Ether 2 - "What will ye that I should do?"

The Lord prepares the brother of Jared and his family for the Promised Land in Ether 2, providing them directions through the wilderness and instructions on how to build barges which could take them across the sea. It’s mentioned that the Lord has preserved the “land of promise” for a “righteous people,” and that whoever is given possession of the land, “from that time henceforth and forever, should serve…the true and only God” (Ether 2:8). When the people of the land no longer serve God and are “ripened in their iniquity,” God’s wrath shall fall upon them, and they “shall be swept off” of the face of the land (Ether 2:11). Furthermore, the Lord promises that any nation occupying this land shall maintain freedom and liberty, so long as they continually serve Christ.

            It’s difficult to determine whether or not historical events can be deemed the “wrath of God” or not. Clearly throughout history, the American continent has managed to maintain freedom, even at times of World War. Still, there are moments where it’s clear that we have paid for our sins, most notably during the American Civil War. Regardless, we have reason to be a hopeful people, given these covenants which the Lord makes with Jared. This is a blessed and promised land and will always be a land of liberty so long as we serve God; what an incredible thought. While I understand the concern so many have regarding America’s religiosity, given that a recent Pew or Gallup survey (I forget which) found that more than 80% of Americans still pray daily, I think we haven’t drifted too far just yet.  

           

A Few Other Thoughts…

·         The brother of Jared, apparently, fails to call upon the Lord for four years. How? Beats me. For a guy who has literally spoken to Christ and heard His voice, it’s amazing that he forgot to pray. Apparently, the Lord agreed, as He chastens him for failing to call upon Him. He mentions that the brother of Jared is forgiven this time, but that he should not sin again, for if he does, he will lose the Land of Promise. Clearly constant communication with God is important should we hope to maintain our liberty.

·         When the brother of Jared asks the Lord how they should light the barges which they have built, the Lord responds, “What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?” (Ether 2:23). The lesson here? When we pray, the answer to our prayers is so often simple and right in front of us. While Heavenly Father and the Savior provides us direction, we do have agency, and there’s no reason for them to offer solutions to every single solitary issue. God sent us to earth because He trusts us; He knows that we have the gifts and talents necessary to endure life on this earth. So long as our decisions are in compliance with His Gospel and laws, there are times where he may simply want us to make a decision ourselves.