Easter week marks two of the most sacred events in all of Christianity – the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as Mormons) join other Christians in commemorating these significant events.
I watched a number of different documentaries on the life of Jesus Christ this week. Once again, I wondered how many who knew and heard Him in person failed to recognize Him as the Son of God, the Messiah. If I had been there, would I have been one of the believers or one of the many who rejected Him? I hope with everything in me that I would have been among those who were privileged to worship and learn at His feet.
At the end of our Sunday school class this past Sunday, our teacher challenged us to really focus on the Savior this week. She asked us to remember that this was the week that He died for our sins. She reminded us that before we go “hopping with the bunnies” to take time to realize the great significance of His gift.
I took her challenge to heart and have felt even closer to my Savior this week. I found myself reflecting on a number of different things. I realized that all of my life, I’ve thought of Him as my Savior and King, but also as my friend. I pondered again on the pain and agony He endured for us and wondered how it is possible that we can forget Him so conveniently at times. When I consider just what His sacrifice entailed, I can’t help but feel humbled and amazed.
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,
That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.I marvel that He would descend from his throne divine,
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine.
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify.I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt,
Such mercy, such love, such devotion can I forget?
No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the gloried throne I kneel at His feet.
(I Stand All Amazed, text and music by Charles H. Gabriel)
I have yet to sing this Hymn all the way through without getting teary-eyed. The beautiful sentiments expressed in it never fail to touch my heart and soul.
This Easter week I’ve rededicated my heart, mind, and soul to Him. I will continue to praise Him through music but also through renewed attempts to follow Him and to be a true disciple. I will honor Him by continuing to learn of Him and by teaching my children to love Him.
In honor of this Easter weekend, I want to share with you a couple of excellent sites dedicated to His Life and Teachings.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God – We discussed this site last month but it doesn’t hurt to revisit it again this month. Take time to go through the site again especially the section on His Life and Teachings. Don’t miss Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) article on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Don’t miss this excellent video titled Finding Life in Christ. Be sure to read the powerful testimonies of modern day prophets who all bear witness that Jesus is the Christ!
Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer of Mankind – This excellent site is dedicated solely to the life and teachings of the Savior. Be sure to read the interesting article about the earliest accounts of the Jesus’ death and resurrection. If you’re looking for historical background on the Bible, this site will answer some of those questions. Other sections include Teachings of Jesus Christ, Miracles of Jesus, Parables of Jesus, The Gospels, Non-canonical Writings, and many more. This is a fairly new site so be sure to check back often for it is sure to become a one stop source for information on the Savior.
Easter for me is a time of sadness but also of great joy because He is risen. He lives, He lives! I love and worship Him. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my King, and the truest of friends.
None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
