Amazing Grace is one of my favorite hymns. When a congregation sings it, really lifts their voices as an act of worship to God, something sacred and special happens as we acknowledge the reality that in comparison to a Holy God we are lost, ragamuffin, wretches in desperate need of grace and mercy.
This hymn acknowledges the reality of the human condition and then celebrates the truth that the God of all creation, the God who spoke this world into being, loves each individual so much that He is pursuing a relationship with them….Amazing!
This Lenten season it does us good to reflect upon the reality of our wretchedness and our own mortality…”from ashes you have come and to ashes you shall you return.”
It is also good for us to celebrate the truth that we are not left in that state. The God of all grace and mercy reaches out to us…calling us to Him through faith in Christ.
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 those 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.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
A friend of mine shared this with me the other day. It is worth watching.
