Jesus Christ, Our Savior

Well, its a new week. I'm still working on getting in the habit of using a scripture journal. I'm not used to doing one, at least not like this.

I was just called as second counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. As such, I'm responsible to prepare to teach any Sunday School class. It's not two difficult as there are only two different manuals in use.

The Gospel Doctrine class this week is entitled “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”. It focuses on the atonement, on Christs attributes, and how we can develop those attributes ourselves.

D&C 19:16-19 reads:

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

These verses always touch my heart deeply. I go on a bit of an emotional roller coaster when I read them. First I feel gratitude for Christ's willingness to suffer that I might not suffer. Then I feel an urgency to repent so that I don't have to suffer as he did. Then I feel empathy for what he went through. I can't begin to comprehend, even in the smallest degree, what it must have been like to go through so much agony to cause bleeding from every poor. It's incomprehensible to my feeble human mind. Then I feel gratitude again for the fact that despite the tremendous suffering, Christ did not quit. He went forward and finished the assignment the Lord had given him. He laid it all on the line for the glory of the Father, and for us. Then I feel a tremendous outpouring of love. I love the Savior. I love him, because he first loved me, so much that he laid down his life and took it up again that I, and everyone, might be able to live again, physically, and spiritually. He did for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. I want to stand up and sing the songs of his redeeming love when I think on these things.

A song I wrote a couple of years ago expresses some of my feelings.

"Shout For Joy, Inhabitants of Zion."

Shout for joy, inhabitants of Zion!
Praise Jehovah’s holy name.
Though with thee he once was angry,
Now His mercy shall thee claim.

(chorus)

Shout for joy, inhabitants of Zion!
In Jehovah put your trust.
For through Him all strength is given--
Blessings unto all the just.

(chorus)

Shout for joy inhabitants of Zion!
Water from salvation’s well,
Unto thee is freely flowing.
With Jehovah you shall dwell.

(chorus)

Shout for joy inhabitants of Zion!
Call upon the Lord in prayer.
Covenant that among all people,
His great works you will declare.


Chorus

Verses 1-3
Shout for joy; shout for joy!
Praise Jehovah’s holy name!
Shout for joy; shout for joy!
All his mighty works proclaim!

Verse 4
Shout for joy; shout for joy!
Praise the Lord’s exalted name!
Shout for joy; shout for joy!
All his mighty works proclaim!

Scripture References:
Isaiah 12
2 Nephi 22

Can be sung to the tune of “Guide Us Oh Thou Great Jehovah”

Copyright 2007 – Randall D. McNeely

More tomorrow.