Faith's Review and Expectation

Sometime in the 1790's a former slave ship captain turned preacher named John Newton penned the most famous hymn in all of modern church history.  Originally dubbed "Faith's Review and Expectation" the hymn is based on Newton's reading of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. Today, we know the hymn by it's first line, which became it's popular name (I guess "Faith's Review and Expectation" didn't really roll off the tongue).  However the common name, "Amazing Grace," does.

We recently had the opportunity to watch the movie "Amazing Grace" in youth group. Ironically, the movie doesn't focus on the life of Newton, rather it focuses on one of his most influential parishioners, William Wilberforce.  Unbeknownst to many, Wilberforce was one of the key voices in the English Abolitionist Movement.  It was through the tireless work of Wilberforce that many slaves saw their eventual freedom throughout the English empire.  It is really an amazing story, and one that I would highly recommend.

This film is, by far, one of my favorites.  I love the passion with which the actors portray their respective characters.  Wilberforce, consumed by his mission, sacrifices his very youth and health for this cause.  He is driven by a desire and a cause that is greater than himself.  Newton, a broken man, lives with the constant reminder of his previous life, and states he lives in the company of "20,000 ghosts."  

As I watched I couldn't help but marvel at the mysterious ways in which God works.  Who would have ever thought that a boy, who sat at the feet of a slave captain turned preacher, would one day be the sole force in abolishing the very trade that once employed his pastor?  Now that's amazing.