Alan Jackson – Amazing Grace (Official Music Video)
Inspiration Behind Amazing Grace:
After his devout Christian mother passed away, John Newton became a prodigal, becoming a ship captain in the slave trade. During one of his trips, a massive a violent North Atlantic storm, was about to sink his ship. crying out to God in an act of desperation. After surviving, John’s life was transformed, eventually quitting the slave trade to become a minister. As Newton began to lose his sight, conviction, guilt and remorse consumed his soul. Writing Amazing Grace was like an act of penance, deeply grieved by his role in the English Slave Trade.
Biblical Application:
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:11-14.
Exegesis of Amazing Grace:
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
John Newton realized that he didn’t deserve God’s grace. Yet, upon becoming a minister in the Church of England, John realized that this grace was for him too, despite the sinful live he lived. This is great news of being lost in the past but now having purpose and meaning in life. Although blind in his last days on earth, John was now able to see the Good News inside the Bible.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
This amazing grace, Romans 6:23, transformed John’s life. Relieving his fears of his eternal destiny. This grace appeared to John as soon as he rededicated his life to Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun
A glimpse of heaven, praising God because of this amazing grace. John is eternally grateful to God.
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
This final chorus is a reflection of John’s testimony, how God’s grace transformed his life on earth.
Final Thoughts:
Watching Amazing Grace, the 2006 movie, opened my eyes and mind to the meaning of this song. Understanding the role that William Wilberforce played in ending the British transatlantic slave trade, helped me realize how hard it is to make changes in any government when power and wealth are on the line. You have to be relentless, playing the long game before your dreams and goals can finally be realized. When a Christian faith is on fire, ignited by the Holy Spirit, anything is possible with God.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 