“Jesus, Priceless Treasure,” ELW 775
1 Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
truest friend to me:
ah, how long I've panted,
and my heart has fainted,
thirsting, Lord, for thee!
Thine I am, O spotless Lamb;
nothing in this world can hide thee,
naught I ask beside thee.
2 In thine arm I rest me;
foes who would molest me cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
ev'ry heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash and thunders crash;
yet, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3 Hence, all fears and sadness,
for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
God, who dearly loves us,
from all trial saves us,
gives sweet peace within.
I have borne this worldly scorn;
still thee lies purest pleasure:
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Devotion
This hymn is prized by many. It is pious, sincere, simple and penetrating. Set to a tune, "Jesu, meine Freude,” by his friend Johann Cruger, Johann Franck's lyrics speak from the heart reminding us that a relationship with Jesus Christ is a priceless treasure.
The references to flashing lightning and crashing thunder in verse two bring to mind the terrifying storm Martin Luther once experienced, vowing to become a monk if he was spared. When the storm passed, Luther entered an Augustinian monastery. Furious storms can assail us as well, and they can be frightening. Caught in the storm, we often feel powerless and long for rescue. In those challenging times, we can remember the One who dearly loves us and gives us peace. The fear and sadness pass, for Jesus is our priceless treasure.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, true friend and priceless treasure, we need your presence. Bring your peace to our hearts and calm to our souls. Strengthen us with the assurance that you are near. Take fear and worry from us, and through the power of your Spirit, draw us to you. In your holy name we pray. Amen.