This morning I'm going out to Visit Teach. We believe in bearing one another's burdens Galatians 6:2 and fellowshipping with the saints of God. This charge is so serious that each woman is assigned to visit a few other women each month, bringing encouragement, love, and a message from the gospel. This month the visiting teacher message is The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Advocate. Usually, we visit teach with a partner. However, mine moved away. In a tiny branch, there wasn't anyone to take her place, so I go alone to a reduced amount of women. The two ladies I visit are wonderful, sweet, and accommodating; their only needs at this point are to know that someone cares enough to check up on them. I have visited women with severe challenges in the past and loved helping.
"Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father. The word advocate has Latin roots meaning one who pleads for another. The Savior pleads for us, using understanding, justice, and mercy. Knowing this can fill us with love and gratitude for His Atonement."
The story of Ester illustrates this in a way I never considered before. Usually, we focus on the bravery of Ester. However, we can consider Ester an advocate for her people. Also, consider the King, who turned his back on protocol, softened his heart, and listened to Ester's petition with mercy and forgiveness. Is his position slightly similar to Heavenly Father with a repentant person. Of course, Father hasn't a hard heart to begin with. As Jesus advocates for sinful mortals, Heavenly Father hears and forgives.
