This is the tale of two posts—it was the best of times and the worst of times. I'll start with the one that lifted my spirits and renewed my hope in what God is doing in our nation.
A young man who grew up in cultural Christianity was discouraged and "full of resentment and hate." Somehow, he found his way to an outdoor "We Will Worship" event, where he found a place to lay down the hate and resentment. In the Instagram post pictured here, he writes his experience in his own words.
I was taken aback by this next post. It was posted by someone full of the same hate and resentment. Someone who was on a campaign to help others be 'woke." It was posted by someone who tragically died ten days after posting this - How I wish that were not true. My heart aches for her family and her restless and angry soul. I hope before her last breath, she met the only One who could save her. A 'maze' is "a puzzle - a mystery," and according to the songwriter, that is what grace is -- a divine mystery.
Everything in this post is true - that is why he wrote the lyrics. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." He knew he was a wretched sinner.
As the movie Amazing Grace depicted, John Newton spent the rest of his life serving Christ and working with William Wilberforce to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. He knew how undeserving he was.
When I see believers who have descended from slaves singing a song written by a former Slave Trader -- it moves me to tears. It is a picture of the kingdom. Former slave owner and former slave standing peacefully side by side --- does that offend you? Yes, God's grace can be offensive. It's underserved and it is truly amazing.
We could not save ourselves. 'He saved us while we were yet sinners.' I pray for a true awakening in our nation.
We need it -- I need it.
"Awake O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14