I Was Blind But Now I See

1 Timothy 1:16

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Nearly every one has heard the hymn that starts "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me…" The writer of that song, John Newton, was a seafaring captain and slave trader who lived a life as wretched as anyone could.

Known as a foul mouthed, mean and raging alcoholic, he had been raised a common sailor having been forced into the British Navy as a boy but eventually grew to command ships in the slave transport business. One night, during a vicious storm that had lasted for days, when he thought all was lost, he cried out to God for mercy and turned his life over to Jesus. The teaching of the Bible by his mother came back to him and he surrendered to the Lord. His life was completely changed and he went on to become a minister and was influential in the abolition of slavery in Great Britain.

The Apostle Paul wrote the verse for today because he too was a blasphemer and murderer, committed to persecuting Christians before he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and surrendered his life to the Lord. It was the offer of mercy from God that broke down his pride and led him to salvation. Paul and John Newton are two of the millions who are examples of the patience of the Lord… as are you and I.

Today you have an opportunity to proclaim to others the mercy He has shown you. You can tell them, "Once I was lost but now I am found. Was blind, but now I see." Live as one who has been given another chance. When you are old, you should be able to say, as Newton did, "I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."