Scriptures vs. Savior's Presence
In Luke 18 Jesus tells the disciples not to keep the little children from him, “. . . for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Then I read in 3 Nephi 17 where he stands in the middle of the little children and there is a miraculous encircling of fire around them. Jesus prays to the Father for them. The multitude is witnessing this and tears fill their eyes. It isn’t recorded what Jesus said because “. . . no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.” What is it that makes this particular prayer different? Is it this prayer that gives these children the faith they need to pass the blessings of this day onto four generations before it is weakened? If I heard the Savior pray for me, would I be more faithful? Would I serve Him all the days of my life? Would I be His disciple to the end? They had this amazing, miraculous experience, but I have the scriptures. I can read them daily and be blessed one drop at a time that my testimony will grow and endure the trials of this generation, which are great. Is being encircled in the Savior’s love physically in a group of other children any different than being encircled by His love when I read the scriptures? I can make it just as miraculous; I believe it to be so. Reading the scriptures helps me know my Savior loves me, and that He prays for me as well. My task is to behave in such a way as to be worthy of these blessings in my life. That is where my faith is tested.
Labels: Holy Ghost, peace, Savior, scriptures

