A survey of British teenagers in the mid-1970s found that the majority thought that “Amazing Grace” was a love song about a girl named Grace. Now, some 30 years later, the song has been recorded in more then 3,200 different versions. Most of these recordings have been made since Judy Collins had a surprise pop hit with the song in 1971. It has become the most covered song in history. It is considered to be the anthem of the Cherokee Nation because the song was sung on the Trail of Tears during 1838-39.
Something that many people still do not know is that the words of the song were written by a reformed British slave trader turned Anglican minister, John Newton. Only God’s Amazing Grace could and would transform a rude and profane slave-trading sailor into a dedicated follower and servant of Jesus Christ. But that was not all. Newton who had committed crimes against humanity now becomes God’s chosen instrument to place into service and mentor a young man who would fight passionately for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery.
In a few days a movie based on the true story of the life of William Wilberforce, a British Parliamentarian will be shown in theaters all across the United States.
“The greatest contribution that Christianity made among world religions is Grace. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional, with all others one has to earn it.” C.S. Lewis
“Amazing Grace” traces the efforts of this young protégé of Newton. Wilberforce’s passion was based on the conviction that God created all men and women equal, in His image. His battle was not an easy one, yet in spite of powerful resistance Wilberforce did not give up. After 16 years of patient advocacy and many re-introductions, the Slave Trade Act was passed by both houses of parliament. Slavery itself remained a reality though but Wilberforce continued to fight for its complete abolition. It would take another 24 years before he would see the abolition bill which he had championed approach the final stages of becoming law. It finally was passed in July 1833, one month after his death.
I had to ask myself whether I have the passion to stand up for what is right for forty years, against all odds, before seeing the result. Where did Wilberforce get this passion? When asked how he had been able to sustain his focus for so long he answered: “Duty is ours, results are God’s”!
May we be transformed by God’s Amazing Grace, enabled to stand for what is right, do our duty and entrust the results to His hands.
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