Ether 3:13-19 Because thou knowest...

13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you

If faith is a hope for things which are not seen, but which are true, then based on the quote above,  the brother of Jared was beyond faith even upon his initial conversation with the Lord. Christ said, "Because thou knowest these things...I show myself unto you" (Ether 3:13). Jared's brother knew. He didn't hope, and it didn't matter that the Lord was not seen; somehow, all that mattered to him was that he had witnessed enough to know God the Son.

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 14 Behold I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. 

What does it mean to be both the Father & the Son? The footnote next to the word "Father" directs readers to Mosiah 15:2-4, which reads,

"And because he dwelleth in the flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son - The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God, and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son - And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth."

So in addition to being conceived by Heavenly Father's power, it is Christ's submission to God's will is what makes Him both "the Father and the Son." Specifically, it's the flesh seems to play a key role, likely because it was necessary for Christ to live on earth in order to act according to God's will.

Could it also be that, the fact that the Savior created both the Heavens and the earth makes him a "Father?" He created life under Heavenly Father's supervision; the creation of life makes him a father.

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Two other scriptures of importance...

15 And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image.

19 And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus...and he had faith no longer, for He knew, nothing doubting. 

 Just as the First Vision provided us with the knowledge of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's bodies, so too does the brother of Jared's account of Christ. What's most remarkable is that Jared's brother was the first up to that point to ever have seen Christ's body.

A final point: once again, notice how important the brother of Jared's absolute knowledge of Christ is. The Lord tells him that He revealed Himself to him because he "believed in me as thou hast," and "He knew, nothing doubting" (Ether 3:15; 19).

 

3 Nephi 9:15 - I am Jesus Christ the Son of God

15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

If there is one thing that can be learned from the above verse, it is that everything that Christ does is Heavenly Father's will. From the creation of the universe, to His Atoning sacrifice, He has been "with the Father from the beginning" (3 Ne 9:15). He requires of us to be more like Him, meaning we must be with the Father in all that we do as well.

19 And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit...

The Savior has given us everything, yet expects next to nothing in return. Think about the humility that He shows here. "I do not want offerings, I simply want you to try to be a little kinder to one another. Just try to love one another, and serve one another." How remarkable.

 

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.

Ether 1 - Inquire of the Lord

I find it curious as to why we do not know the brother of Jared’s name. I wonder if it’s to offer readers a chance to recognize and understand the example of Jared’s faith and humility. We know Jared’s name, and we know the Jaredites are to be named after him; he’s clearly a leader and is to become a powerful man. Yet we also know that Jared is not the one who is “highly favored of the Lord,” and that he relies on his brother for revelation and communication with God. Given these facts, the fact that he didn’t go all “Laman and Lemual” on everyone says a lot about Jared’s character. It also tells us quite a bit about his faith, as he was totally reliant on his brother for answers, never doubting the things which he suggested.

When it comes to that revelation received by the Brother of Jared in Ether 1, a pattern has developed. Jared instructs his brother to “Go and inquire of the Lord,” after which he does (Ether 1:34). He then returns to Jared with an answer (Ether 41). The key to this pattern is that Jared acts in faith and suggests that his brother pray for answers; they go to the Lord, they don’t wait for the Lord to come to them. At one point, Heavenly Father even says, “And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me (Ether 1:41). We must ask the Lord and present Him with all things that dwell within our hearts and minds. Then will we receive confirmation of either comfort and peace or conflict and struggle regarding those things which we are inquiring of.

(Written January 2, 2016)

Mormon Chapter 8: Greater Things

Mormon has been killed by the Lamanites at the beginning of chapter 8, as his son, Moroni, takes over the writing of the “sad tale of destruction of [his] people” (Mormon 8). Moroni spends much of chapter 8 bearing his testimony of The Book of Mormon and the power that is found within. “Whoso recieveth this record,” he writes, “and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these” (Mormon 12). Next to the phrase “greater things,” a footnote is listed with several scriptures which include instances in which the words that were spoken were forbidden from being written, for the Lord sought to “try the faith of [His] people” (3 Nephi 26:11). Someone once explained to me that the reason why certain information is sometimes withheld from us is so that we are not held accountable for those things which we misunderstand. Perhaps this is an example of such a time. As our faith in The Book of Mormon grows, so will our knowledge and understanding, which will lead to the revelation of principles we would have otherwise not been ready to receive.

Towards the end of the chapter, Moroni calls out the hypocrites and asks why it is that so many seek praises of the world? It’s a great question, and one which he does not provide an answer for. It may be because of the instant gratification and succor that the world’s praises provide, particularly today, in the era of iPhones and technology. Man is so fearful of criticism, and other men are so much louder than the whisperings of the Spirit. It’s so much easier to ignore his guidance and follow the shouts of man. 

Mormon 7: "That ye may believe..."

With the Nephite people destroyed, in Mormon chapter 7, Mormon turns his attention to the Lamanites and attempts to bring them unto the Lord. His approach in doing so is interesting, though chapter 7 makes no mention of how it was received. It’s very direct and to the point; as far as I can tell, he makes no attempt to adapt the language he uses so that it is more culturally potent for the Lamanite people. Furthermore, considering the Lamanites literally just obliterated the Nephite people in the last chapter, he is incredibly blunt in his calls to repentance.

He begins by declaring the Lamanites as being of the house of Israel, suggesting to me that they had no idea of their origins or of the genealogy of their forefathers. It’s possible that in Mormon’s time, they hadn’t a clue that the Nephites were descended from the same genealogical line. How might a knowledge of their heritage have changed things? Who knows? It’s possible though, that knowing they were descended from a covenant and choice people may have led Lamanites to repentance and the Gospel. Or perhaps it would have prevented them from slaughtering the Nephites, as they may have viewed them as brotherly?

When urging the Lamanites to accept the Savior, he mentions that “ye must come to a knowledge of your fathers” (Mormon 7:5). “Ye must come,” he writes, not, "I will drag you along.” If we want to gain a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the truths it contain, and of the restoration, we must work and study; search, ponder and pray.

Finally, in verse 9, Mormon writes, “This is written for the intent that ye may believe [Christ’s gospel]” (Mormon 7:9). The Book of Mormon was written for our benefit. We were provided the scriptures so that we could gain a greater knowledge of the potential for joy and a better sense of who Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are. “If ye believe [Christ’s gospel],” he continues, “ye will believe [The Book of Mormon],” (Mormon 7:9). Christ’s gospel, whether laid out in The Book of Mormon  or in The Bible, is exactly the same. The Bible and the Book of Mormon work in tandem to enhance one another and fill in missing gaps that were created due to the shortcomings of man.
(written Wednesday, December 28, 2016)

Mormon 6: Last Struggle at Cumorah

How must a commander feel when he knows with certainty that all of those whom he marches into battle will die? How does he cope with the fact that his entire people; a people whose civilization once covered the land and whose culture dominated all others; will be completely wiped from the earth in one “last struggle?” (Mormon 6:6). How does he fake confidence? How does he reassure his soldiers? How does he not break down and weep over the prospect of the destruction of all that he knows and at one point or another likely held dear? How does he stand among his troops and look them in the eye, knowing that they will most certainly perish?

I cannot even begin to imagine how Mormon must have felt as he prepared the Nephites for their final battle at Cumorah. The amount of faith he must have had in the Lord, though, is nothing short of incredible. I’m not sure how else one explains his ability to lead an army doomed before it even reaches the battlefield. At the end of the chapter, he discusses the “anguish” of his soul “because of the slain of [his] people” (Mormon 6:16). He wonders how it is possible that the Nephites could have turned their backs on Jesus even after he stood among their forefathers? Where did they go wrong? How could they be so blind and stupid?

After declaring that their destruction can be attributed to their wickedness and arrogance, he states, “But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return” (Mormon 6:20). I wonder if this is a coping mechanism for Mormon; if he’s basically saying, “Welp, can’t change the past, so time to move on,” and if he’s basically trying to avoid dwelling on the death and destruction that lay before him? If so, perhaps his acceptance and desire to move forward provides an answer to the questions in the top paragraph.

Additional thoughts…

• Mormon writes to the Lamanite king requesting that the next battle occur by the hill Cumorah. He mentions in verse 4 that at Cumorah, the Nephites “had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites” (Mormon 6:4). Hope is the word that stood out to me as I read this sentence; the hill Cumorah = hope. While I understand that it’s likely Mormon was directed by the Spirit to gather at Cumorah so that the Plates of Nephi could be hidden there, I think there’s something to the fact that he mentions that the hill provided the Nephites with hope. Cumorah is a beacon of light for the world. It provided an ideal location for which the Plates could be hidden, and is a key location in the restoration of the Gospel. I’ve only had the opportunity to visit once, and I was rather young at the time, but I remember a strong feeling that it was indeed a very sacred site. I’d bet that it has always been a sacred site, even at the time of the Nephites and the Lamanites, and that the armies that had gathered there felt a similar feeling. 
• In verse 7 it’s mentioned that the wives and children of the Nephites were filled “with that awful fear of death which fills the breast of all the wicked” as the Lamanite armies marched towards them (Mormon 6:7). I’ve never been close to death, and have never been filled with fear as it approached. Still, as I read this verse, I couldn’t help but wonder if it provided insight for a very specific moment in which every single Nephite understood that they would all perish. With fear filling their hearts “did they await to receive them,” Mormon writes, as though they were paralyzed by it. I guess the ultimate point is that the wicked know they are behaving wickedly; they know right from wrong. While they may deny such a fact, as the dark scepter of death falls upon them, they recognize their evil, and more importantly, the fact that it is too late for them to change their ways. 

(Written Tuesday, December 27, 2016)

Mormon 5: "I was without hope..."

“But behold, I was without hope,” Mormon proclaims in verse 2 of Chapter 5, after mentioning that he was convinced by the Nephites to once again lead their armies (Mormon 5:2). Upon reading this, I couldn’t help but wonder what Mormon’s reasons may have been for returning as commander of the Nephite armies. He explains that his lack of hope stemmed from the fact that the Nephite people “repented not of their iniquities,” and that they refused to turn to God for assistance in their struggle against the Lamanites (Mormon 5:2). Given that he knew that the Nephite armies were destined for destruction, why bother to help them? Was it the Christlike thing to do? Could it be that he felt that providing the Nephite people some sense of hope, and showing them compassion, was proper and right? Or perhaps it was pride in his nation and its culture, despite the shortcomings of his people? He was called to serve his countrymen and felt obligated to do so. Or maybe he believed the Nephite cause was more just and more worthy than the cause of the Lamanites?

Regardless of his reasoning, I have no doubt that he consulted with the Lord before agreeing to return to the Nephite army, yet he makes no mention of it. He does however, state that he “did repent of the oath” made regarding his resignation and refusal to fight alongside the Nephites (Mormon 5:1). Now, I do have a tendency to overthink nearly everything, and this may be such a moment, but I wonder if the word “repent” was not chosen by Mormon on accident. We know from Chapter 3 that when Mormon prayed for the Nephite people, he did so “without faith” (Mormon 3:12). He was clearly frustrated with their refusal to accept the Gospel, and who could blame him? Yet maybe praying with “without faith” led to a lapse in judgement and an inability to recognize the Lord’s desire for him to continue his service to the people, requiring him to repent. Maybe he allowed his will to take precedence over the Lord’s; for without Mormon’s service at the head of the army, it’s not difficult to imagine that the “Book of Mormon” would be quite different. If Mormon wrote as a spectator, he would have written from a very different perspective and it’s entirely possible that the things which were required of him to write for latter-day generations may not have been included in the book.

A few other observations…

·         Verses 17 & 18 explain that at one point, the Nephites were a “delightsome people,” who followed Christ. At the time in which Mormon was writing, however, they were led by Satan. I couldn’t help but feel Mormon’s pain as I read these verses. The word “delightsome” is such a unique and special description. It evokes a very specific image in my mind; one of laughter and joy and song, like in a Disney animated feature. To go from being Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’s Mr. Bluebird to being led by Satan...well, dang; that is a mighty, mighty change. Unfortunately, I imagine it was one that was not too difficult for Satan to bring about. He mostly used pride, an all too effective tool.

·          In Verse 19, Mormon mentions that “The Lord hath reserved [the Nephite’s] blessings which they might have received in the land for the Gentiles.” This seems to suggest, I think, that the Nephites had an opportunity to reap the blessings of America and blew it. More important though, are the principles taught here: 1) The Lord’s work will be accomplished regardless of our poor decisions and refusal to act as He would have us act, and 2) We must accept the blessings that the Lord hopes to provide us. We cannot passively move through life and expect that the Lord will give without acknowledgement, gratitude, and request. We must put forth an effort if we desire the Lord to make up for our shortcomings and to provide for us.

·         Mormon asks the Gentiles in Verse 23, “Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God?” He issued this statement as a warning, but given the trials I’ve faced in the last few months, I read it with comfort and gratitude. The Lord’s hand is guiding my life, of that I have no doubt. While acknowledging that fact has never been difficult for me, I don’t know if I’ve ever really thought about what it means. It's only now, at a moment in which I dislike the path which He has laid for me, have I recognized the importance of faith in the fact that He does indeed have a plan designed specifically for me. This plan will not require me to experience challenges without purpose, and He will never abandon me. I am “in the hands of God,” and though it may be difficult to see now, the struggles I have are for my own good. The comfort which that sentence brings is nothing short of miraculous. It's also a sentence of great hope; the perfect way to end a post which started with a statement of hopelessness.

Finding Strength through Joy

Several weeks ago, it was suggested that I read Elder Russell M. Nelson’s October 2016 conference talk, Joy and Spiritual Survival. Tonight, I finally did. Early in the talk, Elder Nelson mentions The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi, and the trials and tribulations he faced, including persecution in Jerusalem, being commanded by the Lord to “flee with his family into the wilderness,” and suffering caused by the rebellion of his sons, Laman and Lemuel. “Yet,” Elder Nelson states, “he declared boldly and without reservation a principle as revealed by the Lord: ‘Men are, that they might have joy’” (2 Nehpi 2:25).

“Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind,” Elder Nelson continues, “Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish, and despair almost consumed us.” He goes on to ask, given all of the hardships and challenges we endure in this life, we can possibly be expected to have joy? Joy, he explains, “has little to do with the circumstances of our lives, and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” To find joy, our focus must be on Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation and on Jesus Christ and His gospel. “Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy,” Elder Nelson declares.

He then mentions Philippians 4:7, which lists the ways in which the Savior offers joy to us. As we keep our “hearts and minds” on the Savior, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” will always be with us (Philippians 4:7). We are told to “think on” things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and have virtue, and are promised that as we do the things that Christ taught and behave as he behaved, “the God of peace shall be with [us]” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Speaking to his son, Jacob, the Prophet Lehi taught that, as he strove to draw closer to He and the Savior, God “shall consecrate thine afflictions for they gain” (2 Nephi 2:2). Elder Nelson mentions that this concept was further expressed in the words of comfort provided by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith, after he pleaded with Him to end the suffering of the early Saints. “If thou endure it well,” Joseph is promised, “God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (Doctrine & Covenants 121:8).

“How, then, can we claim that joy?” Elder Nelson asks. The first step, according to Elder Nelson, can be found in Doctrine & Covenants 6:36. “Look unto me in every thought,” the Savior proclaimed, concluding by commanding that we “doubt not, fear not.” We should pray with gratitude in our hearts for the Savior’s sacrifice and struggle; for the Atonement, and for the love Heavenly Father provided us through His only begotten. The Savior, Elder Nelson explained, must “become…real to us.” We must feel His presence and love, and provide others with it. Through prayer, “as we plead for His joy…our joy will increase.”

            As we face difficulties and afflictions arise, “If we focus on the joy that will come to us…what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?” Elder Nelson asks. It’s interesting how humans are predisposed to focus on the negative and assume the worst. We are such a negative species. Through a focus on the Savior, however, and on the joy and blessings of renewal and repentance through His Atonement, we can receive the greatest joy ever known to man, and can endure whatever trials might come out way.

Mormon Chapter 4--Wickedness sweeps the land

I never really understood why it is that the authors of The Book of Mormon decided to go into detail regarding the many battles which took place over the many centuries in which the book was written. Recently, however, I think it's starting to make sense. Early in Mormon 4, Mormon writes that the Lamanite armies over take the Nephites "while they were yet weary," resulting in Lamanite possession of the City of Desolation. Just as the Nephites were weakened in their weariness, so too are we weakened when we are weary. Often in life, we find ourselves burdened with multiple trials and difficulties at once, which compound and multiply to weaken our resolve and make us more susceptible to temptation. It's crucial that in times of crisis, we recognize our Heavenly Father's love for us, and we recognize the power of and take comfort in the Savior's Atonement. He is always there to help lift our burdens, and through him we can be strengthened and withstand the Adversaries attacks.

One other point that stood out to me in Chapter 4 can be found in verse 5, which reads,

"But behold, the judgements of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed."

What a fascinating point. God does not stir the hearts of man unto anger; He is love and peace and hope. While the unjust will not go unpunished, He does not manipulate the agency of others in order to enact consequences for them. Instead, wickedness will destroy wickedness. Those who behave in a destructive manner will find destruction as a result of their actions. It's like lifetime smokers; if you've smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for your entire life, you have a significantly higher chance of dying from lung cancer than a non-smoker. God isn't punishing you for disobeying the Word of Wisdom however, rather, you are punishing yourself. You are responsible for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and if you choose not to, then you will suffer the consequences.