Sacrament Challenge Day 2

3 Nephi 18

Christ invites the reader to a sacrament meeting. As people arrive they are greeted and invited to be seated. Christ authorizes the sacrament to be prepared. A thought comes to mind,what should one be doing while waiting for the sacrament to be blessed and passed? Thoughts are to be centered on the reason for the attendance. Preparing mentally for that opportunity. 

Then as the bread is passed, Christ tells us that we are baring our testimony to the Father that we will always remember him. In turn there is a blessing that we will have the spirit to be with us. Water is been passed to the apostles and then to the multitude. That represents our willingness to keep the Commandments. That we are humble enough to repent. That leads to being willing to utilize the atonement and remember the great lasting sacrifice of the master. 

Nephi records that if we are willing to do these things that were built on the sure foundation. However, if we vary from being obedient and penitent then we are on shaky sandy ground.

Partaking of the sacrament one realizes that he must always watch and pray. Meaning, that we have to always be vigilant. Avoiding temptations that the adversary throws away. We have to be willing to stand up for truth and righteousness. We have to recognize the true light that comes from following the ultimate example, Jesus Christ.

A word of caution about the sacrament, it must be taken worthily. The person partaking of the sacrament must be willing to recognize that it is a honor and not a right. 

Christ knows us and he knows how to give us what we need. That is the beauty of the atonement. We must be willing to accept his wonderfully amazing sacrifice.

Sacrament Challenge

Take out a sheet of paper and write on it "what does the sacrament mean to me?"

Take a scripture a day and write down your thoughts.

The purpose is to have a better more prepared for experience during the sacrament on Sunday.

Day 1

Matthew 26

 The chapter opens on a woman who came in with expensive oils and anointed the Savior. Then it speaks of Judas and his treacherous act of betrayal. The Savior sends the apostles to to find a place where they may celebrate the Passover.  Then the scene shifts to Gethsemane. 

In just the first 16 verses two very distinct things happen. The woman who anointed the Savior had so much respect for him brought her finest ointments to treat to the master. The apostles did not understand what she had done. On a first glance one might have the same reaction as the apostles. But think about where her heart was. Her heart was centered on serving one whom she held in high regard. One who would change the world. She was being a humble servant. Her heart was centered on following the master.

Just a few short verses latter we see how a little bit of pride gets in the way and changes the heart of one who knew the gospel teachings. Judas Iscariot had witnessed the miracles wrought by Jesus. Yet, with greed in his heart he accepted payment of thirty pieces of silver. His heart was set on worldly things. He wanted marterial wealth rather than eternal blessings.

So, then that begs the question...where does your heart lie?

I love how the Savior offer the sacrament and then asks the brethren to go with him to Gethsemane. In verse 38 he is weighed down with sorrow. He asks them to watch with him. I wonder what they were thinking in that moment. I wonder how I would respond. I wonder if they really understood the gravity of the time.