This song is a powerful message for everyone. Listen to what it says: “My chains are gone I've been set free, My God, my Savior has ransomed me.” John Newton, the writer of the hymn, based Amazing Grace on this passage in 1 Chronicles 17:7-8: “I took you from the pasture and from your work as a shepherd to make you a leader of my people Israel. I was with you wherever you went and I defeated all your enemies before you. Now I will make you as famous as the great men of the earth.” This scripture reminded Newton that he had come a long way from where he had been in life and he looked to the future for greater things.
This Old Testament passage describes King David’s past, present, and future. David experienced being a mere shepherd boy tending sheep, defeating Goliath, and rising to become the King of a nation. We are not unlike King David. As believers in Christ, all of us have unique stories in our lives. Yet unlike King David, none of us have risen from tending sheep to leading a nation. But, your story is no less unique and important in God’s eyes.
This song is a reminder of the marvelous grace that we have in Christ as believers. The “Amazing Grace” is past, present and future! Your story of trusting in Christ as Lord, following him by faith each day, and trusting him for the future is a personal story that all believers have. Now that’s Amazing Grace! All you have to do is trust Him daily for your future and obey His Word by walking each day! Just like King David or John Newton, can you sing to God about where He has brought you, what He is currently doing, and where He will take you? You are not the same person you used to be, so live differently than you used to live!