THE EXAMPLER

 

The more I learn about the Saviour, the more amazed I become. This is what amazes me the most. It is His greatness that began long before His astounding power to withstand the crucible of the cross.

Consider the beginning…. When He appeared to Abraham, the pre-mortal Saviour introduced himself thus: “I am the Lord thy God; I dwell in heaven; the earth is my footstool; I stretch my hand over the sea and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind and the fire to be my chariot; I say to the mountains – Depart hence – and behold, they are taken away by a whirlwind……My name is Jehovah… (Abraham 2:7,8).

As Abraham was shown ‘the intelligences that were organised before the world was’, he saw many of the ‘noble and great ones’ and was told that he was one of them (Abraham 3:22,23). Once again, the Saviour affirmed who He was: “I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all…my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning….” (Abraham 3:19,21)

We read the interaction between Enoch and God along the same lines. After showing him all the workmanship of His hands, He declares Himself to Enoch in the most powerful manner: “I am Messiah the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven…” (Moses 7:53).

The perfection level of His obedience in pre-mortal life is astounding. It is through this obedience He gained the power to rise to the Godhead where He could create worlds without number (Moses 1:33). Is it any wonder He could endure this:

“This sacrifice…took place in Gethsemane when He sweat great gouts of blood from every pore….And it also took place as He hung on the cruel cross of Calvary. During the last three hours of that agonising ordeal, while darkness overspread the land, all the pains and suffering of Gethsemane returned.”  (Bruce R. McConkie, “A New Witness for the Articles of Faith”, p 109)

My point is this. The Saviour of this world was the firstborn of the Father. He was the perfect Son and therefore the perfect Brother. The Exampler who paved the way to obedience, who lifted us to heights we could not reach on our own even back then. He was the Shepherd long before we became the sheep, the Shepherd we followed and believed and chose to be our God.  We became great in our pre-existent state because of the perfect example we followed. The influence He has over us now would have been double-fold back then when we were in His presence.

I testify of this because I was told once during a prayer: “My Atonement is my gift to you because you were so valiant in your testimony of Me long before you were born.”  You, me, Abraham……..(D&C 138:11-24).

How can I contain the magnitude of You

In the meagre chambers of my heart?

How can I absorb the brightness

Of Your light that outshines the rays

Of the brightest sun?

How can I explain the lightness of my being

When You lift me up on wings of faith

Making real the wonder of You?

My love knows no limits

My honour of You, no bounds;

My needy reach for heaven’s door,

To concede, without You,

I am in spirit forever poor.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Like A Dove by Chris Brazelton) 

 

 

HEAVEN'S BLESSING

 

 

“If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have the freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants, no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. Without the power of the priesthood, ‘the whole earth would be utterly wasted’. There would be no light, no hope – only darkness.”

-        Elder Robert D. Hales, “Blessings of the Priesthood”, GC October 1995

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation and for the order which has existed from the beginning for its execution here in mortality. I am grateful for God’s sons who have since the days of Adam ensured the continuation of the blessing of the holy priesthood from the Father and His Son.

Imagine if the world we were required to live in was cloaked in darkness. Imagine if everything the priesthood makes possible was taken from the earth. What would be the point of being here?

Going back in time, if there was no priesthood, there would not have been creation at the hands of the Son of Man of Holiness, no Atonement, no salvation. Our growth would have been impeded forever.

I look at the power in the Son of God on the cross. Besides the fact that He was half immortal, He was endowed with strength that is in every man which gives him the potential of achieving godhood. And not only the strength, the Saviour had amazing courage and commitment and willingness to endure suffering on behalf of another. Going back in time again, there were no women volunteering for the experience of the cross.

This courage and strength is inherent in all men for what married man on earth does not feel the responsibility and willingness to protect his wife and children? I ache to see men emasculated in our society and their importance and worth somewhat unappreciated.

I pay homage to the sons of God who take their responsibility upon this earth now and eternally with unwavering commitment. Being created in the image of the Man of Holiness, the Father, the Eternal, and having an example before them like His Beloved Son, they stood loyally by God and by Jesus in their first estate and did not flinch.

“If you had flinched, then you would not be here with the Priesthood upon you. The evidence that you were loyal, that you were true, and that you did not waver is to be found in the fact that you have received the Gospel – and the everlasting Priesthood.”

-        George Q. Cannon, azquotes.com

Men, you are strong and brave and true…..we need you!

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: The Saviour by Tina Lecour)