Relief Society Lesson 2/10/08: Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the World

When Jesus visited Joseph Smith it was a time of teaching and preparing for further truths Joseph would receive. I find it profound that each time Joseph is visited by the Savior, prior to the visit Joseph is reading the scriptures, praying, or working in the temple. We can learn from Joseph’s example that as we read the scriptures, pray and do temple work we will receive direction and understanding from the Lord whether by the spirit or through direct contact with our Savior as Joseph did.

When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited in the temple by Jesus, Joseph describes the Savior's voice as “the rushing of great waters”. As I think about the sound of great rushing waters, I think of the loudness that can be heard from a distance and recognized, by those who have heard it before, for what it is. I also think about how peaceful it is to stand by a great river that is rushing by or a waterfall. The sound brings a peace and a sense of calm. When standing by a rushing river or waterfall, the sound almost drowns out every other sound around. When I think of the Savior's voice in the same way, I think of his voice as bringing peace, recognizable by those who know him, his words can be heard even when we are not in his presence, and when we listen to him and follow him we are able to drowned out the “noises” from other influences.

The sacrificing of animals in similitude and a looking ahead to our Savior's sacrifice for us helps to teach the meaning and importance of his sacrifice and the sacrifices we are to make in our own lives. I love the way Heavenly Father teaches us through symbolism and repetition. He gives us things in our lives to help us better understand great principles necessary in his plan. He wanted those before the coming of Christ to look forward to his coming, never forget that he was coming, and understand what he would do and why.

Christ's resurrection is essential to our salvation and is the most important fundamental principle to our religion. Joseph Smith tells us that all other things that pertain to our religion are only appendages. These things only lend a helping hand to understanding and taking full advantage of the principle of resurrection. Among these beliefs are “the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and final triumph of truth.”

The principle of resurrection brings hope and gives strength to endure trials. Those who die knowing Jesus Christ and are perfected in him, will have joy when they come forth in the resurrection. Joseph Smith says “I am glad I have the privilege of communicating to you some things which, if grasped closely, will be a help to you when earthquakes bellow, the clouds gather, the lightnings flash, and the storms are ready to burst upon you like peals of thunder. Lay hold of these things and let not your knees or joints tremble, nor your hearts faint; and then what can earthquakes do? Nothing. All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection, provided you continue faithful.

“The commandments of our Lord, we hope are constantly revolving in your hearts, teaching you, not only His will in proclaiming His Gospel, but His meekness and perfect walk before all, even in those times of severe persecutions and abuse which were heaped upon Him by a wicked and adulterous generation. How wise, how holy; how chaste, and how perfect, then, you ought to conduct yourselves in His sight; and remember, too, that His eyes are continually upon you.”

“...be humble and prayerful, to walk indeed as children of the light and of the day, that they may have grace to withstand every temptation, and to overcome every evil in the worthy name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”


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