Jesus, Priceless Treasure

by Kristin B.
from Virtuous Daughters, September 2011~Volume 11, Number 6

The words to this beautiful hymn were written by Johann Franck in 1653. He was born in Brandenburg, Germany. Involved in law and politics, he possessed also a religious spirit and a love of nature. He was influenced by his friendship with godly men, who helped him to avoid the pitfalls into which other young men stumbled. He wrote at least 110 religious songs, and this one appeared in a compilation of Johann Cruger’s, who also composed the music for it. Johann Sebastian Bach took Cruger’s work and arranged and harmonized it, giving us the glorious version we have today. The music is included in Bach’s chorale, Jesu, Meine Freude (Jesus, My Joy).

    I love the words to this hymn. They speak of great love and desire toward Christ, dedication to Him, and of His sovereign hand of power, even in circumstances that would seem to overwhelm us. Franck lived in a day of turmoil and war in his native Germany, and one cannot help but think that his references to protection were influenced by his surroundings. Read carefully the words and think about what they say. Their message holds great worth for us today, when we must deny worldly desires, as Christ uses His people to advance the kingdom of God, at times through great difficulty. Let it also remind us of what is above all, most precious—our relationship with the lovely Savior.
    
1. Jesus, priceless treasure, source of purest pleasure,
Truest friend to me;
Long my heart hath panted, till it well-nigh fainted,
Thirsting after Thee.
Thine I am, O spotless Lamb,
I will suffer naught to hide Thee,
Ask for naught beside Thee.
 
2. In Thine arm I rest me; foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking, every heart be quaking,
God dispels our fear;
Sin and hell in conflict fell
With their heaviest storms assail us;
Jesus will not fail us.
 
3. Satan, I defy thee; death, I now decry thee;
Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me nor thy 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. 

​4. Evil world, I leave thee; thou canst not deceive me,
Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did bind me, get thee far behind me,
Come not forth again.
Past thy hour, O pride and power;
Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,
Leave thee now forever.
 
5. Hence, all thoughts of sadness! For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in:
Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within:
Yea, whate’er we here must bear,
Still in Thee lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure.