God Speaking

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father. Full of grace and truth.”

(John 1: 14)

This week we sang in our church service, probably one of the best-known hymns ever written, Amazing Grace. As I sang the familiar words, once again I was filled with awe at what those words meant, although written hundreds of years ago their impact has never lessened and as we approach Good Friday and think deeply about what those words really mean, our hearts are profoundly touched and just like the author we are filled with gratitude to our Saviour.

The author, John Newton, had every reason to be amazed at the grace shown to him by Jesus. He was a slave trader in a despicable time of history when humans were traded for money. It is understandable that John Newton would be overwhelmed that Jesus would choose someone like him to die for, but when we look at ourselves, we can also be amazed that the Son of God would choose us.

The also amazing thing about grace is that it continues to pour out upon us continually when we acknowledge Jesus as our Saviour.

“From the fulness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1: 16)

Paul was particularly aware of how important Jesus’ on-going grace was to us all and constantly reminded the young churches to remember this beautiful gift would bless them and of course us as well and to allow his grace to permeate their and our lives.

“May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and hope…” (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)

When we realise that grace is an everlasting gift, we have that feeling of being encompassed by the Saviour’s love every day of our lives and have that eternal hope that John Newton writes about in his hymn.

Yet, when this flesh and heart shall fail

And mortal life shall cease

I shall possess within the veil

A life of joy and peace.

This Good Friday, I am going to concentrate on that beautiful gift that Jesus gave us and to promise to follow the wonderful advice Peter wrote to the followers of Christ.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3: 18)