Song Showcase/Story Behind The Song – February 2009 – by Gordon Jensen

I TREASURE THE NAME

Album: I’m Listening Lord

Words and Music by Gordon Jensen

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” St. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)

I have had the pleasure of traveling the world for many years. Occasionally, I would have opportunity to visit great museums of art, and view multiplied millions of dollars worth of paintings, sculpture, and relics of past civilizations. I recall standing before Rembrandt’s masterpiece, “The Night Watch” at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam,

Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre in Paris, and the magnificent British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. I’ve visited mansions and estates worth vast fortunes.

For most people, their treasures are simpler and more subjective. Materially, they may include homes, cars, wardrobes, jewelry, electronic gadgets, and other assorted stuff. For others, treasure may be defined as bank accounts, retirement programs, inheritances, etc. A higher level of treasure may involve valued relationships with family: parents, siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren, as well as great friendships. Treasures may lie in talent, skills, and creative ideas. Whatever it is, your heart will always be located not just close to, but alongside your treasure!

Some have laid up illicit treasure, the root of which is lust, greed, and pride. Coveting and conquering, yet never satisfied, they are driven by a thirst for power and control. Those treasures are the weights and chains that bring people to horrible ends.

My greatest treasure is Jesus Christ, by whose name I have redemption and eternal life! This redemption came at incomprehensible cost and reopened the gates of Eden and relationship with God The Father. The price was paid by the Lord, Jesus, who submitted to the death of the cross in my place and yours. This came as a gift, as I had nothing with which to attain it. This happened because, “God so loved the world that He gave …!”

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” Philippians 2:9 (NKJV)

“There is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

“More than this life I am living today, I treasure the name of Jesus.”