Just how long would a man stand, for a battle that seems to offer no glimpse of hope?
I finally got to finish watching this gem of a movie, 'Amazing Grace', which I missed at the cinemas last year. Yeah, I actually squeezed some time last week during my assignment period watching it, in hopes of preparing myself for the sunday worship. Partly for the fact that the new rendition of Amazing Grace will be introduced, but also, sort of a devotional reminder for me in the midst of busy-ness.
Despite knowing from history how things turned out, I can't help asking that question while watching it.
The movie walk-throughs the effort of William Wilberforce, in his battle to pass the bill of abolishing slave trading, which lasted for years. Moving back and forth in flashbacks, we see a strong and strong-willed Wilberforce being slowly worn down by the uphill task at hand. His health suffered, and almost became drug dependant.
And of course, we see John Newton, writer of the hymn 'Amazing Grace', being a friend and mentor to Wilberforce. I never knew, that the writer of this hymn, was actually a man, troubled and haunted by the memories of 20,000 'ghosts' of the African slaves he shipped. So guilt-ridden was he, that he couldn't even muster the courage to share of his past. His advise to Wilberforce, who was considering leaving politics for a life of solitary spiritualism, made me think.
It was not only till the end, when John ironically became blind, having experienced freedom from his guilt, finally grasped the verse of his own hymn, "I once was blind, but now I see"
Knowing how the story turned out, it made me look out for the things that actually caused Wilberforce to perservere on. It came in the form of a good friend, fellow comrades standing alongside with him in the fight, putting himself in the shoes of a slave and realising their pain, a wise mentor, and a strong-willed and understanding lady who would turn out to be his wife, and a source of strength and encouragement for his recovery and final run for the bill. Even little things like an understanding butler who would listen to his sharing of conversations with God in the garden.All these, grace of God. Amazing.
Makes me think and wonder about the grace upon my own life.
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[Amazing Grace] - John Newton
Amazing Grace ! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me ! I once was lost,
but now am found.
Was blind but now I see.
In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear;
Till a new object met my sight,
And stopped my wild career.
I saw one hanging on a tree,
In agonies and blood;
Who fixed his languid eyes on me,
As near his cross I stood.
Sure, ne’er untill my latest breath,
Can I forget that look;
It seemed to change me with his death,
Though not a word He spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the guilt,
And plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins HIS BLOOD HAD SHED,
And helped to nail Him there.
Alas, I knew not what I did,
But all my tears were vain;
Where could my trembling soul be hid,
For I the LORD had slain.
A second look He gave that said;
“I freely all forgive” !
This blood is for my ramson paid,
“I died that thou mayest live.”
Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear,
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers,toils and snares,
I have already come;
Tis Grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home.
The LORD has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
His will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes ! when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But GOD who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun;
We’ve no less days to sing GOD’S praise,
Than when we first begun !
*for those interested, click here for a short documentary on John Newton, with reference clips from the movie
