Even His birth brought salvation

Dear friend

The birth of Jesus Christ happened in a small town near the holy city of Jerusalem. Best estimates suggest the population of Bethlehem at the time would be no greater than 1000 people. That sounds like a small rural farming village, although it is referred to as the "city" of David. Maybe city meant something different back then.

The blessed babe's birth in that tiny township surely went unnoticed to most in the world. A few people may have remarked on what looked like a new star or some other sign, but they likely would not understand the significance. The holy family eventually settled in Nazareth, which was an even smaller settlement than was the birthplace. Despite the very limited provincial parameters of His existence, Christ's life and death, and life again, was affective for the whole world, not just Judea. He died that we all might live. He brought universal salvation.

But in at least one part of the world it was the birth of the Babe that initially provided salvation, years before His Atoning act. This event is found in the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 1:4, 5, 9.

4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people.
5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
...
9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.

The believers were in grave danger, but their faith in the face of fatality was rewarded when the Lord revealed a reassuring rescue the day before the dire deadline. His words are recorded in verse 13.

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

Everything about Christ's life blesses someone. In this case His followers were vindicated for their faith in Him. He saved their mortal lives by His birth; their eternal salvation would come later.

It is absolutely right to focus on the events that brought an end to Christ's mortal ministry as the major moments of His saving grace. He died that we might live. But as this story illustrates, even the event of His earthly entry saved some diligent disciples who were in danger.

As we contemplate the joyful arrival of the Babe of Bethlehem, I pray that we will look to Jesus to save our lives as we demonstrate our faith in Him, even when faced by our modern unbelieving world.

Samuel.

Seeking refuge from all the storms

Dear friend

The growing incidence of people seeking refuge has become a global issue, one which our leaders seem unable or unwilling to resolve in any meaningful way. There are whole hosts of people in different parts of the world who are given the "status" of refugee. They are fleeing war zones, persecution, famine or some other life-threatening plight. It must be truly traumatic to be forced to leave home and treasured possessions in an attempt to escape from mortal danger. We may ask ourselves soberingly how we would cope.

When I was younger my limited concept of what it meant to seek refuge related to refuge "from the storm". I assumed the storm was basically bad weather, and refuge was simply shelter. Now I think I am gaining a rather more expanded understanding of the various storms from which we may need refuge, and where we might find such relief. To this end, consider these verses from the Old Testament, Psalm 9:9, 10.

9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

While in no way seeking to dismiss or minimise the tragic travails of those displaced person we call refugees, I think the verses here include and extend refuge-seeking into a more diverse set of dire difficulties and desperate dilemmas. Yes war, yes persecution, but also refuge from sorrow, from sin, from loneliness, loss and longing.

Whatever the challenge or problem or fear, the Lord Jesus Christ is our refuge. Oppressed, troubled, tired, facing chronic conditions, potential prosecution, dreading depression, or contemplating confession, all of these and so many more fall within the capacity of Christ's comfort.

I do so hope that we remember our Redeemer when we require refuge. He will not forsake us, I feel sure of it. I pray that as spiritual refugees, far from our true Heavenly home, we will find a safe haven in His loving arms and caring consolation in His condescension.

Samuel.

Understanding a suffering Saviour

Dear friend

Is it possible to speak too often of the Lord Jesus Christ? I say no, as long as we maintain respect for His sacred name and person. Certainly the scripture writers never held back. However, has there ever been a person so frequently discussed but so regularly misunderstood as Jesus the Christ? Consider the Apostle Paul, he understood, and we are blessed to have his insights; such as those from the New Testament, Hebrews 5:5-9.

5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

There is so much doctrine from these few verses that builds our true faith in Christ because it teaches us the truth. We learn that He was a high priest. As such, He officiates at the alter for us, but unlike other high priests who make symbolic offerings, Jesus Himself was the offering. Despite that unique high-profile role, He was mighty in humility, having always credited the Father for any glory. We are taught that Christ's Priesthood authority as a high priest was decreed in another place, surely referring to the pre-earth life. The earthly name for that power was known in Christ's times, being called after the great King Melchizedek. The Apostle Paul confirms how the Lord's powers began to be with Him long before His mortal life and mission.

While on earth, Jesus Christ used His powers to their greatest extent as He made His offering in Gethsemane, Golgotha and the Garden tomb; being the fullness of the Atonement. It included  "supplications with strong crying and tears" and caused Him to "fear"; no doubt when He felt the enormity of the unimaginable burden. Then we see something of enormous importance. Christ, even Christ, learned obedience through suffering; and He was the Son. How much more should we learn to obey even as we suffer?

Suffering made the Saviour of mankind "perfect". Following Christ's example of obedience in suffering can make us perfect too, eventually. I hope that as we come to know the truths "about" Jesus Christ we also come to "know" Jesus Christ personally as our Master and Friend.

Samuel.

Sons and daughters of the Father

Dear friend

What would it be like to have the perfect relationship between ourselves, as the child, and Heavenly Father, as the parent? The relationship may already be there, but is it an ideal one? As with so many aspects of the gospel, the example of perfection in this regard is found in (and through) the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the point just after His greatest achievement, the Atonement, Christ announced himself to His followers in the New World; as found in the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 9:15-17.

15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
16 I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled.
17 And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, ...

These verses give us an insight into the perfect Father/son or Father/daughter relationship. They also point the way towards achieving that blessed state. Like Jesus, we too can state our claim as children of God by virtue of Him being the Father of our spirits; although Christ's Sonship goes beyond that fundamental familial affinity. We too were with the Father in the beginning, but here's the question: are we now, at this time "in the Father" and can we sense "the Father in me"? Also, do we live our lives such that we bring glory to the name of the Father?

The way to reach that unity or "oneness" which is necessary for the Father to be in us and us in Him is to receive Jesus Christ fully into our lives, starting with believing in Him. He is the only one who has the power to elevate us to the kind of sonship or daughterhood that Christ Himself enjoys.

I feel sure the Father wishes to have the same closeness with us that He has with Jesus. And it is possible, if we seek it.

Samuel.

When Jesus marvelled

Dear friend

When was the last time you were caused to marvel at something you saw or heard? It could have been a strikingly designed building, an exquisite work of art, or a super-smart piece of technology. Maybe you marvelled at a stage illusionist presenting an inexplicable magic trick.

To marvel means to be filled with wonder and astonishment at something or someone. The person or object may be called a marvel. Every so often something or someone will catch our breath and make us marvel.

I remember reading about two incidents of the Lord marvelling. At the time I thought, 'how is that possible?' The first is the inspirational story of the centurion seeking a blessing for his servant from Jesus. Christ's reaction to the humility of the request is found in the New Testament, Matthew 8:10.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

With all His insights into the human mind, with his knowledge of things past, present and future, with His capacity for discernment, the Lord was still caused to marvel at this man's faith. The thought made me marvel.

The second incident relates to Christ in His home town, His saving work is stifled at almost every turn by the collective apathy of familiarity. To them he was just the carpenter. It comes from Mark 6:5.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

In both incidents I believe we should avoid confusing marvelling with surprise; at least when it comes to the Lord. We too can know beforehand how spectacular a thing is likely to be, but it still causes the wide eyes of wonder.

I think it is great that we have the capacity to marvel, even as Jesus did. Just imagine the marvel when we get to enter the Celestial Kingdom and sit at our Father's throne.

I hope you can feel the marvellous love of God for you. I pray that one day Jesus will also marvel at your great faith.

Samuel.

Jesus Christ is the Light

Dear friend

One of the most accessible analogies found throughout scripture is that of Jesus Christ being associated with some form of light. Typical of this genre is a verse from the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 22:29.

29 For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.

In a time without electricity, lamps were essential resources and easily applied as an object lesson. There can be few better connections to make than linking the Lord to light. Other examples include:

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; ... (Psalm 27:1)

5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:5)

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
...
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:4, 5, 9)

14 ... Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (Ephesians 5:14)

24 Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up ... (3 Nephi 18:24)

12 ... I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. (Ether 4:12)

9 The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men. (Doctrine and Covenants 93:9)

Unlike those of old, we do have electricity and it powers all kinds of light emitting devices. But we still need His Light, the Light, just as much as the people of former times.

Glory, as a feature of godliness, is always brilliant. Darkness is anathema. His glory is bright, illuminating, spectacular. Light, especially divine light, brings knowledge, clarity, healing and salvation.

I hope we will always be drawn to the Light. I pray that His presence in our person allows His Light to shine through us so that others may see it and apportion the glory of it to our Father in Heaven. Like a brightly burning lamp inside us, let His Light shine through you.

Samuel.