In the Midst of Tactical Tribulation, Be of Good Cheer

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"As in all things, Jesus is also our attitudinal Exemplar as to cheerfulness.

"When, just prior to the great intercessory prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus told Peter, James, and John to 'be of good cheer,' such an attitude was certainly not justified because of immediate circumstances. Instead, it was possible because Jesus had 'overcome the world.' Contemplate, however, the grim experiences that then lay immediately ahead, scarcely justifying an attitude of cheerfulness. Gethsemane was imminent. So were Judas's betrayal; the capturing of Jesus, who was Peter, James, and John's beloved leader; Peter's disheartening disavowal; and Jesus' unjust trial. The populace's chilling preference for Barabbas rather than Jesus would soon echo in the air. The Shepherd would be smitten and the sheep scattered. Then there would be those awful, final moments on Calvary.

"Therefore, what, pray tell, was there to be cheerful about? Yet in the face of all of this, Jesus told them to 'be of good cheer'!

"The glorious, irrevocable, and long-awaited Atonement was about to be accomplished. The adversary had failed to stop it. The resurrection was assured. Death was soon to be done away. Christ had overcome the world-not the reverse. These irrepressible realities, both then and now, give rise to gospel gladness, permitting us to be of good cheer even in the midst of tactical tribulation." (Even As I Am [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 99.)  –Neal A. Maxwell

Service and Sacrifice

     The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane

     The Savior is a wonderful example of service and sacrifice.  I think about all the people he healed.  I marvel that he sacrificed to save me.

     Not all that he healed expressed gratitude.  Others he would instruct to "tell no man," but they did the opposite.  So, how is it with us?  Do we expect more from others when we give various acts of service, or do we follow the Savior's pattern of continuous service regardless of how our service is received?

     Jesus said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."  While in the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior asked " O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”  He partook of the bitter cup to save us.  He offered himself a sacrifice for sin.

     May we strive to lose ourselves in the service of others and offer our lives a sacrifice for Jesus.  We are only serving the Lord when we serve others.  I testify that I feel closer to the Savior when I sacrifice and serve.