A WELS pastor wrote -
Greg:
I was reading tonight in your book, Jesus, Priceless Treasure, and I came upon the observation you made on the parable of the sower and the seed. In chapter 11, p. 79, you note, “It is not unusual for dozens of faithful Christians to have descended from a Christian marriage 50 years before.”
Yesterday my family and I worshiped with my in-laws in church in our home state, as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their request was that all their children and grandchildren be with them in worship—and all were. All continue to worship and be served regularly with the Means of Grace in their various congregations. It was a poignant example of the illustration you used in your book.
Ironically, the Hymn of the Day for the worship service yesterday was . . . “Jesus, Priceless Treasure.” (“Jesu, Meine Freude” has been far and away my favorite hymn in the hymnal since college days.)
I thought you might enjoy hearing of the connection.
***
GJ - I did.
"Jesus, Priceless Treasure"
By Johann Franck, 1618-1677
1. Jesus, priceless Treasure,
Fount of purest pleasure,
Truest Friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish
Shall my spirit languish,
Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee,
Naught I ask beside Thee.
2. In Thine 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.
Lightnings flash And thunders crash;
Yet, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
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. Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my Pleasure,
Jesus is my Choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
Naught to me thy story
Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since He deigns to love me.
5. Evil world, I leave thee;
Thou canst not deceive me,
Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind 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.
6. Hence, all fear and 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 I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest Pleasure,
Jesus, priceless Treasure!
Hymn #347
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Matt. 13: 46
Author: Johann Franck, 1655
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Jesu, meine Freude"
Composer: Johann Crueger, 1649
Tune: "Jesu, meine Freude"
