Resurrection

My husband and I were asked to speak in church yesterday, Easter Sunday. Normally, I like speaking in church. (I know, I'm weird!) But I haven't given a talk in a long time. I was so nervous I felt sick. In fact, I was tempted to run out a few times!

I guess the reason I was so nervous is because I knew the deep significance of this message. I didn't want to get it wrong. I read a lot in preparation. I spent some time pondering. It wasn't that I didn't know the subject matter. I just wanted to be clear and accurate.

In preparing for this talk, and especially as I delivered it, I came to know an important truth about myself: I have an unshakable testimony of the truth of the Resurrection. This was quite a shock to me.

I have been exposed to death many times in my life. I have been to countless funerals for relatives and  friends. My mom even took me to graveyards as a kid looking for family history information. Nothing about death scares me.

President David O. McKay described death as a kind of sleep.

Resurrection and Spring are happily associated, not that there is anything in nature exactly analogous to the resurrection, but there is so much which suggests an awakening thought. Like the stillness of death Old Winter has held all vegetable life in his grasp, but as Spring approaches the tender life-giving power of heat and light compels him to relinquish his grip, and what seems to have been dead comes forth in newness of life, refreshed, invigorated, strengthened after a peaceful sleep.


So it is with man. What we call death Jesus referred to as sleep. “Lazarus sleeps,” he said to his disciples [see John 11:11]. “The damsel sleepeth,” were his comforting words to the bereaved and sorrowing parents of a little girl [see Mark 5:39]. Indeed, to the Savior of the world there is no such thing as death—only life—eternal life. Truly he could say, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.” [John 11:25.]

Death is temporary. It is a pause in life's journey. Our spirit and body will be reunited someday. We will also live again. 1 Corinthians 15:22 teaches, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." ALL, everyone of us, everyone who had a mortal body will be resurrected. Jesus broke the bonds of death so that we all might live again. President Joseph F. Smith explained,

Death came upon us without the exercise of our agency; we had no hand in bringing it originally upon ourselves; it came because of the transgression of our first parents. Therefore, man, who had no hand in bringing death upon himself, shall have no hand in bringing again life unto himself; for as he dies in consequence of the sin of Adam, so shall he live again, whether he will or not, by the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and the power of his resurrection. Every man that dies shall live again.

As I have said, I have been exposed to death many times. While I don't look forward to that separation from those I love, In accept that it is inevitable. Whether they die first or I do, we will be separated by death for a time. But it is only temporary. We will not only see and know one another as spirits we will be restored to our bodies, a perfected, immortal form of this mortal body. Death will be but a memory. It can not touch us again.

What peace and assurance this brings! My mom has sometimes accused me of being abnormal. She has felt that I did not react appropriately when someone died. I have always disagreed. I thought it was just my practical reasoning. "They are no longer suffering" or "They are in God's hands now." "They have moved on to the next stage of the Plan and we will see them again one day."

It wasn't until yesterday that I realized these are not just pretty, soothing words. Not to me. I know these things are true with an assurance I can not describe. I know it like I know there is a sun. There is no doubt in my mind. NONE!

I am humbled to have this assurance. I realize that not everyone has this, even among the Latter-Day Saints. That"s why I am sharing this with you. I know that Jesus Christ died and was Resurrected. I know that each of us will be resurrected because of him. I am so grateful for this precious gift. When I think of it I want to shout it from the rooftops!

I bear solemn testimony of this, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

None Were With Him

I Heard Him Come

I heard him come


I saw his very face

I wondered who

Would come into this place

Where dead men walk

And where the dying talk

Of life before

The curse upon them came.



He looked on me;

He must have felt my gaze

He came toward me,

Through the crowded maze,

And I a leper in shame, hid my head

Till someone said, "Jesus, is his name"

And he said,



Nations fall behind him

The rivers crawl to find him.

Mountains move

Just to let him through.

Come and never leave him

Just let your heart believe him.

And never let his light go

(Echo) Never let his light go

Never let your love grow dim.



He fed a thousand

With one loaf of bread

I saw him raise

A child from the dead

He healed the sick

The blind man saw his eyes

The lame man stood

And joyous were his cries

And he said:



Nations fall behind him

The rivers crawl to find him

Mountains move

Just to let him through

Come and never leave him

Just let your heart believe him

And never let his light go



(Echo) never let his light go

Never let your love grow dim



I saw his pain

As they nailed him to a cross

Wish that we

Could understand the cause

He looked on me

As he had once before

Saying, "Teach my word

To all forever more"

And I'll say:



Nations fall behind him

The river crawl to find him

Mountains move

Just to let him through

Come and never him

Just believe

And never let his light go

(Echo) never let his light go

Never let your light grow dim

By Jeff Goodrich



This is not a hymn but it is a song that has meant a great deal to me. It often comes to mind when I think about the Savior.

A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief

1. A poor, wayfaring Man of grief


Hath often crossed me on my way,

Who sued so humbly for relief

That I could never answer nay.

I had not pow’r to ask his name,

Whereto he went, or whence he came;

Yet there was something in his eye

That won my love; I knew not why.



2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread,

He entered; not a word he spake,

Just perishing for want of bread.

I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,

And ate, but gave me part again.

Mine was an angel’s portion then,

For while I fed with eager haste,

The crust was manna to my taste.



3. I spied him where a fountain burst

Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.

The heedless water mocked his thirst;

He heard it, saw it hurrying on.

I ran and raised the suff’rer up;

Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,

Dipped and returned it running o’er;

I drank and never thirsted more.



4. ’Twas night; the floods were out; it blew

A winter hurricane aloof.

I heard his voice abroad and flew

To bid him welcome to my roof.

I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest

And laid him on my couch to rest,

Then made the earth my bed and seemed

In Eden’s garden while I dreamed.



5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,

I found him by the highway side.

I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,

Revived his spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment—he was healed.

I had myself a wound concealed,

But from that hour forgot the smart,

And peace bound up my broken heart.



6. In pris’n I saw him next, condemned

To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.

The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,

And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.

My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,

He asked if I for him would die.

The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,

But my free spirit cried, “I will!”



7. Then in a moment to my view

The stranger started from disguise.

The tokens in his hands I knew;

The Savior stood before mine eyes.

He spake, and my poor name he named,

“Of me thou hast not been ashamed.

These deeds shall thy memorial be;

Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”



Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854
Music: George Coles, 1792–1858, alt.

He Is Risen

No Ordinary Man

Jesus was no ordinary man.


But there were some who did not understand.

They saw him working miracles, but some were still deceived.

Why did they not believe?

When with few loaves and fishes the multitudes were fed;

When He showed them His pow'r to heal and even raised the dead;

When He walked upon the water and He calmed the raging sea,

Why did they not believe?


Jesus was no ordinary man.

But there were some who did not understand.

They saw him working miracles, but some were still deceived.

Why did they not believe?


When His faith filled the fishnets; gave sight unto the blind;

When they saw at His bidding even water turned to wine;

When He offered all He had to them if they would but receive,

Why did they not believe?

Jesus was no ordinary man.

The pow'r to bless and heal was in His hands.

They saw him cleanse the leper They saw him heal the lame;

They must have sensed divinity and known from whence He came,


But understanding not His cause,

They crucified the son of God,

And even then they did not understand

That Jesus was no ordinary man.


By Janice Kapp Perry

The Lord Is My Shepard

1. The Lord is my Shepherd; no want shall I know.


I feed in green pastures; safe-folded I rest.

He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,

Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed,

Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed.



2. Thru the valley and shadow of death though I stray,

Since thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear.

Thy rod shall defend me, thy staff be my stay.

No harm can befall with my Comforter near.

No harm can befall with my Comforter near.



3. In the midst of affliction my table is spread.

With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er.

With perfume and oil thou anointest my head.

Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?

Oh, what shall I ask of thy providence more?



Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854; based on Psalm 23
Music: Thomas Koschat, 1845–1914

He Sent His Son

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?


He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does he ask? Live like his Son.



Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910


Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941

If The Savior Stood Beside Me

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?


Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?

Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?



If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?

Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?

Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?



If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?

Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?

Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?



If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?

Would I listen to the Spirit's voice, and hasten to obey?

Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully

If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?



If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?

Would I try to show the Savior's love in every word and deed?

Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?



He is always near me, though I do not see Him there

And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care

So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.
 
By Sally DeFord

I Feel My Savior's Love

1. I feel my Savior’s love


In all the world around me.

His Spirit warms my soul

Through ev’rything I see.



2. I feel my Savior’s love;

Its gentleness enfolds me,

And when I kneel to pray,

My heart is filled with peace.



3. I feel my Savior’s love

And know that he will bless me.

I offer him my heart;

My shepherd he will be.



4. I’ll share my Savior’s love

By serving others freely.

In serving I am blessed.

In giving I receive.



Chorus

He knows I will follow him,

Give all my life to him.

I feel my Savior’s love,

The love he freely gives me.



Words: Ralph Rodgers Jr., 1936–1996; K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939; and Laurie Huffman, b. 1948

I Know That My Redeemer Lives!

1. I know that my Redeemer lives.


What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead.

He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives my hungry soul to feed.

He lives to bless in time of need.



2. He lives to grant me rich supply.

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint.

He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart.

He lives all blessings to impart.



3. He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.

He lives and loves me to the end.

He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath.

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare.

He lives to bring me safely there.



4. He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Text: Samuel Medley, 1738–1799. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
Music: Lewis D. Edwards, 1858–1921


I love the line "He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing." It seems that singing often represents joy and peace. We sing when we are happy or to bring happiness. God has said "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me." There have been moments when my heart was so full mere words were not enough. Only a song could express the true power of my joy and gratitude for my Savior.

I Believe In Christ

1. I believe in Christ; he is my King!


With all my heart to him I’ll sing;

I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised.



2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!

As Mary’s Son he came to reign

’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ, who marked the path,

Who did gain all his Father hath,

Who said to men: “Come, follow me,

That ye, my friends, with God may be.”



3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!

My feet he plants on gospel sod.

I’ll worship him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.

From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In his eternal courts above.



4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!

From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I’ll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

Text: Bruce R. McConkie, 1915–1985. © 1972 IRI
Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. © 1985 IRI


My favorite line; "I believe in Christ; so come what may..."

Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee

1. Jesus, the very thought of thee


With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far thy face to see

And in thy presence rest.



2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

Nor can the mem’ry find

A sweeter sound than thy blest name,

O Savior of mankind!



3. O hope of ev’ry contrite heart,

O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind thou art!

How good to those who seek!



4. Jesus, our only joy be thou,

As thou our prize wilt be;

Jesus, be thou our glory now,

And thru eternity.



Text: Attr. to Bernard of Clairvaux, ca. 1091–1153; trans. by Edward Caswall, 1814–1878


Music: John B. Dykes, 1823–1876

He Is Risen! ~ The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

Christ the Lord is Risen Today - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ