Amazing Grace

     I was substitute teaching in my sister-in-law's high school history class. She had asked that I show a particular film entitled, "Amazing Grace."

 

    Sure enough, the documentary followed the journey of this wonderful old hymn from its conception. It seemed odd, (but good) that such a film was allowed to be shown in a public school, (though paradoxically, my wife and daughter and their missions team were invited to minister in a couple of public schools in Russia.)

     It was interesting to understand the variety of environments in which “Amazing Grace” has been sung or played, and the style and manner in which it had been conducted. In one scene Jesse Norman sings John Newton’s memorable hymn, in another a classical orchestra plays the same tune and in still another, a black choir virtually dances the melody into our consciousness.

     John Newton lived what he might have described as a perfectly despicable adolescence and young adult life, as he embraced the life of a seaman. Since, as many of you already understand, he engaged himself in capturing and transporting slaves to countries across the globe.

     It almost goes without saying that conditions were beyond awful for these precious souls. Stuffed in stacked rows below decks, many died of disease brought on by a sore lack of hygiene; their dead bodies tossed to the sharks.

Husbands and wives, mothers and children were often separated, never to meet again.

     But so like Jonah, on one particularly dreadful day, John endured a fierce storm at sea, and began to read “The Imitation of Christ,” by Thomas ‘a Kempis. This wonderful volume served as a catalyst to woo the infidel to God.

     Ultimately, John Newton gave his life to his Creator, gave up the slave trade and embraced Mission. He was ordained as a minister in the Anglican Church, and tirelessly preached against the culture of slavery.

    “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!”

 

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "Musings"