Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Sweet Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
Jesus, sweet Jesus, what a wonder you are
You’re brighter than the morning star.
You’re fairer, much fairer
Than the lily that grows by the wayside
Precious, more precious than gold.
Jesus, sweet Jesus, what a wonder you are
You’re brighter than the morning star.
You’re fairer, much fairer
Than the lily that grows by the wayside
Precious, more precious than gold.
You’re the Rose of Sharon,
You’re the fairest of the fair.
You are all my heart could ever desire;
Jesus, Sweet Jesus, what a wonder you are,
You’re precious, more precious than gold.
Jesus, sweet Jesus, what a wonder you are
You’re brighter than the morning star.
You’re fairer, much fairer
Than the lily that grows by the wayside
Precious, more precious than gold.
Video
Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Sweet Jesus
Meaning & Inspiration
Hlengiwe Mhlaba’s "Sweet Jesus," released on July 28, 2018, stands as a profound testament to the power of simple adoration in Christian music. From its opening strains, the song distills an expansive reverence into a direct, worshipful declaration, inviting all who engage with it to contemplate the majestic character of Christ. It's a journey not through complex narratives, but through the deepening realization of Jesus' unparalleled attributes, a reflection often found in the heart of gospel expressions that prioritize unadulterated praise.
The recurring theme, "Jesus, sweet Jesus, what a wonder you are," is more than a mere phrase; it is an echoing affirmation of divine majesty. This sentiment resonates deeply with countless scriptural passages that speak of God's incomprehensible greatness and the marvelous works of His hands. Psalm 145:3 proclaims, "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom," a truth perfectly encapsulated in the spontaneous overflow of wonder expressed in the song. It speaks to an experience of Christ that transcends mere understanding, moving into the realm of awe and reverence for His divine nature and the miraculous impact He has on a believer's life.
Delving into the descriptive praises, the declaration "You’re brighter than the morning star" immediately evokes the potent imagery found in Revelation 22:16, where Jesus Himself states, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." This title signifies His supreme glory, His preeminence, and His role as the herald of eternal day, piercing through darkness with His divine light. It speaks to a radiance that far surpasses any earthly celestial body, symbolizing His truth, purity, and the illuminating hope He brings to a world shrouded in shadows, guiding humanity towards salvation and enlightenment.
The song continues with the tender comparison, "You’re fairer, much fairer than the lily that grows by the wayside." This imagery beautifully connects to Song of Solomon 2:1, where the beloved is described as "the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys." The lily, often associated with purity, beauty, and renewal, is here used to underscore Jesus' unblemished perfection and His exquisite spiritual grace. Even the most stunning natural beauty, momentarily admired by the path, pales in comparison to the enduring, transcendent fairness of Christ, a beauty that is both outward in His perfection and inward in His character and love, far exceeding any fleeting earthly bloom, as Matthew 6:28-29 alludes to the surpassing beauty of lilies.
Further extolling His worth, the lyrics affirm Jesus is "Precious, more precious than gold." This powerful statement directly aligns with the biblical understanding of Christ’s immeasurable value, particularly in the context of redemption. 1 Peter 1:18-19 teaches that we are "not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." This highlights that no earthly treasure, however coveted or rare, can ever equate to the infinite worth of Jesus and the sacrifice He made. His presence, His salvation, and His relationship are truly beyond any material comparison, serving as the ultimate treasure a heart can possess.
The song culminates in the powerful declaration, "You’re the Rose of Sharon, You’re the fairest of the fair. You are all my heart could ever desire." Returning to the imagery from Song of Solomon, "Rose of Sharon" speaks to Christ’s beauty and His presence, often found even in seemingly desolate places, bringing life and fragrance. The "fairest of the fair" consolidates all previous comparisons, affirming His absolute supremacy in beauty, purity, and excellence. The ultimate confession, "You are all my heart could ever desire," mirrors the profound longing expressed in Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You." This signifies complete satisfaction and fulfillment found exclusively in Jesus, articulating a soul’s deepest longing being met in His presence and love.
Ultimately, Hlengiwe Mhlaba’s "Sweet Jesus" is more than a song; it is a spiritual meditation, a devotional tool that uses simple, declarative language to lead the worshiper into a deeper appreciation of Christ's identity. Its repetitive structure serves not to diminish, but to reinforce these profound truths, allowing the words to sink into the soul, fostering contemplation and genuine adoration. It’s an invitation to experience and articulate the wonder, brightness, fairness, and preciousness of Jesus, encouraging believers to make these timeless truths their own personal anthem of faith.