Jesus fulfilled the Passover principle. As an unblemished Lamb, He suffered and died so that we could be delivered from destruction and freed from bondage. Just as Jewish people keep the Passover feast with joy, seeing themselves in the story, Christians can find personal joy in their remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?”
David's heartfelt description of abandonment provided the Savior with appropriate words to describe His loneliness on the cross. The words may not have dulled the pain, but they did connect Jesus with an ancestor who never gave up on God, even when he felt completely forsaken.
“He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory”
Jesus explained to His disciples that Old Testament prophets had prophesied of Him. Abinadi taught that all prophets have spoken of Christ. This week, as we celebrate Holy Week, let's pay attention to ways in which Old Testament writings not only anticipated but also help us understand His atoning sacrifice.
He Turned Aside
When Moses saw the burning bush, "he turned aside," and God spoke with him. We can turn aside by eliminating distractions and by letting go of inappropriate behaviors and thought patterns. As we turn aside from the things of the world, we are able to give our full attention to sacred experiences.
Moses’ Objections
Moses objected in six ways to his call to serve: He was inadequate. He lacked knowledge. The people would reject him. He was ineloquent. Someone else could do it better. His early efforts failed. God answered every objection, and Moses fulfilled his calling. We can learn from Moses to overcome our own misgivings about callings.
God Remembered His Covenant
God called Moses because He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus prophesied that God would gather His people and teach them His gospel because He remembers that covenant. For God to "remember the covenant" means that He will act on behalf of His people, in accordance with the promises He has made.
Drawn from Water
Moses's name means "drawn from the water" — a name given him by Pharaoh's daughter, who pulled him from the river. He later fulfilled the promise of the name, leading Israel through the Red Sea. At baptism, we are also drawn from water, symbolizing God's ability to lift us from the trials which inundate us.
Who Am I?
Moses asked "Who am I?" — a question that sounds humble but is actually self-absorbed. God didn't offer a pep talk. He revealed himself: "I AM THAT I AM." Self-worth comes not from inflating our self-perception but from recognizing our relationship to a perfect Being.
The More They Afflicted Them…
Leadership by compulsion trades long-term loyalty for short-term compliance. Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites, and they multiplied. Noah oppressed his people, and they rebelled against him. In contrast, Benjamin earned his people's trust by serving them. Only leadership by persuasion can yield durable results.
“I Have Remembered My Covenant”
When the children of Israel prayed for relief as they suffered in slavery, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors. The Book of Mormon testifies that we never need feel isolated or rejected because God will remember His covenants.