08/17/2025
The Preciousness of Jesus!
Wilhelmus à Brakel
1 Peter 2:7, "To you who believe, He is precious!"
To the regenerate soul, Jesus Christ is the chief delight and treasure of the heart.
The world may see no beauty in Him, but to the one born of God, Jesus is altogether lovely and worthy of all of our love, honor, and adoration.
His preciousness lies first in His Person. In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and yet He took upon Himself true humanity. What mystery, that He who upholds all things by the word of His power, also humbled Himself to become obedient to death--even death on a cross! Who can fathom such condescension? Who is like this glorious Mediator, who is both the Son of God and the Son of Man?
Christ is also precious in His offices.
As Prophet, He reveals the Father's will, teaching us the way of salvation with divine authority and tenderness.
As Priest, He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, and ever lives to intercede for us.
As King, He rules over us with perfect righteousness and protects us from all our enemies. Each office meets our deepest need, and each one displays His surpassing worth.
Further, He is precious in His benefits. Who but Jesus can give . . .
rest to the weary,
peace to the troubled,
righteousness to the guilty,
and life to the dead?
His blood cleanses from all sin.
His Spirit renews the heart.
His intercession secures both our perseverance and preservation.
His promises are sure and sweet.
And His presence is the joy of the believer's soul.
All the infinite treasures of grace are found in Him!
The more we grow in grace, the more Christ becomes our all. The soul cannot but long for Him, be satisfied with Him, and rejoice in Him above all things! This longing is not merely sentimental; it flows from a spiritual apprehension of His beauty through the Word and by the Spirit. This is the cry of every true Christian: "Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You!" Psalm 73:25
Let us then prize Christ above all. Let us . . .
seek Him diligently,
love Him fervently,
and trust Him implicitly.
Nothing but Jesus can truly satisfy the soul of men. In life and death, time and eternity--Jesus alone is the soul's eternal portion and inheritance. O believer, cling to Him as your only treasure--for He is infinitely precious.
"Lord Jesus, open my heart more fully to see Your surpassing worth. Let the world grow dim, and let Your glory shine brighter in my heart. May I count all things loss for the sake of knowing You, and may my soul be ever ravished with Your loveliness. You are altogether precious. Amen."
