Jesus our Treasure and Stretcher

I recently read over a poem that described the pursuit of God in the scripture. It begins:

Everyday I have one goal
To convince myself that there’s one Lord
It’s not me or the things that I long for
But the world that awaits on the other side of the door

Kevin Burgess

Ok…the wording may seem a little wonky if you are reading it with an expectation of traditional poetry…this guy has a style that is a little avant garde (unusual). I went back to it today because I needed to be reminded of how much I really need Jesus (“convince myself that there’s one Lord”).

It has been said before that when we read the Bible we ought not be seeking out religious principles but instead be looking to a real Person. When we feel our need for the grace and strength that come from Jesus we ought to go immediately to the words of life (John 6:68; Rom. 1:17; 10:17; Gal. 3:2).

The poem above in its entirety reminds me of my need everytime. It is in the middle and end of this poem that we hear of Jesus as our treasure and then our stretcher. As is true of all poetry you have to chew on it. That is the beauty of poetic lyrics, they push us to consider reality and truth in unique and provocative ways.

As I chewed on these two statements I became captivated. We really see so much of the Christian life portrayed in these two words, and more so in the vast realm of concepts which accompany them. I do not mean to say that these words are exhaustive descriptors of the Christian life, yet they certainly cover a lot of ground. Because we are only focusing on two words I hope this post forms a nugget of truth you can slide into your pocket for the week ahead.

Reflections on God as Treasure and Stretcher

God must be seen as our treasure and stretcher. We run after him as precious (1 Pet. 2:7) and rest in him (Mat. 11:28). Yet our running to him as the great object of our heart’s affections is only so because strength flows to us from his great ocean of mercy and strength (Psa. 29:11). It is from our relation to him as our “stretcher”, him upholding us by “his mighty omnipotent hand” that we are given the vibrancy to chase him, the “loveliest of ten thousand” (Song of Sol. 5:10).

Behind the scene of us running to and resting in him is the reality of his work to restore us. We go out after this glorious treasure from the strength given to us. He is restoring our hearts and minds, molding them after his likeness (Rom. 8:29; Phil. 1:6). This is so important to remember for we often feel weak…feel defeated when our love for God is cold and our self-reliance…self-dependence is thriving. Yet, even hear what we need is not a pep-talk on better Christian living or being a more disciplined Christian. No, we need the words of life, to be reminded of our loving Lord. We need to see his strength and promise to restore. Seeing in the Bible it is he who is fitting us to run after Jesus as the great treasure of all and the true rest.

The scriptures wash over us by showing us, reminding us of the preciousness of Christ. When we taste and see that the Lord is good we will run. The word of God reminds us that the work that is needed for us to have peace and rest has already been done. Our anxieties and worries about our “religious performance” can be quieted by the gospel. The gospel not only sparks faith in us but sustains it.

As we rest in the peace and contentment (Psa. 46:10) that are with God, we savor his pleasant company. Thus he grows in our mind as a delight and treasure to chase.

These two thoughts carry the Christian far. Jesus needs to be seen as our treasure and stretcher. His friendship is to be relished, and his presence a refuge.

Yet one might say, “Yes, but how do I be a better father…a more dedicated church member…or more sacrificial neighbor? What of these things?”

Again I say, “Go to scripture with prayer and patience so that the life giving words (John 6:68; Rom. 1:17) of the Creator might conform your mind. In this you will begin to grasp how one’s relationship to Christ overflows into everything.”

Your life as a father…neighbor…or church member will only be as healthy as your relationship with Christ. And that singular relationship may be largely thought of as him being our treasure and stretcher. We run to him our treasure, while resting in the reality of our relationship with him. That relationship is everything.

Final Thoughts

May relish in your Savior’s love and faithfulness. May the Spirit develop your mindfulness of Christ’s preciousness. May his love for you anchor your soul in the week ahead.

Seek the strength of him who has done all the work that is needed for God’s people to have peace with God. This week’s pressures do not rest on you so long as you rest in him, that is being mindful of your Savior’s great kindness and mercy that is yours if you would but ask.

Fellowship with your Savior in the Word that he might reveal to you all of his might that is for you and like Moses begin to see his glory and goodness.