He is there to succor us

"That he may know...how to succor his people, according to their infirmities"
Alma 7:12

Honestly, I'm still learning this one. I'd like to insert a really amazing testimony here and say how much I trust in my Savior and know He is always there for us. And I know that He is. And I know that He runs to succor us and understanding everything we go through. But I'm still learning to trust that, and the guidance and comfort and peace that comes with it. So, the best I can think of to share, is this quote:

"The door to him is always open, but the door to you can be closed and stay closed--if you choose to close it. If one great constant in the universe is the unfailing love of the Savior, the other great constant is his unfailing respect of human agency. He will not override your will, even for your own good. He will not compel you to accept his help. He will not force your own good. He will not compel you to accept his help. He will not force you to accept his companionship. He leaves you free to choose. I beg you to open the door and let him out of that room. Give him your whole heart, all the piece, and let him heal you." (Cheiko N. Okazaki, Lighten up!, pp 175-176). 

With this quote, I hear the word succor to be defined as this:

Open the door and let him in. Give him your whole heart and let him help. Lay all your burdens, worries, cares, heartaches, confusion, worries, and tears at his feet. They may come back, they will continue throughout this mortal life, and you may feel broken and lost and like there is no aid or hope--but He promises to be right there, by your side, understanding every thought and scare and doubt and worry whether put on by yourself or others. Let your Savior in. Open the door, pour our your heart, and choose His will. He succors you, surrounds you in His arms, and that peace that comes is sometimes the only answer you need. "The gospel was given to heal our pain, not prevent it." So, "from the ends of the earth I will cry to you. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalms 61:2). 

This isn't exactly the Easter message you're used to, but it's what I've learned this weekend. That there is no burden we need to bear alone. Make the Savior your daily companion and call upon His strength through hard times.

The Lord's Timing

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted;

yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything gives thanks;

waiting patiently on the Lord, 

for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth,

and are recorded with this seal and testament--

the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted...

And all things wherewith you have been afflicted 

shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, said the Lord."

D&C 98:1-3

This scripture really comforted me this week, so I just had to share. Reflecting on why it comforted me, I was reminded that one way the Lord manages to teach me life-long lessons and try my faith is definitely by testing my trust in Him and reminding me that things happen in His time. In class this week, the professor mentioned a certain quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell and I went home and looked it up (Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience"). I realized that it's not my role to give the Lord counsel regarding time and what I think would be good or how I think things could/should go...it hit me that, as Elder Maxwell says, we were wristwatches, and the Lord sees eternities. As His children, we belong to those eternities. We can trust that He knows what is best for us -- sometimes we'll be given opportunities and we won't realize in the moment how amazing they are and how happy they will make us, as the Lord continues to shape us with experiences and possibilities for greater happiness and continual peace and comfort. Of course, that whole in-between time where we take big steps forward based on just faith, trust, and hope are difficult, but when we have an eternal perspective in mind and are patient with the Lord, we have the promise that all will work out:

"For behold, thus said the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more." (2 Nephi 28:30)

As we have the Spirit with us and look to the Lord's counsel and guidance, he will help us step by step to soon receive the blessings he has in store for us. Sometimes the Lord tell us to do something or take a chance or follow an opportunity that we don't understand at first or know where exactly it will take us--sometimes we'll keep putting if off, but we have to listen to the Spirit's promptings right away and know that it will lead us down the best path. When we lay all we have at the feet of the Lord and follow Him and trust in His timing and plan for us, our lives will move forward like we never could imagine. In this decade of decisions, we must take our love for the Lord and our faith and trust in Him, and move forward with hope and happiness. Not only does our Heavenly Father want us to have joy in life eternal, but also happiness, peace, and comfort now. And the best way? To listen to him and move forward with His Spirit guiding and comforting our lives line by line, precept by precept, here a little and there a little. The Lord knows what He is doing, and as I take a look around in my life, I realize what blessings I have and how grateful I am to have them--and how, instead of worrying or wondering the timing of things, my role is to be enjoy the good of every moment and continue to be a disciple of Christ. 

"Lovest Thou Me?" then be a Light unto this People

"Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people"

3 Nephi 15:12

This week in class, we touched upon John 21, when the resurrected Christ returns to visit the apostles as they are out fishing. When they return to the shore to sit and eat with Christ again, Jesus turns to Peter and asks "Peter, lovest thou me?" He asks His apostle three times, and to each Peter responds, "thou knowest that  I love thee," to which Christ responds at last, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). 

This reminded me of a conference talk Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a few years ago. I loved the way he described this scenario and lesson, so I just have to share. Elder Holland speaks out of context as to what he imagines the conversation/situation was like:

"What I need, Peter, are disciples--and I need them forever.

I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs.
I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith.

I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, 

and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do.

Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. 

It is not hapless; it is not hopeless;

it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history.

It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world.

So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time,

 I am asking you to leave all of this and go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally

 until the day in which they do to you exactly what they did to me."

I loved this! What amazing principles we can relate to ourselves here in this life as we strive to be disciples of Christ. We are to be a light unto this people, to labor and serve, to declare His word and live accordingly.

What will you say, when asked, "Lovest thou me?" by your Redeemer? I expect that I will fall at his feet, with tears full of love, gratitude, and loyalty that I have never physically felt before.

"And if at such a moment we can stammer out, 'Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,' then He may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty." - Elder Holland

With such sources of scripture--through conference, apostles, examples, leaders, scriptures, personal revelation, temples--we can do our duty as disciples of Christ, letting our light shine, declaring His word, and sharing the hope of everlasting life (3 Nephi 5:13).

The Atonement of Christ

Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; 

being filled with compassion towards the children of men; 

standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, 

taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, 

having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice. 

-- Mosiah 15:9

This week in class we've made it to the new testament entries of the atonement of Christ. There are so many different aspects to the atonement and I would love to share everything that I've been studying and learning, however, for this entry I'm going to keep it short and sweet. 

To start off, I chose above painting (by Liz Lemon, I'm really beginning to love  and favor her artwork, it's new to me) because I find it captures the side of Christ in the Garden that not many people realize or choose to recognize. Personally, when I relate to my Savior and go to Him in times of need and express my everlasting gratitude, it is here, like in this painting, that I imagine suffering in the Garden went for Him. This was a prayer like no other -- one where Christ is carrying everything on his shoulders -- all the sins and awful consequences of it, and of guilt, depression, hopelessness, anger, grief, shame, loss, anxiety, hatred -- He carries this all and he has never felt any of it before, and here He is, praying to the Father, with not just the sadness or guilt you've felt at your worst, but every one else's emotions and physical pain as well. Christ literally knows exactly what is like to be pounded by temptation, to feel the greatest loss, to feel like you are in the deepest of despairs, to feel lost and lonely, etc.  And why? So that we would not have to suffer those pains throughout all of time. So that we could one day return to our Father in Heaven and have constant joy and rejoicing -- not continual pain and suffering, cut off from the presence of the Lord. So Christ interceded, he became our Advocate to the Father (D&C 45:3-5), and he broke the bonds of death, and he fulfilled justice while extending mercy. He doesn't want us to suffer, so as part of the Plan, Christ came to redeem our promised blessings and eternal potential and everlasting joy. 

I want to bear my testimony that I know Christ is our Lord and Redeemer--that through Him, we can one day return to our loving Father in Heaven. It is through Christ that we can have eternal life and joy, which is to dwell with our Heavenly Father and families throughout the eternities. I know that Christ understands everything that we go through in this mortal experience and He will never leave our sides. His act of atonement provides us with a divine protection, a way like no other in which we can infinitely look towards light and joy and have the promised blessing of peace in the Lord's presence. One of the greatest things that brings the spirit to my heart is thinking of my Savior, standing in front of me as I fall to the ground in tears, begging for compassion and mercy and hope and peace--and then to His arm extended to me, as he pulls me into an embrace, and He looks at me with knowing eyes, for he is ready and willing to immediately plead my cause before the Lord and take upon my sins and mistakes and weaknesses, knowing that I've tried to do my best as a faithful servant and follow Him. He ensures that my desires for life everlasting are fulfilled, as He and the Father only want for our happiness and great return. 

And I hope you can feel that too. ♥

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

--Titus 3:7 

Be like the Woman of Samaria

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of  this water shall thirst again: 

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; 

but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  (John 4:13-14)

I just have to share the insights from this John 4 that we learned this week! I found them remarkable. In this chapter, Christ is on his way throughout the lands preaching the gospel, when he decides that they must stop in Samaria. Though uncalled for and completely against the time's social norms, our Savior travels through Samaria and meets a very prepared woman at the well, who will soon help to share His truth throughout the land. 

Its the afternoon and Christ is sitting at the well. Normally, woman would come to fill water in the mornings and evenings, as it was a social activity and most efficient times. However, this particular woman was coming to the well in the afternoon when she runs into this Jewish man. It's interesting to think about why she would be coming at such a random time, but it's amazing to see how well it works in her favor, so have the Savior right beside her and all to herself as He teaches (though, she does not yet realize it). 

When Christ asks for water, this woman calls him a Jew at first, as it is strange to see such a man awaiting at the well and conversing with her, a Samarian woman. Jesus replies in a way that only one looking with spiritual eyes can comprehend, saying "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water" (John 4:10). This woman's response puts me to awe -- she understands what the Savior has said and proceeds to ask, calling him "Sir" now, where he received that kind of water. When Jesus shares with her how that living water is everlasting life and one that will never go dry, she immediately asks where she can obtain this water as well. 

Now, here comes the interesting part (one that I've never yet realized until hearing it this week). Jesus asks the woman to bring her husband over to hear as well, and when the woman proceeds with how she does not have a husband, Jesus acknowledges that she has had many unsuccessful relationships. From her, the woman's reference of Christ now jumps from Jew and Sir, to "Prophet." Christ teaches her of a new covenant, one she can make with the Lord, one that will never end and never go away, one that will bring peace-- a peace that only the Lord can bring. The difference? This covenant is one of the spirit, one that communes with the Lord on a higher level, an everlasting level, one that promises peace and joy. 

When Jesus speaks of these teachings, the woman shares of how she knows the Messiah is to come. Jesus responds with, "I that speak unto thee is he" (John 4:26). The woman then goes forth into the city, sharing of her time with Christ and preaching that He has indeed come and to see for themselves-- in fact, she is so excited to do so, she "left her waterpot" (John 4:28). 

I just love the enthusiasm and faith of this woman -- within minutes of talking with Jesus, she recognizes his divinity and goes forth to share His word and His existence. Not only that, but within seconds upon hearing of a water which never runs dry--a promise of everlasting life and peace--she immediately wants to know how to obtain such a miracle. 

I love this story because, as I have more deeply studied it, I realize my desire to be more like this Samarian woman. I want to have such a strong desire to hunger and thirst after the words of Christ and eternal life, that I recognize them and immediately go forth with them. I hold to the promise in  3 Nephi: "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost" (12:6).  Want a more constant, closer companionship with the Holy Ghost? Want a stronger relationship with your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ? Then hunger and thirst after righteousness--immediately drop your waterpots and go forth with what you have learned; sit at the feet of the Savior and let him guide and uplift you; strive for that everlasting life and spiritually hold to the covenants you have made. The peace that comes in unimaginable, and so worth it.

"It is only this 'living water,' the gospel of Jesus Christ, that can and will bring a happy, 

a successful, and an everlasting life to the children of men." 

- Elder Robert L. Simpson 

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined living water as 'the words of eternal life, 

the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; 

it is the doctrines of the gospel.' 

He went on to explain, 'Where there are prophets of God, there will be rivers of living water, 

wells filled with eternal truths, springs bubbling forth their life-giving draughts 

that save from spiritual death." 

- from Elder Wirtlin's talk

Seventy times Seven

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant...

enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" 

Matthew 25:21

This week in class we've been reading some of Christ's parables -- it's been interesting to see from a new perspective, from a professor who has studied these writings and teachings for his whole career and adult life. As most of us already know, there are many ways to interpret and find insights from Christ's parables. One new cool thing I learned was that each parable Christ tells, is first introduced by a question from the people -- and He will always answer that question. 

Although there are numerous super amazing parables I want to share, today I'm just going to comment one.

To start off, in Matthew 18, a man asks if he is required to forgive up to seven times -- keep in mind, Rabinical tradition is to forgive someone up to three times. The Lord responds that he should forgive "not only seven times, but seventy times seven" times. I think this is an amazing example of the Christlike attribute of patience.

Christ then proceeds to tell the parable of the 10,000 talents (also known as the Unmerciful Servant). The man in this parable is in great debt, in fact not just 10,00 talents, but an innumerable amount. When he goes to his lord, he tells him of the debt he cannot repay and asks, "have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." In return, the lord had compassion on the servant and forgave him of the debt. As the servant went out wiped of all debt, he turned to one of this fellow servants and demanded the hundred pence he owed. This fellow servant cried with the same plea, "have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." But what does this man do? He casts his fellow servant in to prison until the debt could one day be paid. The lord's remarks are insightful, as he responds to this unmerciful servant, saying, "I forgave thee all that debt...shouldn't not thou also have had compassion on they fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother of their trespasses." 

It's amazing to see this parable from multiple perspectives. From the servants view, he is forgive of all his debt, for this is no way to pay back his lord for all that He has done. However, his fellow servant still owes him a decent amount of money, enough that the offense is harmful and will hurt to not have. However, what the fellow servant owes this man is far minimal compared to what the lord has forgiven him. It's a great insight -- God forgives us for all our debts, and what should we do in return? Forgive our fellow men. Each one of us has that debt -- just as the servant does in this parable -- and a debt that is so big, there is no humanly way possible to pay it off (see Mosiah 2:20-24, and the unprofitable servant). But our Savior Jesus Christ owns those sins, He has taken them from us (hence our use of repentance) and he takes them upon his shoulders--and he owns everyone's. He takes on even the offender's sins. So how many times to you forgive your brother? Always! Let us walk away from using the atonement given us, ready to patiently and compassionately pay the mercy and forgiveness forward. 

Learning from the Savior

"I have loved you, saith the Lord. 

Yet ye say, wherein hast thou loved us?...

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love 

therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."

(see Malachi 1:2 & Jeremiah 31:3)

This past week we've been reading through the gospels and focusing on how we can learn from the Savior's words. Christ teaches in many ways, one of them is in the way he performs his miracles and also how he teaches the crowd and uses parables.

Today, I'd like to share some insights on a few of my favorite stories and miracles and parables.

The first is when Christ blesses the fish and bread and feeds 5,000 (see Matthew 14). It's interesting to see the story from the perspective of the young man who sacrifices his fish and bread. In a way, it's sort of like us as disciple of Christ. The young man has spent all this time and effort finding and providing food for his family. Then, apostles come and ask him to give up all that he has so that they can bless it and pass it out to the multitude. The need -- enough food for 5,000 people -- is much greater than the supply that the young man has, yet Christ asks him to give it up. With faith and a desire for obedience, the young man gives Christ and the apostles his earnings and they bless it, to then go throughout the multitude and feed all 5,000 and they were filled. I love this story because it shows that whatever we have and whatever we bring to the feet of our Lord and Savior -- as long as it is everything we have -- it is enough! We will always walk away from the righteous sacrifices we make, richer than when we walked up to it.

My other all-time favorite scripture is when Peter walks on water toward Christ despite the storm knocking the boat around (see Matthew 14). Normally I would insert a pretty amazing testimony here about how the Lord will always and immediately be there for us, even if our faith starts to waver. This time, however, I'd like to share a different insight. This time, I'm going to focus on Peter's courage to take a step out of that boat, on to rushing, crashing waters, and walk towards His Savior despite all odds against him. What faith! As well, Christ allows Peter to walk on this water and try to test his faith and action. As we come unto Christ, we have to a leave our comfort zones and our plateaus and deal with something that we've never seen or done before--tough things--only to then accomplish things you thought you never had the capacity to do! We are given these experiences to help us become someone we're not yet, but someone our Heavenly Father and Savior know we can become! God loves our potential to become more than our tranquility right now. So, instead of waiting for things to come to you, seek them! :) 

Over and out.

"I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth" (Alma 5:16).

Miracles Today

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, 

teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, 

and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."  

(Matthew 9:35)

This week we read through Matthew 8-9 and focused on the miracles Christ performs. He goes from city to city as the Son of God and preaches the gospel, witnesses of the Father, and heals those who come unto him. 

One of my favorite stories is found in this section:

Matthew 8

23. And when he entered into a ship, his disciples follow him.

24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25. And his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26. And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

I love this story because there are plenty of times in my life where I am amidst a storm and feeling so troubled and hopeless. Many unfortunate times, I have turned to the Lord and asked "Where are you? Save me from this pain. Why is this happening?"  With my pride, I feel that the Savior is asleep and not paying attention, or that he needs me to suffer in order to learn, no matter how scared I am.

But then comes the faint voice of "why are ye fearful, o ye of little faith?" And from above, I can finally see and recognize the Lord's hands in my life, calming the storm around me and rebuking the seas and easing my burden. Is the storm gone? No. Will I never experience a storm again? Of course not. Difficulties will still arise, troubles are still surrounding--it's part of mortal life--but I never have to doubt if my Savior is there and I can know and trust that He will ALWAYS step up and protect me, prepare me, and strengthen me.

It amazes me that, even with a lack of faith or my weaknesses, my Savior is still there for me, paying attention to the details and waiting for me to call upon Him and trust in His help to come.

Now, imagine the power of the miracles that could come with solid faith in the Lord! Obviously something to work on throughout this life and one that comes and goes with the ups and downs of spirituality and experiences, but how amazing and powerful faith can be as to bring about miracles in this life still! This concept fascinates me, and I came across such a scripture that inspires me to move forward towards trusting faith, not fearful.

Mosiah 8:18, "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

I've learned, and am learning, that the Lord will work mighty miracles in ours lives according to our faith.

Temptations and the Beatitudes Strategy

"The beatitudes give us the formula for coming unto Christ.

We can sue them as a foundation as we seek for a Christ-centered life."

- Elder Robert E. Wells

This week we studied a topic that is always one I come back to: temptations and the power to overcome them. 

We read in the New Testament about Christ's childhood and his baptism. We also discussed about his journey fasting and communing with the heavens, to come back and be tempted by Satan. We then studied his Sermon on the Mount. The coolest thing I got from all this, though, was how they all tie together.

To start, we know that in this life we have short term struggles with long term rewards in store. We are promised many blessings and are blessed--aka the power and  future promises of "enjoying happiness, enjoying the bliss of heaven, and bringing pleasure or contentment." ♥

However, we also know that in mortality we will be challenged and tempted. Satan uses such doubts, fear, and confusion to suck us in to his "if" scenarios. Satan offers short term, instantaneous gratification in exchange for long term regret, misery, and burden -- however, it is difficult to see these things because he is subtle and the choices are not always all at once. Satan also works in such a way as to make us feel as if work is not worth it and consequences don't need to be worried about.

And even though we may do our best to make good choices and be disciples of Christ, we are mortal and we make mistakes. Our Heavenly Father and Savior knew this, and that is why they came up with the Plan of Salvation. Though we may fall to temptations and Satan's snares at times, we always have a way back -- through repentance. Though we may not be the best we can right now and we are not perfect, there is always a way to become better. What matters most is what we are striving to become and what our desires are!

We learn this in Matthew 5, when Christ shares the Beatitudes we all know and love. But this time, we're going to look at it from a different perspective:  the Beatitudes are also the steps and process of becoming better through repentance. They are advice directly from Christ of how we can overcome our weaknesses and temptations, so that over time in the eternities we will be prepared to become like him. Right now we only have the potential to become such, and he gives us those key desires we should have.

So, here we go, follow along in Matthew 5, or 3 Nephi 12.

Steps to becoming a better disciple of Christ:

1.) I recognize that I am not who I need to be yet. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit"  

Think: Who are the poor in spirit? We are -- there is always more we can do to have a more constant companionship with the Holy Ghost and a closer relationship with the Godhead. 

2.) I feel bad that I am not better

"Blessed are they that mourn"  

Think: Who are they that mourn? Those who desire repentance and to become righteous sons and daughters of God, who wish to do better.

3.) I'm willing to do what God wants me to do

"Blessed are the meek"  

Think: Who are the meek? Those who humble their will to God's in order to fulfill His plan and move forth His work in His way.

4.) I take action.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness"  

Think: Who are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness? Those who desire nothing more than to be in the presence of God and will do all they can in order to gain that promise. They will take action, no matter how difficult, to fulfill His word. 

5.) I will forgive myself

"Blessed are the merciful"  

Think: Who are the merciful? Those who forgive even the hardest of people to forgive: themselves. They will trust in the promise of the Lord that they have been made clean and can move forward with faith.

6.) I will forgive others

"Blessed are the pure in heart"  

Think: Who are the pure in heart? Those who are kind, humble, loving, and accepting to others.

7.) I'm will change my ways and continue to strive to become better

"Blessed are the peacemakers"  

Think: Who are the peacemakers? Those who strive to become the best they can be and be an example of their Savior -- as caretaker, friend, advocate, example, disciple, etc.

8.) I will stay true and be prepared for the challenges and opposition that will com

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake"  

Think: Who are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake? Those who take a stand in their testimony and share the truth with love.

Anyway, I loved this perspective -- that our personal growth and righteous desires truly are what matter. All we have to do is ask "what lack I yet" and take the action to continue on!

The Condescension of Christ

This week we began discussing the condescension of Christ. Majority of my life, this topic has gone over my head, especially when I was younger. But as I've grown and strengthened my testimony, this big word of "condescension" means a lot more to me than just a describing factor of Christ's atonement and purpose. 

In class we learned about Christ's gospel -- how the gospel is the overall everything of everything, and the doctrine is what makes it up, it's what we do.

From there, we began to study Christ's life from the beginning. We read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's accounts on Mary and Joseph and the birth of Christ. We also touch upon how the condescension of Christ is the act of descending to a lower and less dignified state -- in this case, Christ waives his privileges, honor, and glory to come to earth and perform the Atonement to carry through the Plan of Salvation. 

"from His magnificent throne, Jesus Christ descended 

to face the most extreme humiliation and suffering

that mortality could inflict" 

- Bishop Edgley

Because this topic interests me so, I decided to go and research some more via lds.org. There, I found an amazing talk, which I'm going to use here and add a few of my personal insights. I suggest everyone read it though, because it answered a lot of my questions and strengthened my testimony (read more here). 

Anyway, for this quick insight I want to start off sharing a few verses in the Book of Mormon, when Nephi sees the birth of Christ and asks the Lord for more knowledge on the condescension of God -- because even he didn't know all things (1 Nephi 11:13-17). However, I loved the question Nephi is asked, and like to ask it to myself: "Knowest thou the condescension of God?"

Knowest thou that the Only Begotten Son of God descended from above, leaving the his heavenly family and presence, to come down to this chaotic, sinful realm of mortality, just to be an Example, a Leader, a Teacher, but most importantly, a Savior. Christ knew that by coming down to this world, he would be scolded, rejected, and crucified. However, He also knew that He would be able to establish His church, teach the true gospel, and be resurrected for all mankind. He knew of the suffering he would bear and endure. He knew of all the sins, fears, worries, burdens, and tragedies he would carry on his shoulders so he would be able to succor his people, understand them, and aid their personal aches. 

Knowest thou that the Redeemer Jesus Christ, did all this for you?

"Here we have a glorious thing. Here we have exalted, noble beings

on a plane and status so far above our present circumstance

that we have no way of comprehending their dominion and glory,

and we have one of the, God our Eternal Father,

through the condescension and infinite love and mercy

that he has for us, stepping down from his noble status

and becoming the father of a Son after the manner of flesh.

We have that Son being born, that Son who was his firstborn in the spirit,

who had like power and omnipotence with the Father.

We have each of them performing a work that there is no way for us

to understand as far as magnitude and glory and importance is concerned." 

- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

The more I study the condescension of Christ, the more I realize how much we have to personally know our Savior and Heavenly Father. And the closer we become, the more often and deeper we ponder and search.

The Distinctive Testimonies of the Four Gospels

So this week we learned more of a history, as far as dispensations of time and the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I found it very interesting, because the professor was able to simplify the timeline to the point where even I could understand it. I figured I'd share these insights as well.

Obviously, it all starts with Adam and Eve -- this is the first dispensation of times (dispensation: "a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth" lds.org).

What's cool is, Adam is the prophet, which makes Eve--his equal, his wife, his helpmeet-- the first prophetess. She has the power as a witness of Christ as well! Anyway, side-note.

The next dispensation is opened by Enoch, until his city is raised into the heavens. Noah takes it from there, then on to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Tribes of Israel). After a 400 year "Egyptian apostasy" Moses comes and gives the people the Law of Moses (the "lesser law") until Christ comes in His time and brings and teaches the higher law.

So, obviously, these teachings are accounted in the New Testament records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

I learned this week, in a simplified way, the purpose of their individual accounts and who their audiences is -- by knowing this, I can read what they have to say as not only stories or records, but as testimonies, witnesses, and significant events to each of them personally. 

Mark writes to the Romans, to convince Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ.

Matthew writes to the Jews and takes many sayings from Mark and expands on them. He uses many speeches and sermons.

Luke also expands on Marks' sayings, taking a more balanced approach and showing more emotion and being more personalized. 

John takes a different approach from the others, as he focuses on the Judean ministries of Christ and writes what he witnesses personally. 

Anyway, it changes my perspective as I read through their accounts now that I understand them more and what the background information and witness is. I invite you all to do so as well! :)

"And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, 

they did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon

the face of the earth, and should pray 

unto the Father in the name of Jesus.

And the disciples did pray unto the Father also 

in the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that they

arose and ministered unto the people.

And when they had ministered those same words

which Jesus had spoken--nothing varying...--

behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father 

in the name of Jesus.

And they did pray for that which they most desired;

and they desired that the Holy Ghost\should be given unto them."

3 Nephi 9:6-9

Jesus Christ & His Gospel

"And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, 
and hearken unto his great commandments; 
and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, 
according to the will of his Holy Spirit" (2 Nephi 2:28)

I learned something super cool this week -- well, not learned, so much as understood. It's like a little light bulb went off,  just like in the cartoons. 

We were studying in Moses and Genesis this week, reading and learning more about the Fall in depth. It amazes me how much we adore and appreciate Mother Eve, I love how much we can look up to her and find her exemplar. In other religions, such gratitude is not frequent for the choice Eve and Adam made. But with modern revelation, translations, and living prophets, we know that the Fall was part of the Lord's plan and is something we are eternally grateful for -- because without it, we wouldn't be here today, becoming like our Father in heaven through mortality.

"And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, 

but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. 

And all things which were created must have remained in the same state 

in which they were after they were created; 

and they must have remained forever, and had no end. 

And they would have had no children; 

wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, 

having no joy, for they knew no misery; 

doing no good, for they knew no sin." (2 Nephi 2:22-23)

What a difference it makes to have more records, witnesses, and revelations of why the Fall occurred and the how -- now we are able to understand more so, how "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (2 Nephi 2:24).

Anyway, that's just a side note -- we learned a lot this week. What blew my mind the most, is the understanding of a temporal law and an eternal law. 

"Don't eat the fruit" is a temporal law in Eden. It does not determine salvation -- Adam and Eve will still be able to achieve Celestial glory despite having ate the fruit. It is also temporary because it was only a law in the Garden of Eden. 

"Multiply and replenish the earth" is an eternal law. It is a commandment passed down through all generations of time. It is the higher law -- the law Adam and Eve must fulfill. The commandment we still have today.

The choice between these two laws is agency building. The Lord is saying that if they want to stay in the garden, they cannot eat the fruit; but if they want to enter mortality, then the choice to eat the fruit is given to them. 

Ah, I just love that. What a settling truth to help expand and strengthen our testimonies of the fall.

Also, another quick side note:  Ever wonder why Christ is called "Son of Man?" Because it is shortened from the Adamic language, "Son of Man of Holiness." ♥

Jesus Christ & the Creation

"Behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things."

2 Nephi 2:24

I love this painting -- Adam and Eve are leaving the Garden and walking in to a whole new world of life full of pain and joy, good and evil. Adam, right beside Eve and lovingly guiding her, as Eve looks back to what they chose to leave. Ahead of them, the purpose of this life unfolds. What courage and confidence in the Lord and His detailed planning. That's the only way His Plan could have worked, with salvation as the ultimate, righteous gift. Purposefully planned, prepared, and carried out by trustworthy and noble children of God, the Lord placed Adam and Eve on the Earth He created. 

The Plan of Salvation was known in full to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as they carried out the Creation. As they placed Adam and Eve upon the Earth, they were sure to give their children the guidance and knowledge necessary. Angels were sent to teach Adam and Eve of the Plan, and as they went about they learned. With no transgression, all things would have stayed in the same state as they were created (2 Nephi 2:22) -- with no progression nor regression, with no opposition nor righteousness, with no sadness nor joy (2 Nephi 2:11). By partaking of the fruit, Adam and Eve successfully helped the Lord "bring about His Eternal purposes" (2 Nephi 2:15), for "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things" (2 Nephi 2:24). The Fall was part of the Plan of Salvation from the beginning -- that's why the Atonement was planned and why choices matter. That is how each one of us will one day be able to return to our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ, and all our loved ones. 

The Creation was part of a Plan of Happiness. Happiness you will have.

"You were created 'that you might have joy.' Joy you will feel when you worthily return to your Heavenly Father and Savior and step in to their warm embrace" -Elder Randall K. Bennett

I know that we are spiritual children of a loving Father in Heaven and He has an extensive, beautiful plan for each one of us. He wants us to be happy, in all that we do. To have good lives, full lives, and eternal joy. Though a difficult life, full of ups and downs, our Lord is all-knowing, all-loving, and desires nothing more than our eternal life to be full of joy and rejoicing. As part of His plan, we have the opportunity to come to know Him and our Savior and all that they have done for us.

"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God." (Moses 5:9-11)

What a miraculous blessing, knowledge, and comfort.

The Cosmic Christ & Coming Forth of the Bible

This week I was reading in the Pearl of Great Price, more specifically in the book of Moses. Though there are many perspectives, doctrines, and principles within the chapter, a certain few verses caught my attention. Many focus their attention on where Moses has conversations with the Lord and with the Devil, when he is called Son of God verses man. I love these scriptures and they speak truth to my heart and mind, however, this time around I focused more on the conversation later in the chapter,rather than what Moses is called. When the devil is speaking to him and clearly berating the conversation Moses just had with the Lord,  Moses' response is clear: "I can judge between thee and God" (Moses 1:15). 

Just as Moses, we have (and can have) the power and gift of discernment. We'll be able to judge between what is of God and what is evil. As we come to know and recognize the characteristics of our Father in Heaven, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Spirit, we will be able to recognize their presence and guidance throughout our day to day lives. Though we will still be temped, we also have the follow-up response Moses used, "Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not" (Moses 1:16). These are statements of truth and testimony, and with their powerful words and the faith to support them, we too can have these gifts of the Spirit to discern and protect. We, too, must "lift [our] eyes unto heaven, being filled with the Holy Ghost" (Moses 1:24). We know, through many experiences and records (see 3 Nephi 17:24), that as we lift our eyes toward heaven seeking guidance, direction, and comfort, it WILL come.

I'd like to close with one of my favorite quotes, because let's be honest, what would my writing be without a quote.

"Through His counsel and our prayers, we can reach into the heavens and personally commune with the infinite. Through faith, heaven itself can be moved in our behalf. Doors will be opened and answers received." --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin