“I was on my way over to Johnsonville the other day,” Stan commented one morning. “While I was driving I was listening to some Christian music and was reminded of a friend I was able to lead to the Lord a few years back.”
“What were you listening to that reminded you of that?” I asked.
“Amazing Grace,” he replied.
“Oh, I love that song,” I said. “Such a powerful message. It’s haunting. Tell me about your friend.”
“He was not a believer. He was actually from a Jewish background, but he didn’t seem to have a religious bone in his body. No real interest in anything spiritual. But he absolutely loved the melody of ‘Amazing Grace’.”
“Did he understand the meaning of the lyrics?” I asked.
“Not at first,” Stan replied. “And I asked him that very question one day. I asked him if he understood what John Newton was writing about when he wrote the lyrics.”
“How did he respond to that?”
“He said he had never really listened to the lyrics, that he just loved the melody and found it very enticing.”
“Sounds like that could have been a great opportunity to tell him to listen to the lyrics.”
“Exactly,” Stan replied. “And that’s what I did. I suggested that he listen to the words, and that I would be pleased to answer any questions he might have.”
“And did he?” I asked.
“He did,” Stan replied. “He listened and asked what it was all about. I told him that the title of the song said it all. Amazing grace. I was able to explain what was so amazing about God’s gracious provision of life with Him eternally and on this side of eternity.”
“Did your friend come to faith right away?”
“He did not,” Stan replied, “but the door was opened and we had many wonderful discussions as he asked and I answered his questions. One day he came to faith and he never looked back.”
“A great memory,” I commented. “All from an enticing melody.”
“The melody entices,” Stan replied, “but it’s the words that convince of God’s truly amazing grace.”
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Bible verses to consider:
. . . I was shown mercy, because I acted in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:13-14.
. . . one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:25.
For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:17.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your amazing grace in providing the way to your eternal presence through the finished work of Jesus’ cross. Thank you for those who brought me to the truth that has set me free to be yours. I confess that too often I do not take advantage of situations and circumstances to tell others of your amazing grace so that they, too, can come to faith. Please forgive me for that, and please help me in following every step of your lead to help others know of your amazing grace — your gracious and free provision of everything needed for life with you, both here and there. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted God’s amazing grace, His gracious and free provision of life with Him eternally when your time here is finished? If no, why? What is holding you back? If you do have the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with God’s amazing grace on this side of eternity? How are you doing in telling others of His amazing grace? If you sense changes are needed, how are those changes going to happen? Is that what you want? Why or why not?
Waiting for the Train 