Jesus, Priceless Treasure
Here is the text of a wonderful hymn. It was written in the 17th century, on the heels of the 30 Years War. The tune, by Johann Kruger, is in a minor key, which lends it a serious tone. As Christians of that era knew, the battle for truth was hard won and the battlefields were often literal. Yet, the battle to see and savor Jesus is well worth it!
Jesus, Priceless Treasure
Jesus, priceless treasure,
Source of purest pleasure,
Truest friend to me,
Long my heart was burning,
And my soul was yearning,
Lord, with you to be!
Yours I am, O spotless Lamb;
Nothing I’ll allow to hide you,
Nothing ask beside you.
In your arms I rest me;
Foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
Every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Sin and hell in conflict fell
With their bitter storms assail me;
Jesus will not fail me.
Satan, I defy you;
Death, I now decry you;
Fear, I bid you cease.
World, you cannot harm me
Nor your threats alarm me.
While I sing of peace.
God’s great power guards every hour;
Earth and all its depths adore him,
Silent bow before him.
Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure,
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
What to me your story
Told with tempting voice?
Pain or loss or shame or cross
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since he chose to love me.
Hence, all fears and sadness,
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
For, whatever I must bear,
Still in you lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Words: Johann Frank; translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, 1863Music: Praxis Pietatis Melica, by Johann Crüger, 1653 (Jesu, meine Freude)
For a nice version of this hymn, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_366MZpYvc#