It Is Well with My Soul: The Sacred Roots Annual 2022-2023

T he L owliness of C hrist

153

F or Y our W eekly J ourney

Weekly Reflection on It IsWell with My Soul On the hymn, Amazing Grace: “Is there a poetic explanation for the fact that this has become the signature hymn of the English-speaking world? No; a benediction has fallen on it that cannot be fully explained. We can say, however, that the poem promises what we long for at the deepest level of our being: grace, salvation, going home, being safe within a heavenly veil, eternity in God’s presence. Although this poem does not keep its focus strictly on the grace named in the famous opening, that line is so captivating that we assimilate the whole poem as celebrating the triumphs of God’s grace in our lives. Titus 2:11–13 is a good parallel passage, which unfolds as the poem does from past to future: ‘For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’”

~ Leland Ryken, 40 Favorite Hymns on the Christian Life: A Closer Look at Their Spiritual and Poetic Meaning . Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2019. pp. 23-24.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus Jesus, the Light of the World , John 9.1-41

Book Reading Peterson, Engaging with God