In 2010, Facebook sponsored a “Facebook Fans Rank Favorite Hymns.” Amazing Grace ranked #3 on the list. (Want to know what ranked ahead of it? #1. Here I Am, Lord
#2. How Great Thou Art.)
The love shown in God’s grace is “amazing”, and moves me to do things I would never do on my own. With my cooperation, I pray that “grace will lead me home.”
As familiar as I was with the song, it was only recently that I became familiar with the author of the hymn, John Newton. Mr. Newton was born in England in 1725. He didn’t have any religious affiliations or any big plans for his life. He was forced into serving his country in the Royal Navy, which ultimately led to his employment as a Captain on a slave trading ship.
In 1748, he was onboard his ship, when a violent storm blew up. He became very frightened of losing his ship and his life, so he cried out to God for help. He promised the Lord he would quit the slave trade if he were saved from the storm.
Mr. Newton’s ship was saved, and he eventually fulfilled his bargain with God. He was ordained into the Church of England, and published “Amazing Grace” in 1779.
The day of the storm, and that saving experience so long ago, truly was a day filled with grace. God saved a ship filled with his children. The risk in the storm caused a man who did not practice any faith to call out to God. The Father enlightened one more soul about the evils of slavery. Encouraged and supported to attend classes, this sea captain became a lyricist of sacred music.
All these changes really make me pause to thank God in the Spirit for his power to change people and events. I don’t know which one of these changes you think is the most powerful-but I was impressed by one more thing in this holy episode.
John Newton made a promise to God, and he kept that promise. Yes, it took him a little while to get around to it, but he did it. (See Matthew 21:29) How many times have I made a pledge in great distress, only to forget all about it when the ‘storm’ has passed?
In all the wonderful things I learned about this man, and the road to writing this hymn, I will remember his trustworthiness the most. He gives me hope. The power of God’s grace can help me be more accountable for my promises too; both to God and to his children. That will be “amazing!”
Thank you to Angel at Finding the Inspiring blog, for my new bible! I won her blog contest by ‘joining’ her, and she sent me The Woman’s Study Bible . It’s beautiful! So nice to have met you Angel, and I look forward to getting to know you better :).
I love love love the history of that song:) What grace, what touch of God came from that man’s heart to ours when we sing it! Thank you for the beautiful history lesson – I adore history:)
Hi Bluecottonmemory! You know what, I like history too! I only had a few electives, but I usually defaulted to history courses.
Singing is like praying twice, isn’t it?
How nice to ‘see’ you here. I will mosey over to read your blog soon! I hope to get to know you better, and also hope that you will come here often. I look forward to your comments!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
I love the story of John Newton’s life =) If you haven’t read it yet, you may be interested in Aitken’s book, “John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace.” Also, I forgot to mention this last week, but thank you for praying last week for the ‘unemployed.’ Both my parents have been out of work for nearly two years… not great timing when both my sister and I are in college… and all the other stress/frustration this situation brings with it. So thank you again Ceil!
Hi Natalie! I was not aware of the book you mentioned, so thank you for that tip. It is an amazing story, so inspiring.
I appreciate you encouragement on the prayer…I am so sorry about your parents. My husband has been jobless for quite some time, and it is a stress, no doubt about it. I will keep your parents in my prayers. Please let me know how it’s going, ok?
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Thanks for the reminder on how that hymn came to be. I read it long ago but had forgotten the details. God’s grace is amazing indeed!! Congratulations on your Bible win : )
Hi Mindy! So many people know this story! I guess I am just a late-comer to the party
Thank you for the ‘congrats’! I never win anything, so this was a BIG surprise.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
A friend of mine and I saw a play at our city’s university about John Newton. After the presentation, a man led a discussion about the issue of the idea of cultural habits of times being looked at as sinful.
Hi Cecelia! Wow, what an interesting experience! And I am sure there was a lively discussion about issues of that day. As I mentioned in another reply, I just love history.
That would have been fun, and a chance to hear new things.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Ceil,
Loved the story of how John Newton became one of the Lord’s children and then went on to write “Amazing Grace.”
You mentioned that “Here I Am” Lord was #1 on that poll of best-loved Christian songs. That song is one of my favorites. It talks about being ready whenever and wherever the Lord leads. It moves my heart.
So nice to meet you Ceil. Hope to visit again.
Blessings,
Janis
Hi Janis! I remember you, and your beautiful moon pictures!
Thank you so much for coming here to the blog and ‘joining’ it too. I am so happy to have ‘met’ you! I am not home currently, but when I do get back, I’ll be joining you on your blog as well
I really love “Here I Am Lord” too. Any song that moves your heart is a good one, right?
I look forward to getting to know you better. I hope you will come often, I look forward to your comments!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
I love this story! It truly is inspiring when you read about what someone can accomplish when they are transformed by the grace of God.
P.S. So glad you are enjoying your new Bible. Blessings to you, Ceil!
Hi Angel! I am enjoying the Bible, thank you so much for it!
This story really does point out how powerful grace really is, I agree with you. And we can open to the same gift, which is ‘amazing’ too.
Great to see you here, I always look forward to your comments
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Hello, It was fun being reminded about John Newton and his journey into grace. May you have a blessed weekend.
Blessings, Roxy
Hi Roxy! So glad you liked the post. I had a nice couple of days visiting my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Hope you have great weekend too. Hopefully the air quality is better?
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
That is the first time I actually read the history of the song- what an awesome graceful God we serve. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jenn! Oh, thank you for saying that! I was beginning to think I was the only one who had never heard it.
It really does show the power of grace, right? Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend
Peace in Christ,
Ceil