the preciousness of Jesus. 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? 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 man. 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.