Your Open Word e-Devotional for September 5th

Published: Thu, 09/05/19

Hello ,

Today I wanted to share a poem with you that was written a long time ago by former slave ship captain and clergyman John Newton. Keep in mind while reading this poem, that John Newton knew something about the depth that sin can take a person. But although John's life was not initially a life of purity and spirituality, you can be sure that he understood the grace of Christ in all it's beautiful fullness. You may also recognize the name of another poem that John penned that was eventually put to music...Amazing Grace. I hope you are as blessed as I was by the following:

In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopp'd my wild career:

I saw One hanging on a Tree
In agonies and blood,
Who fix'd His languid eyes on me.
As near His Cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath,
Can I forget that look:
It seem'd to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke:

My conscience felt and own'd the guilt,
And plunged me in despair:
I saw my sins His Blood had spilt,
And help'd to nail Him there.

Alas! I knew not what I did!
But now my tears are vain:
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the Lord have slain!

A second look He gave, which said,
"I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I die that thou may'st live."

Thus, while His death my sin displays
In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief, and mournful joy,
My spirit now if fill'd,
That I should such a life destroy,
Yet live by Him I kill'd!

John Newton, 1725-1807.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word