non nobis domine

the treasure of Jesus

This quote comes from a wonderful, thought-provoking book I am reading. Some of you may have heard of it. It's called Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper (definitely a must-read!). This section is one of the many that really hit me. It's very sobering, but nevertheless it is true. I hope this gets you thinking as it did me. This quote comes from the chapter titled "Living to Prove He is More Precious Than Life".



Why Don't People Ask Us About Out Hope?

"There is no doubt that if we lived more like this, the world would be more likely to consider whether Jesus is an all-satisfying Treasure. He would look like one. When was the last time someone asked you about 'the reason for the hope that is in you'? That's what Peter said we should always be ready to give an answer for: 'Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you' (1 Peter 3:15).

Why don't people ask us about our hope? The answer is probably that we look as if we hope in the same things they do. Our lives don't look like they are on the Calvary road, stripped down for sacrificial love, serving others with the sweet assurance that we don't need to be rewarded in this life. Our reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:12)! 'You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just' (Luke 14:14). If we believed this more deeply, others might see the worth of God and find in him their gladness."



As I read this, I was reminded of the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Treasure of Jesus". The album it came off of ("All Things New") is based on Don't Waste Your Life. So as I read more of this book, I keep finding little parts that remind me so much of a certain song from that album. It's pretty neat. :) Anyway, here are the words to the song. May this be the desire of all our hearts - to show the world the Treasure of Jesus!



"Treasure of Jesus" By Steven Curtis Chapman

What can I do
How can I live
To show my world
The treasure of Jesus

What will it take
What could I give
So they can know
The treasure He is

And if I can sing
Let my songs be full of His glory
If I can speak
Let my words be full of His grace

And if I should live or die
Let me be found pursuing this prize
The One that alone satisfies
The treasure of Jesus

Amen!

Labels: books, music, quotes, songs

posted by katherine @ 1:36 PM