweet The Sound
"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: 'Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?" - 1 Chronicles 17:16
Is any hymn more beloved than Amazing Grace? The lyrics do seem to sum up a Christian's journey of redemption, the divine Grace of God, and the promise of eternal life. With its simply-stated definition of eternity: "When we've been there 10,000 years ... we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun," it is no wonder that it is sung at many funerals. You can better understand how the lyrics are able to capture the true meaning of divine grace when you realize just how the hymn came to be written. An Anglican priest, John Newton, used the hymn to reflect on his earlier service as captain of a slave ship. He could think of nothing more evil than those deeds, and was amazed God would provide such grace despite his wretched past. Note the passion in his words:
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.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Know that if God gives grace to a man with this depth of sin, He can certainly forgive your past and open the gates of heaven to you for eternity.
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5 Comments
This is a really neat way to read verses from the Bible. Amazing Grace is on of my favorite Hymns. Thanks for the encouragement! I will be reading the 1 Minute Daily Devotions every day and have sent it to several of my friends. - Cindy Rohly
That is exactly what I needed to hear, Amen! - Adrian Rodriguez
This is one song that describes every born again person. We all are as wretched as can be but thank God he saved us thru his Amazing Grace. God bless and have a good weekend. - Jerry
"How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed!" Its so awesome how you can see/say/read something over and over and never fully understand the message. And then, when you finally see through the words, it totally creates new Ideas and strengthens your beliefs! That line "How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed" makes me remember the "awe" I felt, when it all made sense to me and I began to understand and believe! Such a vivid picture and a great reminder of how when times are ruff, I should just think back to that "first hour" how great it felt and how great God's Grace really can be!! - Lee-Ann
I have never really taken the time to actually read the words to Amazing Grace. I know this song by heart, but now since I actually realize what it is saying it is even more beautiful!This was a really good short devotion, but very informative and it spoke to me!:) - Melody