Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
1 Peter 2:6-8
Few conversion stories in history have been more dramatic than the one experienced by John Newton. He went from a slave trader to one of the leading voices for the abolition of slavery, and from being a profane and wicked man to being a powerful preacher of the gospel. Newton continued to preach into his old age when frailty required him to have someone stand by him at the pulpit during the sermon. On one occasion after he said, “Jesus Christ is precious” the assistant whispered, “You have already said that twice.” Newton replied as loudly as he could, “Yes, I’ve said it twice, and I’m going to say it again. Jesus Christ is precious!”
We can never give too much praise to our Lord who purchased our salvation at such a high price. We can never think too well of Him or value Him too highly. We can never give Jesus even a fraction of the love, gratitude, and thanksgiving He deserves, but that should not stop us from trying.Â
We should never let a single day pass without thanking God for all He has done for us. The more consistent and thorough we are in praising God, the more precious He will be to us. If you have ever seen someone appraising a house, a piece of art, or an antique piece of furniture, one of the most important steps in their process is comparing it to other similar items. But nothing compares to our precious Lord. “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One” (Isaiah 40:25).
