![]() This hymn reflects in a beautiful fashion the aspiration for peace and appropriately emphasizes that peace is anchored in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. A beautiful and beloved new hymn, written for today’s youth by Brother Nik Day, titled “Peace in Christ” declares, “When there’s no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ.” 13 We were blessed to have this hymn just before the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. It has never been more important to seek personal peace. However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and division that blight and corrupt our world today. He taught, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth.” 12 Universal peace was not part of the Savior’s initial mortal ministry. The Savior instructed His Apostles that His earthly mission would not achieve universal peace. Peace in the world is not promised or assured until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We are bombarded with angry, contentious language and provocative, devastating actions that destroy peace and tranquility. 11 In my lifetime, I have never seen a greater lack of civility. Notwithstanding this vision of the millennial reign, we know that world peace and harmony are not prevalent in our day. 10 We look forward to the millennial reign of the Messiah. One of the most cherished titles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is “Prince of Peace.” 9 Ultimately His kingdom will be established including peace and love. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 8 Prior to Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, He commanded His Apostles to “love one another as I have loved you” 7 and subsequently comforted them with these words: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. They remind me of His teachings to His disciples during His mortal ministry. ![]() The Savior’s precious words “My son, peace be unto thy soul” 6 resonate with me personally and have great significance for our day. I was deeply moved as I read what the Prophet Joseph Smith declared as he was confined in Liberty Jail: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?” 2 Joseph inquired how long the Lord’s people would “suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions.” 3Īs I stood in Liberty Jail, I was deeply touched as I read the Lord’s answer: “My son, peace be unto thy soul thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.” 4 It is clear that opposition can refine us for an eternal, celestial destiny. Joseph’s time in Liberty Jail demonstrates that adversity is not evidence of the Lord’s disfavor nor a withdrawal of His blessings. ![]() 1 This intense persecution of Joseph Smith and his followers constitutes an extreme example of the unrighteous exercise of agency that can impact righteous people. One of the reasons for the violent opposition to our members was most of them were opposed to slavery. In addition, the Prophet Joseph and a few choice associates had been unjustly imprisoned in Liberty Jail. The lives of the Saints were threatened as the result of an extermination order issued by the governor of Missouri. As I viewed the jail, I contemplated the events that make it such a significant part of Church history. As part of the assignment, I was able to visit Liberty Jail in Missouri. I was recently assigned to dedicate a portion of historic Nauvoo.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |