I am so grateful for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. I truly have a testimony of the healing power of His Atonement. Sometimes I wonder if we as members of the church truly appreciate the wonderful scope of His sacrifice.
ALMA 7
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to SUCCOR his people according to their infirmities.
This is probably my favorite Book of Mormon scripture on the Atonement. Alma tells us that His sacrifice heals us of so much more than the effects of sin. He has taken upon himself all of our pains and sufferings and infirmities. We need to know that we can turn to the Savior for any of our challenges.
I love the words and language of the Book of Mormon. They testify in so many ways of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. A couple of years ago while preparing for a talk I studied the definition of the word SUCCOR in verse 12.
It originates from the French word succorer. It lists two meanings; ‘to descend below’ and ‘to run to the rescue’. Two amazing and accurate metaphors of the Savior’s atonement.
President John Taylor (1808–87) said of the condescension of Christ, “It was further necessary that He should descend below all things, in order that He might raise others above all things; for if He could not raise Himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement, He could not raise others; He could not do for others what He could not do for Himself.”
DC 88: 6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth.
A great description of ‘to run to the rescue’ is the parable of the Prodigal Son. ‘And when he came to himself’ (remembered who he was) and began his journey home……….‘But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.’
The father of course typifies Jesus Christ; thus satisfying the other metaphor of the word SUCCOR. As we ‘remember who we are’ and return to the Father he in effect ‘runs to us’.
May we always honor and never be hesitant about turning to the Savior and His Atonement to heal us from the vicissitudes of life.
Love Dad
