Welcome to another series here at Jaquelle's Rose Garden. We are looking at 4 great Christian hymns and the stories behind them. Today the hymn we are looking at is 'Amazing Grace.' This song is a classic. I pasted the words below.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.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us 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.
When we've been here ten thousand years bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise then when we've first begun.
This song was written by John Newton, who was a a slave trader before he accepted Christ. John Newton was first convicted of his terrible sins when he found a spiritual book aboard his slave ship. He read it, and later, in a terrible storm, called on Jesus and was saved. After that, John quickly turned to abolitionism (anti-slavery) and became a pastor and hymn writer. So, as you can see, when John Newton wrote this song he truly meant it. When we sing this song, we need to mean it. When John Newton wrote this song, he was broken and devastated over his sins. We need to be broken over our sin, just like the woman who fell at Jesus feet, weeping and pouring perfume on them. She was truly sorry for her sins. Jesus saw this and forgave her. When we think of this hymn, we need to remember where this song came from and how we should be feeling when we sing this song.