Today I’m taking you back to my college days. Music was all around and an impact on me, but if you were to ask other students, you’d probably hear the same. Chapel services with great hymns of our faith being sung. Christmas concerts. Choir tours. A stirring rendition of “Blessed Assurance” could even be heard in the classroom.

Yes, Cincinnati Bible College (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) was filled with music and musical memories for me. And the hymn I share with you today is one that rings loudly in my memory.

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” isn’t just a hymn. It is a musical dance that leads partners in and out of proximity to one another. The scales run up and down. The tune heads in different directions. But when it complete, the message is told. Jesus’ grace is wonderful!

You see, the value of a piece of music isn’t just in the melody, the rhythm or the harmonies. It must hold its value in the message. For if the message does not lead a soul to Christ, then it is just a song. There are some great songs in our world, but those that lead others to Christ are truly valuable.

So today I share “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” with you. You’ll enjoy a version of the song by clicking on this link.

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!

(Refrain)

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child.
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me![i]

(Refrain)

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful Grace, All-sufficient for me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!

Oh, we have so much to praise Jesus for! And grace certainly tops my list!

Were you able to pick out a few phrases that vividly depict Jesus’ grace? Greater than sin. Takes away burdens. Sets spirits free. Reaches the lost. Tears chains asunder. Gives liberty. Provides transforming power. Purchases peace and heaven.

Grace reaches me!

Jesus’ grace reaches you, too! Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about His grace and how it reaches us.

Paul shares these words with us in Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

And again Paul speaks of God’s grace in Ephesians 2:6-8 (NIV). “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

We see from the Hebrew writer that we have confidence in the grace Jesus provides. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 – NIV)

Through Jesus’ grace we find restoration, strength, solid footing, and a firm foundation. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

When we are covered by Jesus’ grace, we are covered. Completely. Confidently. Covered. It’s up to you to accept His grace and allow yourself to be saturated with it.

Occasionally I hear this tune and I am immediately drawn back to my college days. I’m sure that will never change. But the most important thing is that this song reminds me of Jesus’ grace and I am never far from needing a good dose.

“Wonderful Grace of Jesus.” I pray that you are within His reach.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Haldor Lillenas, 1919