Greetings Spokane Stake!
On this Easter weekend, I would like you to know of my faith in Jesus Christ and of His role as my Savior and Redeemer. Thank you for your efforts to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for following His example in serving one another.
In the book of Matthew, when Mary Magdelene and the other Mary came to the tomb on the first day of the week, an angel appeared to them saying, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:5-6). While the declaration that Jesus is risen is at the heart of the Easter celebration, for a longtime I have found my mind drawn to contemplate the principle taught by the angel with the easily-overlooked phrase “as he said.”
For the early disciples the few days preceding the resurrection must have been filled with confusion, sorrow, and doubt. By using the words “as he said”, the angel gently reassures the women at the empty tomb that they can put their faith and trust in the Savior’s promises.
In my own life, learning to trust in the Lord’s words has been a source of strength and comfort, particularly in instances when fulfilment of a promise has been delayed or is yet to be realized.
There are many incredible promises contained in the scriptures for those who choose to follow Jesus. For example, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have promised us that we can (i) always have Christ’s “Spirit to be with [us]” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77), (ii) know that “[His] grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9), and (iii) experience “peace in this world” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23). Jesus also promises that He will “not leave you comfortless” (John 14:18), and that “as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30).
As you celebrate Easter may you find hope, strength, and comfort in knowing that not only has the Savior overcome death for all, but that His promises are sure and can be realized in your life “as he said”.
With love,
Ryan K. Jensen
2nd Counselor, Spokane Stake, Stake Presidency