John Newton was a boy in England, when at the age of eighteen, he was forced to enlist on a British man-of-war. He deserted, and was captured and exchanged to the crew of a slave ship bound for Africa. Later he was promoted to captain of a slave ship. Commanding a slave vessel seems like a strange place to find a Christian. But at last the inhuman aspects of the business began to pall on him, and he left the sea for good.
While working as a tide surveyor he studied for the ministry, and for the last 43 years of his life preached the gospel in Olney and London. At 82, Newton said, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." No wonder he understood so well grace--the completely undeserved mercy and favor of God.
Newton's tombstone reads, "John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy." But a far greater testimony outlives Newton in the most famous of the hundreds of hymns he wrote, Amazing Grace.
Most of us can sing the words to Amazing Grace. This hymn has been used and used throughout the protestant church. But how often do we pay attention to the 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 hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
This year, as we move toward the beginning of the church year, which starts November 27th, the first Sunday in Advent, let us take some time. Let us each realize how much we have been blessed by the amazing, terrific grace that is given to each one of us.
I am sure that it is true that none of us have sold people into slavery for sugar and rum, but what sins have we committed against our God who loves us so much? Let us each take time to be thankful for the grace and mercy that we receive on a daily basis. Let us each be thankful that God has given us grace, and continues to open God’s arms to us, even as we continue to sin.
