The Forgotten Easter Scripture

My favorite scriptures change a lot. There are so many good ones I think it is impossible to have just one favorite.  Some of the most touching and important scriptures tell or remind of what the Savior did for us. You likely are planning to read from the New Testament as you turn your heart and thoughts to the Savior this Easter. We can’t help but think more deeply of Jesus Christ, his suffering in Gethsemane, His crucifixion, and His resurrection this time of year. 

Most often when we think or speak of the Savior’s Atonement it is in general terms.

He suffered for our sins and died for us so we can be forgiven.

He was resurrected so we too can live again.

Problem is, what the Savior did is anything but general. It is absolutely individual, personal. We will never see how profound it is until we reflect upon it in a personal way.  The Atonement won’t serve its full purpose in our lives until we can see what it is and does for each of us as individuals. 

I hold a special place in my heart for Easter because it was an Easter Day several years ago that changed me.

I had an experience that deepened the love and understanding of what the Savior did for me. It all started because I asked a question, a wish.  I wondered what the Atonement had done for me. I expected some sort of big marked experience in my life that was proof the Atonement was real and actually worked. I wished I was closer to the Lord because of this “big” experience. 

Then came a beautiful moment that is hard to describe. The Spirit helped me see the healing effect the Savior’s sacrifice indeed had on my life. It was so incremental I had completely missed it.  I shared that story here on my blog but today I want to give you some ideas for how you can see ways the Atonement has worked in your life that you may never have seen before or recognized the significance of.   

It always helps to start with a question. 

Take some time alone, kneel in prayer, go for a walk,  write in your journal, whatever works for you. Just ponder and ask these questions. 

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ…

Who have I been able to forgive?

Who has been able to forgive me?

What have I been forgiven of?

What trials have I been able to overcome?

What weakness has turned into strength?

What comfort have I received knowing that I will see a loved one again?

What healing have I received?

What gifts in myself have I seen and used?

How have I been able to change?

It is a humbling thing to see how encompassing the Savior’s part is in our lives.  Even when we felt alone He was there.  It fills our entire being with gratitude, light and a desire to somehow repay what He has done.  Perhaps the more important questions to ask are the ones that now look to the future with a perfect brightness of hope.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ…

Who will I finally forgive?

What will I have the courage to ask forgiveness of?

Who will I ask forgiveness of?

What trial will I have faith to overcome?

What weakness will I turn to strength?

What loss will I allow the Lord to comfort me in?

What will I allow to heal?

What gifts will I increase and use to do the Lord’s will?

What change will I make in my life?

The Forgotten Easter Scripture

I refer to what about to share as the forgotten Easter scripture because it isn’t something we typically read on Easter but it gave me a greater understanding of what Easter means than any scripture I’ve read. It sealed in my heart the magnificence of what the Lord did for me and the desire to make sure what He did for me was not in vain. 

It is known as the Law of the Leper found in Leviticus 14.  It gives the ceremonial process of healing a leper but to see the beauty you have to see the symbolism which I learned some from reading a book by David J. Ridges.

Imagine yourself as a leper. Every sore and wound is a weakness, trial, sin that needs healing.  A priest takes 2 birds, one bird represents the Savior, one bird represents the person in need of healing. You. Me. 

With the birds is cedar wood ( representing the cross), and scarlet (mocking before crucifixion), and hyssop (Christ on the cross).  The first bird is taken and killed in an earthen vessel (representing Christ coming to earth to give his life)  over running water (Christ the living water).

I’ll divert for a moment here to say, as I read about the 2 birds, the first one being sacrificed I was sad for it. I felt anticipation as I wondered what would happen to the 2nd bird. I didn’t want it to die too. Would it be sacrificed?  I assumed it would because that’s what they did back then. I read on…

As for the living bird (you and me), it was taken with the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, (all reminders of atonement) and dipped them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water (the Savior’s blood which was shed for us).

Then the living bird is let loose into the open field. 

I was overcome as I realized that the second bird didn’t have to die because the first bird already died for her/him. In fact it would be cleansed and set free for a fresh start. The Lord sacrificed so much for me. I wouldn’t have my life without Him.  It seems a small thing and it seems only logical that I would in turn give my life back to Him. 

You and I, we are the bird that was set free. What will you do with your life that was saved because of the First life that was given? Ask yourself the questions that will help you see how Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection have already helped you in your life. Turn to the questions that will help you see what you can do starting today to make the Atonement more of a reality in your life.

Thank you for sharing this if you found it helpful!