Constant Brightness

I am moved by the extend of the tribulation in the Savior's experience.
Even though He was the Only Begotten of the Father, cunning men sough to take His life from the very beginning.
Throughout His ministry, a storm of rumors, likes, and persecutions followed Him wherever He went.

I am especially impressed as I consider the week leading to His death; the chief priests challenged His authority, tried to trap Him, and twice conspired to kill Him.
In Gethsemane, while His disciples slept, He suffered for the sins of all mankind and bled from every pore.
He was betrayed, arrested, questioned, struck, spat upon, and beaten.
After interrogation by the ruling council, he was mocked by Herod and finally taken to Pilate, where He was made to stand before an angry mob.
Whipped and crowned with thorns, He was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha.
Nails were driven into His hands and feet.
His body was raised up between common thieves.
Soldiers cast lots for His earthly possessions, and vinegar was given to quench His thirst.
After six hours, He commended His spirit into the hands of His Father, gave up the ghost, and died.

When we observe the last week of the Savior's life from our earthly perspective, our first impression may be one of suffering and destruction.
We may see only the Savior's mother and others weeping at the cross, soldiers afraid, the earth in great commotion, rocks broken up, the veil of the temple rent in twain, and three hours of darkness covering the land.
A similar scene of storms and destruction unfolded in the New World.
In short, we see the terrible tempest raging.

But look again--this time through the eye of faith.

In the last, most agonizing weeks of His life, consider that Jesus taught, testified, lifted, blessed, and strengthened those around Him.
He raised Lazarus fro the dead, taught about His Father, set the temple in order, gave several parables, witnessed the widow offering her mite, instructed His disciples about the signs of his Second Coming, visited the house of Simon the leper, instituted the sacrament, washed the feet of the Apostles, and taught His disciples to love one another.
He testified of His divinity as the Son of God and taught of the Comforter--the Holy Ghost.
In His great Intercessory Prayer, He prayed to His Father for His Apostles and all who believed on their words, "that they might have [His] joy fulfilled in themselves."

In His darkest hour, the light of peace and joy did not fade.
It grew brighter!
After His death, He appeared to Mary Magdalene.
What joy must have been felt that morning as the news spread: "He is risen!"
In time He came to the women on the road, to Cleopas and a disciple who were traveling to Emmaus, to the Apostles and disciples in the upper room, to Thomas, who doubted, and to others.
Again, there was joy and rejoicing in the Atonement and the Resurrection.

-Robert D. Hales -Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy -April 2003 General Conference

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi