Faith | ‘He is risen’ holds deeper meaning after heart surgery

I waited in the hospital on a Saturday in anticipation of an operation on my heart the next day.

The surgery would replace a major artery that was “diseased and calcified” along its length, as well as two other arteries that were less dangerous. I had not been concerned the day before. It was only a mild heart attack due to blockage of a small artery that brought me to the emergency room.

I had received a blessing on Friday by a leader in my church. Prayers were being asked by family members, and I had been included in prayers of faith in our temple.

But the heart surgery was now delayed a day, and concerning thoughts kept slipping into my mind. Each time I would quickly banish such thoughts, but they kept returning so that through the day anxiety developed.

As I uttered a prayer at the end of the day, a peaceful assurance came over me that all would be well. This assurance carried over into the operating room Sunday morning as well as when I awoke to begin recovery. It was the comfort from the Holy Ghost, a blessing from Christ.

I had received a similar assurance 18 years earlier as I had been taken down a hospital hall to have my heart examined. I realized then that I had not been told I would live, only assured that all would be well with me as my life was in his hands.

On this particular night, I was reminded of the three young men of Israel who told King Nebuchadnezzar--even though he was going to throw them into the fiery furnace--that they would not worship his idol. Their God was able to deliver them. “But if not” they would accept it, being full of faith. (Daniel 3:17, 18)

This strong assurance I had now covered either outcome, that all would be well.

Then, two weeks later, it now was Easter Sunday services as we commemorated our Savior, Jesus Christ, taking up his life in the resurrection of his immortal body. It struck me that at this very time of the day--in a different way--skilled surgeons had given renewed life to my heart as they worked to restart its beating. The words “He is risen” began to carry a deeper meaning to me.

He is risen. The atonement is over. With the resurrection it is complete. Not completed as in over, but complete as all needs and objectives have been met. My faith in Christ is justified.

Tamara Runia, in women’s leadership, recently used Hebrews 12:2 to speak of his love for us, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” so I can be cleansed of all my sins and imperfections. A complete atonement means I can one day stand before my loving heavenly Father being pure, free of guilt, and perfected in my love. I can dwell with all my glorified brothers and sisters, perfect in all our associations, continuing in works of loving service to others.

The surgeon had restarted my repaired heart, and closing up my chest his work was complete. Still, work remained that I must do, including taking very good care of my sternum so it heals well. There has also been cardiac rehab to do.

While Christ’s atonement was complete in all he suffered and did, it will not be complete for me until I have done all he asks of me.

He is risen. A simple phrase, with all the hope, glory and joys of our existence.

Guest Spiritual Life writer David Merrill is a member of the West Richland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.