Meridian Magazine :: What Manner of Man

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What Manner of Man:

“Thy Will Be Done”
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.)

One of my favorite sacrament hymns that we don’t sing often enough goes:

When in the wondrous realms above
Our Savior has been called upon,
To save our world of sin by love,
He said, “Thy will, O Lord, be done.”

The King of kings left worlds of light,
Became the meek and lowly one
In brightest day or darkest nigh
He said, “Thy will, O Lord, be done.”

No crown of thorns, no cruel cross
Could make our great Redeemer shun.
He counted his own will but loss,
And said, “Thy will, O Lord, be done.”

We take the bread and cup this day,
In memory of the Sinless One,
And pray for strength, they we may say,
As he, “Thy will, O Lord, be done.”

The first words that scripture ascribes to Jesus Christ are: “Father, thy will be done” (Moses 4: 1-2). The first words recorded in his mortal lifetime are: “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). Among the last recorded words he uttered in Gethsemane were: “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). The last words of his mortal life were: “It is finished” (referring to his competition of the Father’s will; John 19:30).

His first recorded statement after his resurrection was an admonition not to touch him until he had returned to the Father – whose will he had done (se John 20:17). The last words before his final ascension urged in effect that his disciples do the Father’s will as he had (Matthew 28:19-20).

Since Christ’s loyalty sprang from love, it is not surprising that the “apostle of love,” John, mentioned most often Jesus’ loyalty to the father (see John 4:34, 5:19, 5:30, 7:16-18, 8:28-29, 10:29-30, 11:42, 12:26-28, 12:44-49, 13:16, 14:28-31, 15:8, 17:1, 18:11).

His challenge to us, as always, was to do as he had done — to “do the will of him that sent me” (John 4:34). And his promise, clarion clear, is the greatest promise of the greatest joy: “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother” (Mark 3:35).

Join us next week when we will explore the marvelous concept of “Oneness”

and how it was perfectly exemplified by our Elder Brother and our (and His) Father.

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About the Authors:

Linda and Richard Eyre, parents of nine children and authors (together and individually) of more than thirty books, are now focusing on reaching families and individuals online. Through their web sites valuesparenting.com, http://www.theeyres.com/, and http://www.familynightlessons.com/, their frequent media appearances on shows such as Oprah, The CBS Early Show, The Today Show, and BYU Television, and their world-wide lecture tours, they continue to work at their mission statement – "FORTIFY FAMILIES, popularize parenting, validate values, and bolster balance."

Linda is a teacher and musician and founder of "Joy Schools." She was named by the National Council of Women as one of America's six outstanding young women. Richard, a former mission president in London and candidate for Utah governor, was the director of the White House Conference on Parents and Children for President Reagan. Both of the Eyres have served on numerous civic, arts, university, and humanitarian boards and head a foundation that focuses on the needs of third world children.