We had an interesting Sunday School lesson recently. The
instructor asked us to read the hymn I Know That My Redeemer Lives p136
in the hymnal and share the lines that mean so much to us. Like you, I love
this song, which has a history of influence in all our lives.
The class members shared messages of hope, appreciation,
loyalty, and love. Gratitude for the Savior and his important mission was
apparent, and through tears many expressed their sentiments for a song and
lyrics which literally has changed lives.
This was just the beginning of a beautiful lesson filled
with the Spirit as the sister instructor and class members shared testimonies
of the influence of the Savior Jesus Christ in their lives. I thought of my own
feelings toward this song and its message. Each line describes personal and
evidentiary ways the Lord influences our lives every day.
My thoughts turned to my father’s final days on this earth
and his deep testimony of Jesus Christ, which still rings clear in my heart and
mind. I will always aspire to reach the same level of understanding,
appreciation, loyalty, and love he demonstrated so well. His words still inspire me today:
Our seminary teacher
and his wife spoke in the branch some time ago. Her talk was on a matter I have
long been concerned about. The problem comes into perspective at a sacrament
meeting: Adults as well as children give tender loving praise for bishops,
teachers, neighbors, and the prophet etc. But too few feel and express it for
the Savior. We are not achieving our most important goal until we have
established in the hearts of our children and the saints an even greater love
for Him. Friends may betray us, spouses may leave us, health may fail, and our
possessions burn up. But Christ, His promises, understanding, and love will
never fail us. With some trials and most tragedies, only this can get us
through. When we can take a thankless, demanding calling; give up something we
wanted greatly, so we can pay our tithing; or help out someone who has badly
hurt us ... and say "I wouldn't do that for anyone, except I'll do it for
Christ!" ... then the power for good he can have in our lives is becoming
a reality. He must be the foundation of our lives.
"I think about
the great sacrifices my parents and fore bearers made for me, and the great
example they set of complete faithfulness to the Savior and His teachings in
their lives. Now it's my turn. I would surely feel amiss to pass on to my
posterity something less.
"As sweet to me
and powerful in my life as the numerous blessings I have received, nothing
brought more peace, and hope, and joy than has come from discovering the
marvelous qualities of the Savior and all the gracious, loving and merciful things
He has done for me and my loved ones. I cannot in any way repay Him, or
properly thank Him. But this I can do, and seek with all my heart to do, and
that is stand as a witness of the goodness of the Father in giving us such a
leader and friend as the Savior.”
I will stand as a
witness that Christ is divine, has risen from the dead, and out of his love for
us has overcome every barrier to our return to Heavenly Father and enjoyment of
the unspeakable joys of eternal life.
I know that His
teachings are the only way to happiness and peace in this life, for individuals
and nations, and to joy in the life to come.
All I do and say is in
the hope that I might help His cause and help others come to Him for the right
guidance in life and the strength to do what's right.
I know that through
Christ, sins can be overcome and forgiven, and lives changed, and hope
restored."
Even today as I read those words, my heart swells with
appreciation and love for my father and the blessed opportunity I had to be
taught at his knee. He and my mother are one in their teachings, influence,
and desire to help, bless, and lift their children, grandchildren, and others.
Now that he is waiting for us on the other side of the veil,
I am encouraged to live my life every day so that I can take advantage of the
blessings he so beautifully articulates, which are all made possible by the
Savior Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, and our
Advocate with the Father.
Truly, though Jesus Christ all our fondest dreams will be
realized in his time. Because of the Atonement, hardships are temporary, happiness will endure, and life has
meaning today, tomorrow, and for eternity.
What joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives.
