Grace

How Sweet the Name of Jesus

/ Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 KJV).

While searching for the words of a song to go along with the Christmas story, I came across the beautiful words of another. “How Sweet the Name of Jesus” is not a carol, but it explains why we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Let me introduce you to the author.

The Author

When you hear the name John Newton, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I think of three things. Slave trader, abolitionist, and“Amazing Grace.” When I searched his name, I found the following:

He was a pirate.
He was pressed into the Navy.
He was flogged for his poor conduct.
He was given to a slave trader’s wife.
If not for other slaves feeding and clothing him, he could have perished.
He dealt in the slave trade.
He repented on a ship one night during a storm.
He became an abolitionist.
He wrote 281 hymns.

When I look at that list, I think of the above verse. “For he shall save his people from their sins.” One can clearly see God’s grace in Newton’s life. Let’s take a look at what the man thought about God’s grace and the gift of His Son.

The Song

How Sweet the Name of Jesus

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear,
And drives away his fear.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest,
And to the weary rest.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

Dear name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place;
My never-failing treasure, filled
With boundless grace!
With boundless grace!

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower (Psalm 18:2).

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (Romans 5:20).

Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring,
Accept the praise I bring.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

How Sweet the Name of Jesus | John Newton | Public Domain

Your Turn

How do you like the words to the song? Do they remind you of Christ’s birth? His gift of Salvation? What names would you add? What scripture?

Further Reading

To learn more about John Newton, visit:
museumofthebible.org
pbs.org
1517.org
christianhistoryinstitute.org
cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
On Amazon: Out of the Depths, The Autobiography of John Newton

Abounding Hope

/ Gail Johnson / 12 Comments

Have you ever made a mistake? I daresay, we all have. If there is breath, there is a possibility of error. How do you handle your mistakes? Correct them and move on? Or run and hide while beating up yourself? In the past, I did the latter. Thankfully, I’m learning this journey is a growing process.

Last week, I made a mistake for all cyber world to see. It may have escaped some, but I’m sure it was noticed by others. This mistake? I misquoted a scripture. Yep. I had everything correct but one thing. Where it was located. I quoted Hebrews instead of Romans. Sigh.

Maybe it was because I was thinking of my devotion. Maybe I had too many things open on my desk. Or maybe I just needed to know the world wasn’t going to end if I made a mistake.

Ever been there?

Of course, I know others have done the same thing because I’ve seen it several times. But rather than smirk at their oversight or correct them in the comments, I extended grace. Maybe they were having a bad day. Maybe I needed to pray for them. Or maybe they weren’t paying attention. Who knows?

Oh, why is it so much easier to offer grace to another, and yet fail to dispense it in our own situations? Honestly, I can’t answer that one, my friend. But we do it all the time. At least, I did in times past. But not this time. Well, maybe for a moment. 🙂  But before I could get the party started, I was gently reminded of Peter.

Precious, loveable, and impatient Peter. Peter who spoke when he should have been listening. Doubting Peter who tried to walk on water and failed. Impulsive Peter who whacked off a man’s ear. Cursing Peter, who denied the very One he had promised to protect. Hopeless Peter who thought all was lost and went fishing.

But then…

Jesus came by for a visit. There on the shore, Jesus sat and spoke with Peter about love. Afterward, we see Preaching Peter on the day of Pentecost. Believing Peter healing the sick. Teaching Peter in Cornelius’ house. Writing Peter penning God’s truths. Historical Peter crucified on a cross.

What if Peter had given up? What if he had stepped into the boat and sailed away never to try again? What if he hadn’t accepted the Lord’s grace and forgiveness? Thankfully, Jesus didn’t give up on Peter. And He doesn’t give up on us!

Whatever you do don’t give up! Don’t let fear stop you from trying. Keep fighting. If you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up. Correct it and move on! Hope waits in front of us. All we have to do is reach out to Him and accept His grace. And then…extend it to ourselves and to others.

Here is the corrected poster. May it warm you to your toes! I know I need it this week! Brrr.

Happy Tuesday, dearest reader! ❤

coastline-1081897_1280 Hope corrected