Shall See the SalvationBy
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Being at peace while working at life.
When Jesus came in the meridian of time, a priveleged few were permitted to see his miraculous arrival. How I have envied those special witnesses who saw that sweet little face and gazed at him. Those wise men came to worship the Son of the Highest in lowly form in the manger. The meek shepherds from the surrounding country came at the command of angels.
As I read of how he ministered among the people in later years, I also was filled with a desire to somehow transport back to that time and listen to that perfect voice speak perfect truth.
Would that I could wait with him in the garden and not sleep, or stay by his side when he was taken, or hover near the cross and fear no one.
To be there during these times was not my lot. I have been called upon to believe in him, not having seen him. Despite these desires, I must say that I don’t feel slighted. I have had the joy of knowing him, though have not yet seen his face in the flesh. To me he has ministered when I was in the depths of despair and longing for him. I have felt and desired all my life that the crowning joy of my life would be to have his perfect arms wrapped around me in kind and loving affection.
The scriptures are full of references to seeing “the salvation of God” or the “salvation of the Lord.” In Isaiah 52:10:
The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Such passages give me great hope that I will one day have the privelege that I so eagerly desire. I believe that when the scriptures say “the salvation of God” or something similar, that this is a euphemism for Jesus Christ, he being the literal Salvation. I believe that these verse refer to the day when all will “see” Jesus Christ.
Though I have not literally seen Jesus Christ, I have seen the salvation of the Lord in the sense that I have witnessed it come into my life as my faith in him has changed me from the former me into the me that now lives. Yet, I still await the more literal “seeing” that I hope with all my heart will come.
I have desired to hasten that day on occasion, but have found that I cannot. To see him, I have realized I must do as Moses said at the shore of the Red Sea before Israel passed through:
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. (Exodus 14:13)
Standing still has not been a natural part of my nature. I am the most impatient person I know, yet this is not the only time the advice to “stand still” was given. The prophet Jahaziel also told Israel to “stand still” to see the salvation of the Lord.
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (2 Chronicles 20:17)
This suggestion to stand still was not easy to understand, especially considering that at the same time as telling them to stand still, the Lord also told Israel to move forward.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: (Exodus 14:15)
Stand still and go forward? But how? I stand still with faith and patience but move forward with determination, to me the essence of the simultaneous operation of faith and works.
I particularly like the way Joseph Smith explained it.
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (D&C 123:17)
It often seems that what lies in my power is considerably less than most men. I feel so weak and unable to control my thoughts and weaknesses. What is most important to me is that I may learn to stand still and wait to see that wonderful salvation that I know in my heart lives.
When at last I see his face, I will then no longer know in part, but my knowledge will be perfect. I hope with all my being to one day to literally see the salvation of God. Until that happy day, I will be content with the salvation that has already come my way.
