Amazing Grace
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.
That hymn, its music and words, attributed to John Newton, has always moved me to emotion and deep gratitude. Many know the story behind this powerful offering of faith. John, born in London, England, was the son of a stern sea captain father who took John to sea at the age of 11. Later, John known for his reckless youth of drinking, was impressed into the British navy. Bearing the rank of a common seaman, he served on the ship “Pegasus” and was ultimately left in West Africa for not getting along with the crew. He became associated with a slave trader, Amos Clowe, and John’s involvement in that enterprise was set. Later, on a voyage home to England, the ship was caught in a horrendous storm off the coast of Ireland and almost sank. It is reported that John Newton prayed to God, and the cargo miraculously shifted to fill a hole in the ship’s hull and the vessel drifted to safety. Newton believed this to be a sign from the Almighty and considered this as his conversion to Christianity. Later he became an Anglican clergyman. Only God’s amazing grace captured the soul of John and turned the one time rude, profane, slave-trading sailor into a child of God.
On this past Easter there streamed a short concert on YouTube performed by Andrea Bocelli. It was a concert for the world suffering under the threat of COVID -19, the virus affecting our globe. He freely sang out, from the depths of his soul, the most beautiful songs of faith and hope. He ended his concert with “Amazing Grace,” finally ending his performance with “I once was blind, but now I see!” I saw a touching smile upon his lips as he gently finished these last words. Just imagine this man of faith, blind since the age of 12, dependent upon others for sight, praising God and expressing joy via the gift the Lord has given him. God has given us gifts and joy too.
Once again God, this past Resurrection Sunday, has reminded us of the love and gifts He gives to us each and every day. Especially critical to our Christian belief, He has provided us with Forgiveness for our sins whatever they may be. Jesus was sacrificed for us for all time. He has also assured us life beyond this existence into Eternity to be with Him. What a gift and gifts the Lord pours out upon each of us. Let us not be blinded by this world’s disruptions whatever they may be. But with John Newton and Andrea Bocelli, let us honor God’s Amazing Grace in our lives. “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!” All praise to God!
Pastor Tom Murphy
About Pastor Tom:
Tom is a retired pastor serving Sunset Drive UMC. He has pastored large and small churches in our Conference and has served as the Charlottesville District Superintendent. Since retirement, Tom has served as Interim Pastor at three churches. He has served the Virginia Annual Conference in many, many ways and continues to offer excitement and joy to his churches.
