Condescension

Where is Jesus? Is He separate, enjoying realms of glory for His goodness? Untouchable? Beyond friendship and reach? No. Imagine seeing Him. Most striking would be His robe. 'Who is this that cometh...with dyed garments?...This that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me...and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment...So he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.' Isaiah 63:1-3,8-9

Christ's scarlet robe symbolises His condescension below all things that He may, coupled with a glorious resurrection, have perfect comprehension of all suffering, trial and hell, and power to carry us up, if we will come, weeping with joy of redemption. He is captain of our salvation, Saviour of our soul. 'But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.' Hebrews 2:9-10

Wherever there is work bringing light, healing, hope, kindness, love, understanding, truth or any goodness, we find Him. Even earth, stars and creation witness His divinity. Comprehending all things, Christ is also in the darkness. Remarkably, when we find Him we realise He was always working out our salvation. Like repentant Amulek we marvel, 'I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power...nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God' Alma 10:5-6

Why not turn to Him? If He is with us, why not accept His helping hand? Is it fear of change? Refusing to love the obvious yet profound realisation we never succeeded alone? Father in Heaven, angels and the Son of God want earth to be better, fairer, free, full of learning and fulfilment. Do we ride the benefits of those in society who like angels work tirelessly for this? Or do we join in? Our combined gifts would create a Zion-like city, with no poor among us (Moses 7:18) God and heaven are working for the happiness we crave. 'O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?...Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.' 2 Nephi 4:26

It is worth recognising our own condescension. Before birth we lived with God, our Father in heaven as spirit sons and daughters. We knew coming to earth, where devils roam, we would experience terror, injustice, death and despair. But away from God's presence we can make an independent choice. What will I love? I love this choice described by G.K.Chesterton:

'How much larger your life would be if your self could become smaller in it; if you could really look at other men with common curiosity and pleasure; if you could see them walking as they are in their sunny selfishness and their virile indifference! You would begin to be interested in them, because they are not interested in you. You would break out of this tiny and tawdry theatre in which your own little plot is always played, and you would find yourself under a freer sky, in a street full of splendid strangers.'

Like this quote, Christ unequivocally persuades us to love God and others. It is the happier way. To embrace a perspective far bigger than ourselves. To work with Christ with faith we can help forward His plan of salvation. Here there is hope even when hope is gone, and we 'know thou...that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?' Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8

Spiritual Messages and Music of Jesus Christ is my personal testimony that this is true. Whilst I am very fortunate, living and working in a free, prosperous country, I like all of us have not been spared painful trials. I pray, read, plead and remember Jesus. Then rises hope and love, a winning combination for turning fields into flowers.

Lower than the angels

Guardian to the guard

Servant to the handmaid

Prisoner with the barred

Nursing the nurses

Servant to the poor

Home for all lost

Hope in the storm

Footsteps beside me

Tears for my soul

Handing Thy robe

Making me whole

Holding the soldier giving his life

Seeing tomorrow, ending strife

Pointing to the children

Lifting the meek

Answering my plea

Seeing what I seek

Flying the pilot

Singing along

Joy in success

Happiness

Saviour who hears me

Teacher who shows me

Being holy

One who knows me

Master of wind

Temper of steel

Letting me be real

Knowing what to heal

One for the many

Lower than the one

Lower than the angels

Praying we will come