Song for a sermon

When we think of the back story to the hymn Amazing Grace we normally focus on the author John Newton being a slave trader who experienced the great mercy of Christ. #

This is an important part of the story but interestingly it was not so much written to be biographical, with the focus on Newton’s life, but to help teach gospel truths, putting the emphasis on God.

Probably you know this already, but I must confess that I only recently discovered that this classic hymn was written for a New Year’s Day service in 1773, 25 years after his conversion and about 10 years after he had become an Anglican minister. Newton would often compose hymns to match the text he was preaching and that day the text was 1 Chronicles 17. It is King David’s response to the promise that God gave him to establish a kingdom forever. It’s striking to see how the lines of the hymn flow out of the text.

Here are a few examples
 
“Amazing grace… that saved a wretch like me… Tis grace has brought me safe thus far”
Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far…You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men. (v16,17)
 
“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.”
I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you (8)
 
“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”
I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed (9)
 
“He will my shield and portion be”
And I will subdue all your enemies. (10)
 
“The Lord has promised good to me his word my hope secures”
And now, O Lord, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant … be established forever, and do as you have spoken (v23 also 18,26)
 
“God who called me here below will be forever mine”
Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue for ever in your sight; for you, Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed for ever.’ (26).
This section of the text actually says forever eight times – v12 v14 v22 v23 v24 v27
 
This realisation really warmed my heart today.

It reminded me of God’s amazing grace – who am I that God should love me so much?

It showed me a man whose aim was to focus on God’s story, not his.  

It encouraged me that we want to sing gospel truth that helps to embed the texts we are preaching. I hope it warms your heart too. Have a look at 1 Chronicles 17 with your favourite version of Amazing Grace playing in the background and worship your gracious God.