With a quiver in his voice and dewy eyes, Elder Eyring announced the death of a dear friend and collegue Robert D. Hales. The conference center fell silent. I watched from afar as all the apostles sat in their chairs. Some were fiddling with their hands, others leaning back with eyes closed, and some squeezing the arms of the chairs. "What are they thinking?" I wondered. I could only imagine how pained they felt and how desperately they wanted to be alone and mourn the passing of a dear friend. But there they sat, about to deliver another session of conference to the world. I couldn't help but draw my mind to a similar experience the Savior had during his mortal ministry.
When Jesus's close friend John the Baptist was unjustly beheaded, it was a devastating day for the Savior. After hearing the news, "he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart".
Reading this, one gets a glimpse of the heart wrenching sorrow that Christ experienced during this trial of mortality. However, He only got a minute to Himself:
And when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude of compassion toward them and he healed their sick...and when it was evening, his disciple came to him, saying This is a desert place, and the time is now past: send the multitude away... But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart: give them to eat.
--Matthew 14:13-16
The Savior physically fed his disciples that day, but, more importantly, he spiritually fed them.This account of Jesus Christ illuminates the immense love the Savior has for God's children and the Gospel. He loves it more than self and will do anything to continue to move the work forward.
The same dedication and love for the gospel the Savior has, was shown in the actions of the 12 apostles on Sunday.I am sure the look of sorrow and pain in their eyes was a glimpse of the Savior's eyes when he lost his dear friend. I gained a greater understanding of what it means when it is said that the Apostles are representatives of Jesus Christ. They have the same purpose in mind; to bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man. Although emotionally drained, they spiritually fed us. Joseph Smith stated it perfectly in his standard of truth where he says,
" Truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
I am grateful for Apostles and a Prophet who are mortal and human, but who also represent our Savior Jesus Christ. I know they are true Apostles of the Lord and I am grateful to be a part of this worldwide church to help the work of God move forward.
When Jesus's close friend John the Baptist was unjustly beheaded, it was a devastating day for the Savior. After hearing the news, "he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart".
Reading this, one gets a glimpse of the heart wrenching sorrow that Christ experienced during this trial of mortality. However, He only got a minute to Himself:
And when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude of compassion toward them and he healed their sick...and when it was evening, his disciple came to him, saying This is a desert place, and the time is now past: send the multitude away... But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart: give them to eat.
--Matthew 14:13-16
The Savior physically fed his disciples that day, but, more importantly, he spiritually fed them.This account of Jesus Christ illuminates the immense love the Savior has for God's children and the Gospel. He loves it more than self and will do anything to continue to move the work forward.
The same dedication and love for the gospel the Savior has, was shown in the actions of the 12 apostles on Sunday.I am sure the look of sorrow and pain in their eyes was a glimpse of the Savior's eyes when he lost his dear friend. I gained a greater understanding of what it means when it is said that the Apostles are representatives of Jesus Christ. They have the same purpose in mind; to bring to past the immortality and eternal life of man. Although emotionally drained, they spiritually fed us. Joseph Smith stated it perfectly in his standard of truth where he says,
" Truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
I am grateful for Apostles and a Prophet who are mortal and human, but who also represent our Savior Jesus Christ. I know they are true Apostles of the Lord and I am grateful to be a part of this worldwide church to help the work of God move forward.
I loved your parallel of the experiences of our apostles and the Savior. This was a very touching post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts and testimony. The last conference was very touching, I especially liked how President Nelson felt inspired to go visit Elder Hales at the hospital before he passed away.
ReplyDelete