Day 8: Walk w/Christ-Feel the Atonement

Read: Isaiah 53: 3-6, John 3: 16-17, Hel 5:9, Alma 7: 11-12

To walk with the Savior we need to understand and appreciate all He has done for us. Taking advantage of the Atonement requires us to accept it and effort to realize it’s potential in our lives.

Challenge: Every time you feel the penny, pause for one moment to ponder and realize how inclusive it’s power is in your life.

There is a story about a Seminary class whose teacher asked a new student with little interest in the lessons, how many push-ups he could do. He did 200 every night & thought he could increase to 300 if done in sets of 10, for an object lesson the teacher had. The day arrived to perform, with the teacher bringing a delicious donut for each student.

He asked the first pupil if she would like a donut. The answer was, yes! Before receiving the treat, the young man had to do ten push-ups for her. Each person was asked the same question with the push-ups required, to get the donut. Some boys said they could do their own push-ups. They were told only the chosen person was allowed to do them in order to receive the goodies.

Some didn’t want a donut. It was given to them regardless and left uneaten. The push-ups had to be performed for all present with this response, “Do the push-ups so she can have a donut, that she doesn’t want.” The young man was struggling to perform the exercise and the students were concerned he wouldn’t be able to do all of it. As the class became more concerned about the maximized efforts of the boy, another student wanted to enter the classroom. Many told him to stay out, but it was okay with the push-up performer, who began doing 10 extra for the newcomer.

Nearing the end of over 350 push-ups the student was having a very hard time, the classroom was asking how they could help, but told they were not allowed. Falling to the floor as he finished the task, the teacher told the attendees, ‘So it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, pleaded to the Father, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” It was understood that He had done everything required of him, he collapsed on the cross and died. Like some of those in the class, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.’

Journaling: He paid the ultimate penalty for us willingly for you & me, so that we may all enjoy the cleansing of repentance through faith in Jesus Christ.