What
Manner of Man:
A Weekly Program to Better Know the Savior
Week
4 – After-Resurrection Roles
By Linda and Richard Eyre
Note: Each week this column provides a short
essay on one particular aspect or facet of the Lord’s personality
and character. It is intended that the reader focus
on this facet while partaking of the sacrament this Sunday.
(Click here to read full
introductory column.)
Did
the heavens close shortly after the Lord’s resurrection?
Will not Christ correspond again with the world until his
millennial second coming? The “yes, they did, and no, he
will not” answers of traditional some incomplete theologies
are inconsistent with scripture and inconsistent with the
reason and faith of a true Christian mind.
The
Lord said there were “other sheep” whom he must bring, who
must hear his voice. What a joy to know that he organized
the teaching of his gospel to those in the spirit world
(1 Peter 3:18, 4:6) and in other parts of the earth – even
to the lost tribes of the Old Testament. In short, what
a joy to know that Jesus’ gospel was and is for all men
and that he, in his perfect justice, assures that all men
of all ages have the chance to choose!
The
Lord said to his apostles, “Lo, I am with you always” (Matthew
28:20). What a joy to know that throughout the two thousand
years since his resurrection (just as before) the effectual,
fervent prayers of righteous men and women have been answered!
What a joy to know that there have been no “dark ages” in
terms of the light of Christ – to know that, even in times
when an organized church of consistent truth did not exist
on earth, individual seekers of truth could still seek
through prayer and find through the answers given
by his light!
The
Lord said that he would reveal his actions to his prophets
(Amos 3:7), and he promised a restoration through divine
messengers (Matthew 17:11). What a joy to know that through
reformation and restoration he has (and continues) to replace
the truth and light that men lose!
The
Lord said he would come to usher in the Millennium (see
Revelation 1:7). What a joy to know that we are preparing
now, striving to prepare the earth for that day of days
when he will begin his personal reign of one thousand years!
The
Lord said he would judge the nations (John 5:22, 30; 9:39;
2 Timothy 4:1). What a joy (and ultimate comfort) to know
that he – he who has descended below the depth of
our own troubles and temptations, he who framed and implemented
the plan and creation of this earth, he who loves us so
much that he gave his life for us, he who is and will always
be our brother – he will be our judge!
Join
us next week as we begin to look at the various facets of
the Savior's joy!