Jonathan Aitken was a Member of Parliament in England for twenty-three years before pleading guilty to a perjury charge that led to an eighteen month sentence. In prison, this well known author and politician became a Christian. It is not surprising that he was befriended by an American who also became a Christian in the midst of legal woes. With an office right next to Richard Nixon’s, Charles Colson found himself scrambling with other members of the President’s staff to protect himself from the Watergate investigation. But his encounter with Jesus Christ brought the special counsel to the President some difficult decisions. In May of 1974, against the advice of his lawyers, Colson pled guilty of attempting to do damage to a political foe. By throwing himself totally on the mercy of the court, some began to wonder if “conversion rumors” of Nixon’s famous “hatchet-man” might be true. Newspaper columnists were of different opinions. One wrote, “I cannot accept the sudden coming to Christ of Charles Colson. If he isn’t embarrassed by this sudden excess of piety, then surely the Lord must be,” while another wrote, “If Mr. Colson can repent his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody.”
Judge Gerhard Gesell did not show much mercy as he fined Colson $5000 and sentenced him to one to three years in prison. The test of time has removed all doubt of the validity of Colson’s conversion. For over thirty years he has been an ambassador for God’s truth. As the leader of Prison Fellowship, Colson has helped countless prisoners learn of God’s mercy. Encouraged by his friend, Jonathan Aitken also now serves as a director of Prison Fellowship International.
Aitken has recently written a book entitled, “JOHN NEWTON – From Disgrace To Amazing Grace.” Like Charles Colson, John Newton reversed a life of opposing God to become a clear spokesman of the Good News to all who would listen. Newton constantly proclaimed that if he could repent and be saved there was hope for anyone. Though learning of God from his mom at a young age, John Newton traveled a path of rebellion that included the horrible life of a slave trader. But God rescued this sinner and we have all sung the hymn that tells his story. These are the original words:
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, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed!
Thro’ 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.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.
John Newton’s best friend at the time he wrote ‘Amazing Grace’ was one of the greatest English poets of the eighteenth century. A descendent of the seventeenth century poet, John Donne, William Cowper was a Christian who struggled with torturous bouts of depression. He and Newton lived within walking distance of each other in the small town of Olney where John Newton was pastor of a church. These friends encouraged one another in faith and in writing. OLNEY HYMNS was published in 1779 and contains 281 works of Newton and 67 works of Cowper. Some believe Cowper would never have survived the mental torments he battled had it not been for his good friend who would sometimes spend sleepless nights serving his brother in Christ. Just as Chuck Colson had no idea how God would use him to bless the Body of Christ as he sat in an Alabama prison, I doubt John Newton or William Cowper realized how their words would encourage the Body of Christ for centuries. Just before entering one of his darkest struggles, Cowper penned these words of insightful truth:
God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter, and He will make it plain.
Thank God for good friends. Be a good friend. Rejoice that Jesus calls us friends!
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15
