Grace
by Michael Olson
God, remember your congregation, which you acquired long ago, which you redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage.
Psalm 74:2
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
Some of you may have heard this acronym before concerning the word grace: God's riches at Christ's expense. This is indeed a fairly succinct definition of grace.
When we think about grace, I wouldn't be surprised that many of us think about the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace. Most of us could recite the first and last stanzas pretty closely, and might not even have too much difficulty with some of the interior stanzas:
Amazing grace! -- how sweet the sound -- that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, adn grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures,
he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
There is another "grace song" I want to share today, a song which is not nearly as well-known as Amazing Grace. This is an anthem sung by the Cathedral Choir and accompanied by the First Lutheran Chamber Orchestra. David Ferreira and I were actually made aware of this anthem by Mary Weisser, conductor of our chamber orchestra. It is a very powerful anthem indeed. You won't get the full effect by just reading the text, but pretend that you hear the choir and the orchestra sharing in this powerful song:
Grace upon grace, mercies anew, love beyond measure, hope now renewed;
Pardon extended to me and you. Grace upon grace, mercies anew.
Your faithfulness great, your promises true, as blessings by faith come into view. All that we need, Lord, is found in You! We bow and worship for promises true.
Grace upon grace, mercies anew, love beyond measure, hope now renewed;
Pardon extended to me and you. Grace upon grace, mercies anew.
No matter how far in darkness we roam, Your love reaches out to welcome us home!
Grace upon grace, mercies anew, love beyond measure, hope now renewed;
Pardon extended to me and you. Grace upon grace; grace upon grace, grace upon grace on grace on grace!
Michael Olson, Minister of Music
molson@flcfargo.org
