To Make a Wretch His Treasure
Artwork by Tanya Gunnion
This was originally posted in April of 2020; we’ve bumped it up to the top in 2024.
You probably recognize this lyric from a modern-day hymn entitled “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us” (Stuart Townend, 1995). I chose this line for my artwork - “To make a wretch his treasure” - because these six words speak to my soul. It’s only a phrase, a thought fragment, but it contains two deeply disturbing truths: I am a wretch, AND I am God’s treasure. How can both be true at the same time?
I’m reminded of one of Tim Keller’s gospel summaries:
“We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
I don’t think people naturally think of themselves as pitiable wretches. But God has graciously revealed my wretchedness to me! I know that I am deeply flawed and completely without hope of overcoming my fallenness. (John Newton knew this too, as he wrote of God’s amazing grace that saved a wretch like him.) Sadly my response to this awareness used to be self-loathing and the occasional concerted effort to be a better Christian - to be more disciplined and more loving. Predictably, my efforts always failed and I eventually gave up on myself. It was years before the penny finally dropped and I realized that I didn’t have to work or improve to keep God’s favor. Paul writes to the Galatians (and to me), “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3). No, I was already his treasure! Even my wretchedness couldn’t change that. What incredibly good news!
The Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s chosen people being his “treasured possession” and having them engraved on the palm of his hand (Is. 49:16). How much more sure of our treasure status can we be now, knowing that he has given the life of his only Son in order to make us his?
This Easter, I want to join the songwriter in marveling afresh at the Father’s immense love shown through giving his only Son for me, a wretch.
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.