Disciples of Christ absorb bitterness. Imagine the impact as people experience suffering without passing it along and without letting it define them! Like the maror in the Seder service preceding the Paschal lamb, our suffering can turn our hearts to Christ, who can replace the bitterness with exquisite joy.
Into Thy Hands
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not only the mechanism through which He saves us but also emblematic of the process by which we receive that salvation. As He suffered on our behalf, He quoted from a psalm, reaffirming His commitment to submit fully to the will of His Father.
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.
“God Meant It Unto Good”
The reconciliation of Jacob's family is a powerful example of how ruptures can be healed and peace restored. At the end of his life, Jacob found joy in being with his children and grandchildren. Upon his death, he was gathered in burial with other family members: his parents, his grandparents, and his wife Leah.
The Most High God
Abraham affirmed God’s supremacy by calling Him “the Most High God” in the presence of two kings. Daniel used the same title when speaking before the kings of Babylon. When the resurrected Jesus visited the Americas, the people greeted Him with that same name, recognizing His sovereignty over all nations.
The Vast Assembly
Joseph F. Smith saw a vast congregation of spirits waiting for the arrival of the Savior at the time of His death. Shortly after, a large group of Nephites and Lamanites saw Him at the temple in Bountiful. Disciples of Christ tend to gather in groups, large and small, to collectively draw close to God.
“I Will Be in the Midst of You”
After the Savior's resurrection, He stood "in the midst" of His apostles in Jerusalem and later "in the midst" of a large multitude in the Americas. When He returns to the earth, He will be in our midst. We will not only know He has returned; we will feel close to Him.
The Holy Spirit of Promise
Paul called the Holy Ghost the "Holy Spirit of promise," emphasizing His role in assuring us that we are in harmony with God and will receive His promised blessings. As we make and keep covenants with God, we feel the presence of the Holy Ghost, which assures us that we're on the right path.
No Immaterial Matter
Joseph Smith taught that spirit is matter. We can't see it, but it is just as real as the objects that we interact with each day. We should remember that there is more to life than what we can detect. We are constantly surrounded by heavenly help which we may not perceive.
The Enmity of All Flesh Shall Cease
When the Savior returns to the earth, "the enmity of all flesh shall cease." After His ministry in the Americas, "there was no contention" for many years. We can look forward to that blessing, and we can prepare for it by reducing contention and building bridges of understanding.