LBW 345, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”
Devotion
John Newton, author of this hymn, knew how sweet the name of Jesus sounds. Newton was very much aware of the depth of his own sinfulness and profoundly grateful for God’s mercy shown most clearly in Jesus.
Newton described himself as “once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, [who] was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”
Newton’s life as a slave trader and “wicked man” led to an amazing conversion and a deep love for God’s amazing grace. At age 39 he became a pastor. He continues to preach to us today through his hymns.
One needn’t be as notoriously sinful as John Newton to rejoice in the sweet name of Jesus. Truly the name of Jesus “soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds and drives away all fear.”
Prayer
O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, my prophet, priest and king, my Lord, my life, my way, my end, accept the praise I bring. Amen.