Our Hope, Our Light, Our Strength

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From an Evening with a General Authority broadcast for religious educators held on Feb. 8, 2019.

When I was ordained an Apostle, dear President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) stated I was to be a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. I did not take that charge lightly. I pored over the scriptures, identifying the Lord by His names and titles. All of these that I am going to share with you are from scripture verses that remind us of our hope that is in Him.

He is the Hope of Israel (Jeremiah 17:13), Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16), Good Shepherd (Doctrine and Covenants 50:44), Counselor (Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6), Prince of Peace ( Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6), Deliverer (Romans 11:26), Light of the World (John 8:12), and High Priest of good things to come (Hebrews 9:11). He is Mighty to save (Alma 34:18; Doctrine and Covenants 133:47) and the One who has all power (Doctrine and Covenants 61:1).

Christ’s influence, imprint, and reach are all encompassing. He is there when we falter and strive to move forward. And if we slip, His “light which shineth in darkness” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:21) is brighter than ever. He loves us in our brightest and our darkest hours.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not guesswork. His path is well marked by His footsteps. As we follow Him, we come to love what He loves. As we renew our covenants with Him each week partaking of the holy sacrament, we grow in understanding of Him as the Redeemer of the world (Doctrine and Covenants 93:9), the Spirit of Truth (Doctrine and Covenants 93:9), and the Word (Doctrine and Covenants 93:8).

Dear friends, that is the Savior I know, whom I love and revere with all my heart. From the depths of my soul I bear testimony of Him and of His goodness and mercy. He has promised, “You are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:45).

Jesus Christ is always the answer to the problems and challenges that are part of this mortal experience. In understanding His mission and His gospel, our love for Him and our belief in and reliance on Him gives us strength.