LBW #499, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Devotion
The third stanza of this hymn speaks of being constrained by grace: “Let that grace now like a fetter bind my wandering heart to thee.” What constrains us? What binds the heart?
When the composer of this hymn, Robert Robinson, felt called into the ministry, that call began with a word of law from George Whitefield, who was preaching on “the wrath to come.” We are bound by the law -— constrained and convicted -— and then set free by amazing grace which now, in turn, binds the heart. The grace-bound heart sings for joy. The grace-bound heart offers up a doxology, a life of thankfulness and praise. The grace-bound heart seeks to serve Christ by serving our neighbor.
Today is the third anniversary of 9/11. During these past three years, how has grace constrained us? How has grace, “like a fetter,” bound our hearts unto Christ?
Prayer
God who comes to us as grace upon grace, by your great mercy bind our hearts and lives to you in such a way that grace will fill our hearts to overflowing, and may such grace be poured out upon all whom we meet this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.