Only 25 verses left standing between me and list making… let’s do this! Visualize people, visualize!
In 3 Nephi 17, Jesus Christ is still speaking to the Nephites. I have already been left in awe and wonder as I imagine myself numbered among them and in his presence. What about thinking that I have already been there before, as a spirit, but not with a body? I know in my mind that is true, but really hard to visualize. I can imagine myself just standing there with my mouth agape as if I were struck dumb.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day I have heard for years to study, ponder and pray. What I didn’t realize until I had read these words (for the I don’t know how many’eth time) is that these directions are direct from our Savior. In verse 3 He states “ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds…” While He is being specific for the following day while he is speaking to the Nephites, this is really where ponder and pray comes from, straight out of the mouth of our Redeemer. An ah-ha moment for me!
Christ was preparing to leave the Nephites, and they were so sad to see him go, and they were filled with tears. He saw them and had them bring forth all of their afflicted and he healed them. Such compassion and mercy shown from Him. How much time would this have taken him when he clearly had other places to go as previously stated in the chapter. And then he instructed all of the little children to be brought to him. Every little child and he waited until each was there and he prayed. Can you imagine being a child at the feet of Jesus Christ and learning to pray from Him? So marvelous were his actions and words that they could not be recorded and it is said “no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father (verse 17).” Jesus Christ then wept tears of joy with the Nephites, over them and their faithfulness, And he took each of those little children one at a time and gave them a blessing. What if there were 100 little kids, and he spent 1 minute with each of them. What if there were 200 or 300? Look at His dedication. And then the angels came and stood round about and ministered to the children. How great must a child be in the eyes of our Heavenly Father!
My heart is full as I conclude these chapters using visualization and I pray that yours will be too. I leave this with you joyfully in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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