ARIZONA TODAY
LYLE J. RAPACKI, Ph.D.
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COMMENTARY AND PERSONAL REMARKS
BY LYLE J. RAPACKI, Ph.D.
Host and Commentator
February the 27th, 2022
The author of Amazing Grace was a slave trader named John Newton. Stemming from a very troubled childhood, and with his mom dying when he was only six years old, John Newton understandably became adverse to any authority, and understood brutality. Self-serving and concerned only about profit for himself, John became a slave ship master in his late twenties bringing slaves from Africa to England. He cared less about their humanity, per his own testimony, and cared far more about profit.
In 1754, Newton became violently ill during a sea voyage transporting slaves to market. He came very close to death…but God! Upon recovering, which he acknowledged was by God’s Hand coming upon him, he surrendered his life into God’s Hands and became an Anglican minister in 1764 devoting his life to the service of the Lord God. He penned some 280 hymns, among which was “Amazing Grace.”
As a Ragamuffin myself saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am always moved by the simple but poignant words of this profound and penetrating hymn:
I was once lost,
but now am found.
Was blind
but now I see….
May you enjoy the sound of this profound hymn presented below. But may you be moved, sincerely and deeply, to acknowledge that the Lord of lords and King of kings, the Great I AM, is most able, most ready, without shame, ready to bring you away from being lost and blind so you may now be found and see. May you give the Lord of Heaven and earth all of you, even if you already know Him, give Him those still secret parts of you hidden away out of fear and shame, embarrassment and doubt, as He wants you to see clearly and not at all feel lost. And may the Scottish Pipes and drums add a special dimension to this great hymn and great words. Aye lassie or laddie, may the pipes move you to surrender your cares and worries, your doubts and fears, your embarrassment or shame. Come unto the Lord and be found or made fresh again. Thank you Lord. Amen and Amen –
Lyle J. Rapacki, Ph.D.
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LYLE J. RAPACKI, Ph.D.
ARIZONA TODAY
Host and Commentator
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