Few places on earth are as sacred and important as this
small grove of olive trees here on the Mount
of Olives in Jerusalem.
It was here in the Garden of Gethsemane on that last night
in mortality that Jesus left His Apostles and descended
alone into the depth of agony that would be His atoning
sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.
Moving slowly, kneeling, falling forward on His face,
he cried, "Abba, Father.
All things are possible unto Thee.
Take away this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not what I will but what thou wilt."
To the thoughtful follower of Christ, it is a matter of
surpassing wonder that the voluntary and merciful
sacrifice of a single being could satisfy the infinite and
eternal demands of justice, atone for every human misdeed,
bear every mortal infirmity, feel every personal heartache,
sorrow and loss.
But I testify that is exactly what Christ did for
every one of us.
I bear solemn witness that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is
the compassionate foundation and central fact in God's
eternal plan for our salvation and our happiness.
Is it any wonder that we walk quietly and reverently here?
Is it any wonder that we make sacred covenants because of
the love that was demonstrated here?
Is it any wonder that Christ, the greatest of all, partook
of the bitter cup and did not shrink here, that we might not
suffer if we would repent and come unto him?
I declare my wonder and awe, my adoration and apostolic
witness of Him.
In His redeeming name, the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.