The Only Love Story That Matters
Many people are familiar with the Bible verse John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. That’s not just a verse with hollow words. If He didn’t love us the way He does, then the rest of this post wouldn’t have a reason to be written. It’s the only love story that matters.
Introduction: The Wretch Who Found His Voice
With tears streaming down my face, I give you this.
Start with the jarring, beautiful, seemingly absurd, but true in fact, story of John Newton. A slave trader; a man who made a living off the brokenness of other human beings. He ends up the one God uses to write the definitive song on redemption. This isn’t just a story; it’s a testament to the “amazing” part of grace. It proves that no one is too far gone. As much as Jesus was blameless, we are redeemable.
Section 1: The Mind-Blowing Mathematics of Grace
Were I the only one lost, of the billions here today, God would still send His Son to save me. In fact, He would do the same for every one of us. This is the hard line. It’s not sentimental; it’s a staggering, individual-focused reality. Grace isn’t a blanket thrown over the crowd; it’s a custom-tailored garment. God is a just God who loves us so much and is so gracious, as in, AMAZING GRACE – that He created us anyways.
Section 2: The Masterpiece and The Promise
Even in our shortcomings, for His part, He spared no detail in creating all of Creation, miraculous masterpieces, each. He even knew, given free will, that we would fall short of perfection. The same God who paints the sunsets and forms the fawns is the one who calls you His masterpiece. And then, on top of that, “He has promised good for me.” I sit here and have to ask: “Can I possibly be loved more?” The answer is no. There is no greater love.
Section 3: The Unfair Exchange and The Struggle to Serve
I, in turn, am trying to give myself to His service which is somehow still hard to do. Even though He gave everything for me. How is it that I cannot just give over my all to Him? Like the ultimate no-brainer. It wouldn’t be love if I was forced to, or had no choice. This battle, the overwhelming love versus our humanness. It’s the “wretch” in us still wrestling with the “found” reality.
Conclusion: PRAISE GOD – HE’S ALIVE!
The version of the song in the playlist of which I write includes ‘He’s Alive’ at the end of it. It’s a humble, yet, triumphant smile waiting to happen. The final, triumphant declaration. The crescendo is this – Newton’s conversion, the individual grace, the masterpiece promise, the struggle to serve; it all culminates here. Then on top of all of this: PRAISE GOD – HE’S ALIVE! This changes everything. Conquering death, the wages of sin. Living yet today.
Conclusion Part II
A few months ago a wonderful friend of mine made a comment about a pastor’s delivery that went something like this, “That’s a few too many Praise Jesus and Hallelujahs for me. I just didn’t feel there were that many moments in the sermon”. I didn’t agree or really disagree.
Since that day, I have come to know the pastor much better, as if that is some sort of excuse to say these things. The real fact is this, I have come closer and closer to Jesus since then. So, when I get to that moment in this song, my face lifts without hesitation. My hands want to do a full ‘Rocky’ on the steps of the Museum of Art. Yet, I cannot claim that victory. It is His victory. Ultimately, it’s a gift He extends to me, to all of us. So my face lifts, a wide smile emerges, and in my heart and mind I am making the most joyful noise I could ever muster, belting out, HE’S ALIVE!!!
Is there a better love story anywhere? There can’t be. And as I am found, He doesn’t corral me and leave me to graze – He wants a relationship with me, with everyone of us. The Bible says God is love – and I think we have no idea how immense that is. The only love story that matters.
Listen to the Hymn That Moved Me
Visit my “Resurrection Hymns” page to hear “Amazing Grace (He’s Alive)” and other songs from this playlist:
This is the Final Reflection in the Series
This is number seven, the final, in a series of posts about these powerful hymns. The songs from the Resurrection Of A King playlist are shared. My oh my, have they ever impacted me. All of this set in motion from that Easter Sunday playlist my youngest sister shared with me. The list that followed me all through northern New England the next day.
Watch my video reflection on this hymn: My YouTube Short Video on this
(This video is to be released on my YouTube channel on May 4th, 2026. Subscribe to be notified!)