'Master Healer'
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Declaring Jesus Christ as the Master Healer, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve addressed the Sunday afternoon session of general conference.
"Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Creator, the great Jehovah, the promised Immanuel, our atoning Savior and Redeemer, our advocate with the Father, our great Exemplar. And one day we will stand before Him as our just and merciful Judge."
Elder Nelson said that as the Master Healer, "Jesus directed His friends to 'go . . . and tell . . . what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, (and) the dead are raised.' "
Continuing, he explained, "His divine authority to heal the sick was conferred upon worthy priesthood bearers in earlier dispensations and again in these latter days, when His gospel has been restored in its fulness."
Speaking of accessing the healing power of the Savior through prayer, Elder Nelson related an account of traveling many years ago in New Zealand with President Spencer W. Kimball and his wife, Camilla. A Saturday evening cultural program had been planned to coincide with a large conference, but President and Sister Kimball became ill and felt they would be unable to attend.
Later, just before the program was to begin, President and Sister Kimball suddenly recovered and left for the stadium at the Church College of New Zealand. Upon arriving, a loud shout erupted from those attending and participating. It was explained later that a young man in the invocation had prayed that the Church president and his wife would be healed and delivered to the event.
"I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered," Elder Nelson said. "We wonder, 'Why?' I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments. But, I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father's perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it, with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time."
Afflictions can also come from spiritual causes, the apostle said. "At such times, how can we be healed by Him? We can more fully repent! We can become more fully converted! Then the 'Son of Righteousness' can more fully bless us by His healing hand."
During His mortal ministry, the Savior announced He had been sent to "heal the brokenhearted," Elder Nelson explained. In His teaching, His pattern was consistent.
Elder Nelson then quoted the Savior's words, spoken at four different locations and times. At the end of each quote were references to healing. "The sequence of His pattern is significant. Faith, repentance, baptism, a testimony and enduring conversion lead to the healing power of the Lord," the apostle added.
"As true converts, we are motivated to do what the Lord wants us to do, and to be whom He wants us to be. The remittance of sins, which brings divine forgiveness, heals the spirit.
"How do we know if we are truly converted? Self-examination tests are available in the scriptures. One measures the degree of conversion pre-requisite to baptism. Another measures our willingness to serve others. . . . Willingness to serve and strengthen others stands as a symbol of one's readiness to be healed."
Elder Nelson related how a missionary once asked him why the Savior had to suffer so much. The apostle referred to the hymn, "Reverently and Meekly Now," which includes the words, "Oh, remember what was done That the sinner might be won."
"When sore trials come upon us, it's time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard, and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts," Elder Nelson declared.
