Mountain Bandit Culture
This past week (April 14-20) was one of the most tragic weeks in recent memory. I think I speak for most United States citizens when I saw we are exhausted from all that has gone on this week. Monday, April 15 was the Boston Marathon. Two explosions from home-made bombs (ball-bearings and nails with explosives inside a pressure cooker) went off at the close of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and dismembering and injuring about 200. The search for the suspects began. Because the bombings were in a major city with lots of people, pictures of the events were captured by many, many people. Soon the police and FBI knew who they should be looking for. Then the manhunt began Thursday April 18 ... it turns out the suspects were two Chechen refugees who have been in the US for over 10 years. Another person (an MIT police officer) was killed Thursday night / early Friday morning. The two were pursued and cornered and the older of the two brothers was killed. The younger of the two continued to flee. All day Friday, the entire city of Boston was on lock-down while law enforcement searched. They finally found him hiding in a land-parked boat in someone's back-yard. Thankfully they were able to capture him alive so as to be able to question him to see if he and his brother had outside help.
To add to the point about this being such a tragic week ... on Wednesday April 17, a fertilizer plant exploded in the city of West, Texas. At this time, 14 people have been confirmed dead, but that number may go up significantly. The nation is trying to recover its collective strength after this week.
Anyway - with that background of this week, there were lots of blog posts about the bombings. But one post really caught my attention due to the fact that I've blogged about how today's terrorists are modern-day Gadianton Robbers.
One of the hallmarks of the Gadianton Robbers is that they hide in the hills and wilderness. 3 Nephi 4:1 reads: "And it came to pass that in the latter end of the eighteenth year those armies of robbers had prepared for battle, and began to come down and to sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places, and began to take possession of the lands, both which were in the land south and which were in the land north, and began to take possession of all the lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and the cities which had been left desolate."
Then there is this blog post "NYT: Let's not forget the Real Victims: Chechen refugees" in which the author cites this NY Time article (Beslan Meets Columbine) and discusses the restlessness and "mountain bandit culture" of Chechens. Specifically he says, "All over the world, it's common for people who live in highly defensible positions, such as mountains, to raid their neighbors, then beat it back to their geographically complex and daunting home turf." He goes on to note several mountain bandit cultures.
April 20, 2013
Summary of the Great Battle
To summarize the last few chapters on a timeline, we can read in chapter 2 verse 11 that the GR had become numerous and were killing a lot of people. This was in the year 13 (since the sign of Christ's birth). In year 16, Lachoneus is governor of the Nephites and the GR leader is Giddianhi. Giddianhi sends an epistle to Lachoneus and demands that the Nephites surrender themselves and their land to the GR. Lachoneus does not surrender, but exhorts the people to repentance. He also instructs the people, in year 17, to gather together in one place. In year 18, the GR begin to come out of their hiding places. In year 19, the final battle begins (chapter 4 verse 5), and this is where I begin with this commentary.
The Nephites have enough food to last seven years. They are all gathered together in one place and their armies are placed around the body of people. When the GR finally come to the battle, they are dressed so as to appear frightful to the Nephites. The Nephites prayed earnestly when they saw the GR armies advancing. The Nephites had truly been humbled and had repented of their sins. The Lord was with them. The battle that ensued was the greatest battle since the days of Lehi – which means it was the greatest battle ever as far as the number of people who were killed. The Nephites beat them and then pursued the GR. Giddianhi was killed.
Next, the GR laid siege, but it will prove fruitless. Finally, the GR decide to head to the northern parts of the land. The Nephites are aware of the GR's plans and they cut them off. The new GR leader was Zemnarihah. When the Nephites captured Zemnarihah and the GR, they took Zemnarihah and hung him to death and then cut the tree. It was a great victory for the Nephites. Once again, we learn the valuable lesson that when a people put their trust in God, God will deliver them – God will fight and win their battles.
Gadianton Robbers Taught the Gospel
The people were very happy that the GR were finally defeated. They took the remainder of the GR and tossed them in prison and taught them the gospel (3 Nephi 5:4). If they repented, they were set free. If they did not repent, they were executed. Finally, the majority of the people were living in righteousness.
Mormon's Commentary
The rest of chapter 5 is comprised of comments by Mormon. He tells us that he is named after the place of Mormon where Alma the Sr. taught the people and baptized them. I find it interesting to note what he says in verse 12. He writes, "… Alma did establish the church among the people, yea the first church which was established among them after their transgression." I imagine that he was referring to the transgression of the Nephites in the Land of Nephi under the kingship of King Noah. But it is also interesting to note that when Alma and his followers rejoined the Nephites in Zarahemla and King Mosiah, Alma was appointed head of the church! Wouldn't there have been a church leader already established in Zarahemla? Perhaps King Mosiah was also the church leader and delegated these responsibilities to Alma knowing that shortly thereafter, he (King Mosiah) would be dissolving the line of Kings and establishing a council of judges. Of course when this happened, Alma was chosen to be the Chief Judge too. We may never know all the motives behind the decisions made, but at least this much we know – that Alma the Senior was a great prophet and man. His faith was incredible as he changed his life (and the history of the Nephites for that matter!) after listening to the mighty words of Abinadi.
The other comments Mormon made were regarding the gathering of Israel. I don't have anything to say at this time regarding those comments.
August 22, 2007
Showing posts with label 3 Nephi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 3 Nephi. Show all posts
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Saturday, September 08, 2007
3 Nephi 18
The Sacrament
In 3 Nephi 18:7, he says that the bread symbolizes his body. He has already shown the people his body. He tells them that when they partake of the bread, they will remember his body. And if they remember his body, they will remember him and if they remember him, they will have his spirit to be with them. After partaking of the bread, Jesus commanded them to drink of the wine. He instructed them that when they drank the wine, they were showing the Father that they were willing to do that which Jesus had commanded them. He then told them that the wine symbolized his blood, which he has shed for us. Also when we drink the wine, we witness to the Father that we will remember Christ and that if we remember Christ, we will have his spirit with us.
To me, the sacrament is special. What I have learned while reading this is that the bread will help me to remember Christ. The bread is served first to help me remember Christ. As I remember Christ, I will remember what he did for me. What did he do for me? The answer to that question is symbolized in the wine or water. Christ atoned for my sins. When he atoned for my sins, he sweated great drops of blood from every pore of his body. The wine and water represent the blood he spilt for me. And just as he showed the father his willingness to do whatever the Father asked him to do, so we are showing the father that we are willing to do whatever Jesus asks us to do when we partake of the wine. So again, the bread helps us to remember so that we have the spirit with us and when we drink the water, we are symbolically telling God that we are willing and will do whatever he or his son Jesus Christ ask us to do. The bread is for memory and the water is for action.
Personal Prayer
In 3 Nephi 18:15, Jesus teaches his disciples and the people to “watch and pray always.” This is a basic teaching of the Gospel. For me, I must strive to pray always by praying regularly in the morning and evening both personally and with my family and with my wife. Not only can I pray then, but I should strive to seek Heavenly Fathers help and blessings during my workday and other activities.
Family Prayer
In 3 Nephi 18:21, he tells the people to pray in their families. We pray as a family after we read our scriptures together every night. After we pray as a family, we make sure our children say their own prayers.
Attending Church Meetings
In 3 Nephi 18:22, Jesus instructs the people to meet together often. We would frequently share this scripture with less active members during my mission. Although some people think otherwise, we are commanded by Jesus to attend our church meetings including Stake Conference, General Conference, Priesthood Meetings and any other meeting related to the Church. A sign of a solid, dedicated member is one who regularly and near perfectly attends all his meetings.
Fellowshipping
In 3 Nephi 18:29-32, Jesus teaches his disciples the standard of administering the sacrament. They should never allow, knowingly, a person to unworthily partake of the sacrament. If they know of a person who is unworthy to partake of the bread and water, they should pray for that person and help him and teach him so that that person may become worthy to partake of the sacrament.
While serving a mission, we always taught our investigators the meaning of the sacrament and then told them that after they were baptized, they could partake of the bread and water, but not until after baptism. As for taking the sacrament unworthily, I have always been taught (since my mission) that only your bishop should really tell you when you should not partake of the sacrament. If you feel that you should not partake of the sacrament, then you should see the bishop and work out any confession or repentance. At that point, he will direct you as to whether to partake of the sacrament or not (see M. Russell Ballard, “A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings,” Ensign, Sep 1990, 12).
No Contention
In 3 Nephi 18:34, Jesus tells them why he has given them these commandments. He does not want there to be any disputations among them. We are to be united as a people and we are to obey the commandments of Jesus.
Apostles Given the Authority
In 3 Nephi 18:37, we read that Jesus gave the apostles the power and authority to give the Holy Ghost or in other words, the gift of the Holy Ghost. Authority is always important because Christ’s church is an organized church.
In 3 Nephi 18:7, he says that the bread symbolizes his body. He has already shown the people his body. He tells them that when they partake of the bread, they will remember his body. And if they remember his body, they will remember him and if they remember him, they will have his spirit to be with them. After partaking of the bread, Jesus commanded them to drink of the wine. He instructed them that when they drank the wine, they were showing the Father that they were willing to do that which Jesus had commanded them. He then told them that the wine symbolized his blood, which he has shed for us. Also when we drink the wine, we witness to the Father that we will remember Christ and that if we remember Christ, we will have his spirit with us.
To me, the sacrament is special. What I have learned while reading this is that the bread will help me to remember Christ. The bread is served first to help me remember Christ. As I remember Christ, I will remember what he did for me. What did he do for me? The answer to that question is symbolized in the wine or water. Christ atoned for my sins. When he atoned for my sins, he sweated great drops of blood from every pore of his body. The wine and water represent the blood he spilt for me. And just as he showed the father his willingness to do whatever the Father asked him to do, so we are showing the father that we are willing to do whatever Jesus asks us to do when we partake of the wine. So again, the bread helps us to remember so that we have the spirit with us and when we drink the water, we are symbolically telling God that we are willing and will do whatever he or his son Jesus Christ ask us to do. The bread is for memory and the water is for action.
Personal Prayer
In 3 Nephi 18:15, Jesus teaches his disciples and the people to “watch and pray always.” This is a basic teaching of the Gospel. For me, I must strive to pray always by praying regularly in the morning and evening both personally and with my family and with my wife. Not only can I pray then, but I should strive to seek Heavenly Fathers help and blessings during my workday and other activities.
Family Prayer
In 3 Nephi 18:21, he tells the people to pray in their families. We pray as a family after we read our scriptures together every night. After we pray as a family, we make sure our children say their own prayers.
Attending Church Meetings
In 3 Nephi 18:22, Jesus instructs the people to meet together often. We would frequently share this scripture with less active members during my mission. Although some people think otherwise, we are commanded by Jesus to attend our church meetings including Stake Conference, General Conference, Priesthood Meetings and any other meeting related to the Church. A sign of a solid, dedicated member is one who regularly and near perfectly attends all his meetings.
Fellowshipping
In 3 Nephi 18:29-32, Jesus teaches his disciples the standard of administering the sacrament. They should never allow, knowingly, a person to unworthily partake of the sacrament. If they know of a person who is unworthy to partake of the bread and water, they should pray for that person and help him and teach him so that that person may become worthy to partake of the sacrament.
While serving a mission, we always taught our investigators the meaning of the sacrament and then told them that after they were baptized, they could partake of the bread and water, but not until after baptism. As for taking the sacrament unworthily, I have always been taught (since my mission) that only your bishop should really tell you when you should not partake of the sacrament. If you feel that you should not partake of the sacrament, then you should see the bishop and work out any confession or repentance. At that point, he will direct you as to whether to partake of the sacrament or not (see M. Russell Ballard, “A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings,” Ensign, Sep 1990, 12).
No Contention
In 3 Nephi 18:34, Jesus tells them why he has given them these commandments. He does not want there to be any disputations among them. We are to be united as a people and we are to obey the commandments of Jesus.
Apostles Given the Authority
In 3 Nephi 18:37, we read that Jesus gave the apostles the power and authority to give the Holy Ghost or in other words, the gift of the Holy Ghost. Authority is always important because Christ’s church is an organized church.
3 Nephi 17
The Home
After delivering his sermon, Jesus instructs the people to go to their homes and ponder the things that he taught them that day. He also tells them to ask God to help them understand his teachings and also to help them prepare for further instruction and teaching.
I find it very interesting that Jesus tells them to ponder his teachings in their homes. The home is the central location where teachings are internalized and learned. In our homes we read the scriptures, ponder, meditate and pray. The home is the most sacred place for our souls. The entry for temple in the Bible Dictionary states, “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.”
Christ Delays
After commanding them to return to their homes, Jesus looked at the multitude and saw that they had tears in their eyes. Christ demonstrated perfect compassion and invited the sick and afflicted to come unto him so that he could heal them. He healed every one of them. What I learn from this is that Christ could have continued with his “work” by visiting the lost tribes. But he delayed his visit to them and stayed with the Nephites a little longer. I too must realize that when the need arises and I have a choice between my “work” and giving compassionate service, I should do as Christ did.
Christ Heals
Christ not only healed those in Jerusalem, the Americas and undoubtedly where the Lost Tribes lived, but he can still heal any of us today. I've often wondered if Christ were to visit me today how I could be healed. I've always have had problems with my right leg and my back's alignment. I try to imagine how it would be to be perfectly healed … no more pain or worries about this comparatively small ailment. I think I would have the same reaction as the Nephites … I would worship Him and kiss his feet.
More importantly, Christ can heal our souls. We all have sinned and have damaged our souls in some manner. Christ can take away that pain and emotional scars that sin has left behind. Of course we have to believe and have faith in Christ in order for him to heal us. Do we really believe that we can emotionally be healed if we repent and seek Christ's healing?
For more on Christ as a healer, read Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus Christ—the Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 85.
Christ Weeps
"And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.
"And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
"And when he had done this he wept again." (3 Nephi 17:20-22)
After delivering his sermon, Jesus instructs the people to go to their homes and ponder the things that he taught them that day. He also tells them to ask God to help them understand his teachings and also to help them prepare for further instruction and teaching.
I find it very interesting that Jesus tells them to ponder his teachings in their homes. The home is the central location where teachings are internalized and learned. In our homes we read the scriptures, ponder, meditate and pray. The home is the most sacred place for our souls. The entry for temple in the Bible Dictionary states, “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.”
Christ Delays
After commanding them to return to their homes, Jesus looked at the multitude and saw that they had tears in their eyes. Christ demonstrated perfect compassion and invited the sick and afflicted to come unto him so that he could heal them. He healed every one of them. What I learn from this is that Christ could have continued with his “work” by visiting the lost tribes. But he delayed his visit to them and stayed with the Nephites a little longer. I too must realize that when the need arises and I have a choice between my “work” and giving compassionate service, I should do as Christ did.
Christ Heals
Christ not only healed those in Jerusalem, the Americas and undoubtedly where the Lost Tribes lived, but he can still heal any of us today. I've often wondered if Christ were to visit me today how I could be healed. I've always have had problems with my right leg and my back's alignment. I try to imagine how it would be to be perfectly healed … no more pain or worries about this comparatively small ailment. I think I would have the same reaction as the Nephites … I would worship Him and kiss his feet.
More importantly, Christ can heal our souls. We all have sinned and have damaged our souls in some manner. Christ can take away that pain and emotional scars that sin has left behind. Of course we have to believe and have faith in Christ in order for him to heal us. Do we really believe that we can emotionally be healed if we repent and seek Christ's healing?
For more on Christ as a healer, read Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus Christ—the Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 85.
Christ Weeps
"And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.
"And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
"And when he had done this he wept again." (3 Nephi 17:20-22)
3 Nephi 16
The Gathering of Israel
The Tenth Article of Faith
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
Bruce R. McConkie
“The Lost Tribes are not lost unto the Lord. In their northward journeyings they were led by prophets and inspired leaders. They had their Moses and their Lehi, were guided by the spirit of revelation, kept the law of Moses, and carried with them the statutes and judgments which the Lord had given them in age past. They were still a distinct people many hundreds of years later, for the resurrected Lord visited and ministered among them following his ministry on this continent among the Nephites. (3 Ne. 16:1-4; 17:4.) Obviously he taught them in the same way and gave them the same truths which he gave his followers in Jerusalem and on the American continent; and obviously they recorded his teachings, thus creating volumes of scripture comparable to the Bible and Book of Mormon. (2 Ne. 29:12-14.)
“In due course the Lost Tribes of Israel will return and come to the children of Ephraim to receive their blessings. This great gathering will take place under the direction of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for he holds the keys of ‘the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north.’ (D. & C. 110:11.) Keys are the right of presidency the power to direct; and by this power the Lost Tribes will return, with ‘their prophets’ and their scriptures to ‘be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.’ (D. & C. 133:26-35.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 455-8)
Neal A. Maxwell
“…the splendid Book of Mormon advises that a third scriptural witness is yet to come from the lost tribes (see 2 Nephi 29:12-14). Its coming is likely to be even more dramatic than the coming forth of the second testament. Those who doubt or disdain the second testament of Christ will not accept the third either. But believers will then possess a triumphant triad of truth (see 2 Nephi 29:12-14). Were it not for the Book of Mormon, we would not even know about the third set of records!
“We do not know when and how this will occur, but we are safe in assuming that the third book will have the same fundamental focus as the Book of Mormon-‘that . . . their seed [too] ... may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer’ (3 Nephi 16:4). If there is a title page in that third set of sacred records, it is not likely to differ in purpose from the title page in the Book of Mormon, except for its focus on still other peoples who likewise received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus (see 3 Nephi 15:20-24; 3 Nephi 16:1-4).
“Thus, in the dispensation of the fullness of times there is not only a ‘welding together’ (D&C 128:18) of the keys of all the dispensations, but there will also be a ‘welding together’ of all the sacred books of scripture given by the Lord over the sweep of human history. Then, as prophesied, ‘my word also shall be gathered in one’ (2 Nephi 29:14). Then there will be one fold, one shepherd, and one stunning scriptural witness for the Christ!” (Book of Mormon Symposium Series, First Nephi, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 15)
Ensign Articles
Paul K. Browning, “Gathering Scattered Israel: Then and Now,” Ensign, Jul 1998, 54–61
The Tenth Article of Faith
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
Bruce R. McConkie
“The Lost Tribes are not lost unto the Lord. In their northward journeyings they were led by prophets and inspired leaders. They had their Moses and their Lehi, were guided by the spirit of revelation, kept the law of Moses, and carried with them the statutes and judgments which the Lord had given them in age past. They were still a distinct people many hundreds of years later, for the resurrected Lord visited and ministered among them following his ministry on this continent among the Nephites. (3 Ne. 16:1-4; 17:4.) Obviously he taught them in the same way and gave them the same truths which he gave his followers in Jerusalem and on the American continent; and obviously they recorded his teachings, thus creating volumes of scripture comparable to the Bible and Book of Mormon. (2 Ne. 29:12-14.)
“In due course the Lost Tribes of Israel will return and come to the children of Ephraim to receive their blessings. This great gathering will take place under the direction of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for he holds the keys of ‘the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north.’ (D. & C. 110:11.) Keys are the right of presidency the power to direct; and by this power the Lost Tribes will return, with ‘their prophets’ and their scriptures to ‘be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.’ (D. & C. 133:26-35.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 455-8)
Neal A. Maxwell
“…the splendid Book of Mormon advises that a third scriptural witness is yet to come from the lost tribes (see 2 Nephi 29:12-14). Its coming is likely to be even more dramatic than the coming forth of the second testament. Those who doubt or disdain the second testament of Christ will not accept the third either. But believers will then possess a triumphant triad of truth (see 2 Nephi 29:12-14). Were it not for the Book of Mormon, we would not even know about the third set of records!
“We do not know when and how this will occur, but we are safe in assuming that the third book will have the same fundamental focus as the Book of Mormon-‘that . . . their seed [too] ... may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer’ (3 Nephi 16:4). If there is a title page in that third set of sacred records, it is not likely to differ in purpose from the title page in the Book of Mormon, except for its focus on still other peoples who likewise received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus (see 3 Nephi 15:20-24; 3 Nephi 16:1-4).
“Thus, in the dispensation of the fullness of times there is not only a ‘welding together’ (D&C 128:18) of the keys of all the dispensations, but there will also be a ‘welding together’ of all the sacred books of scripture given by the Lord over the sweep of human history. Then, as prophesied, ‘my word also shall be gathered in one’ (2 Nephi 29:14). Then there will be one fold, one shepherd, and one stunning scriptural witness for the Christ!” (Book of Mormon Symposium Series, First Nephi, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 15)
Ensign Articles
Paul K. Browning, “Gathering Scattered Israel: Then and Now,” Ensign, Jul 1998, 54–61
Monday, September 03, 2007
3 Nephi 15
Christ Fulfils the Law of Moses
"Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses." (3 Nephi 15:4)
"Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verify I say unto you, shall be fulfilled." (3 Nephi 15:6) To me, this verse means that the prophets understood the whole plan of salvation and they understood that the Law of Moses would lead the people to the true law … Christ. So it is understandable that just because Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses that it does not mean all things have been completed. There are many things that must come to pass before the great plan is complete.
Jesus continues, "the covenant which I have made with my people is not all fulfilled." (3 Nephi 15:8)
Look unto me and endure to the end
In His mortal ministry, Christ gave the parable of the sower to teach us that we must endure to the end. (Mark 4:2-14).
What must we endure? We must endure the trials, the temptations of the devil, the sacrifices required of us, the service and the doctrine.
Some lose faith when loved ones suffer. Others give in to temptation. Other members will complain of the sacrifices required of the Lord. Service never ends. Some will complain about how service is never-ending. As Elder Ballard once said, "No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such thing as 'done.'" (M. Russell Ballard, “O Be Wise,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 17–20). Lastly, there are those who will become offended by a bishop or doctrine. These too lose faith. There are so many ways that we can fall short, but we must endure. I am reminded of King Benjamin's last words, "And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them."
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:29-30)
Other Sheep
The Lord has many folds. The Bible teaches us of one fold. The Book of Mormon teaches us of another. And still there are more folds. Someday we will not only have to carry to church the Bible, the Book of Mormon and D&C, but we will carry with us the scriptures of the Lost tribes of Israel.
"And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews." (2 Nephi 29:13)
The bringing forth of new scripture will be preceded by the return of the lost ten tribes. I found an article by an LDS member who wrote about this. He does a good job summarizing the scriptures that foretell this great event. (See article entitled "A Volcanic Highway for the Lost Tribes?" by John P. Pratt - http://www.meridianmagazine.com/sci_rel/050915volcano.html)
To summarize in one sentence, it seems that the return of the lost tribes will be a miraculous event that will be even bigger than when Israel was led out of Egypt
"Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses." (3 Nephi 15:4)
"Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verify I say unto you, shall be fulfilled." (3 Nephi 15:6) To me, this verse means that the prophets understood the whole plan of salvation and they understood that the Law of Moses would lead the people to the true law … Christ. So it is understandable that just because Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses that it does not mean all things have been completed. There are many things that must come to pass before the great plan is complete.
Jesus continues, "the covenant which I have made with my people is not all fulfilled." (3 Nephi 15:8)
Look unto me and endure to the end
In His mortal ministry, Christ gave the parable of the sower to teach us that we must endure to the end. (Mark 4:2-14).
What must we endure? We must endure the trials, the temptations of the devil, the sacrifices required of us, the service and the doctrine.
Some lose faith when loved ones suffer. Others give in to temptation. Other members will complain of the sacrifices required of the Lord. Service never ends. Some will complain about how service is never-ending. As Elder Ballard once said, "No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such thing as 'done.'" (M. Russell Ballard, “O Be Wise,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 17–20). Lastly, there are those who will become offended by a bishop or doctrine. These too lose faith. There are so many ways that we can fall short, but we must endure. I am reminded of King Benjamin's last words, "And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them."
"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:29-30)
Other Sheep
The Lord has many folds. The Bible teaches us of one fold. The Book of Mormon teaches us of another. And still there are more folds. Someday we will not only have to carry to church the Bible, the Book of Mormon and D&C, but we will carry with us the scriptures of the Lost tribes of Israel.
"And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews." (2 Nephi 29:13)
The bringing forth of new scripture will be preceded by the return of the lost ten tribes. I found an article by an LDS member who wrote about this. He does a good job summarizing the scriptures that foretell this great event. (See article entitled "A Volcanic Highway for the Lost Tribes?" by John P. Pratt - http://www.meridianmagazine.com/sci_rel/050915volcano.html)
To summarize in one sentence, it seems that the return of the lost tribes will be a miraculous event that will be even bigger than when Israel was led out of Egypt
3 Nephi 14
Teachings of Christ continued
If you do not judge, you will not be judged
I think this is more at mercy. If you are merciful to people, you will obtain mercy. If you are merciless to people, you will not obtain mercy.
Elder Oaks gave an excellent talk on judgment. He identified two kinds of judgment: final judgment and intermediate judgment.
Of final judgment he said, " I believe that the scriptural command to “judge not” refers most clearly to this final judgment, as in the Book of Mormon declaration that “man shall not … judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord” (Morm. 8:20).
"The effect of one mortal’s attempting to pass final judgment on another mortal is analogous to the effect on an athlete and observers if we could proclaim the outcome of an athletic contest with certainty while it was still under way. A similar reason forbids our presuming to make final judgments on the outcome of any person’s lifelong mortal contest.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; … He holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, … ‘not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,’ those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 218)." (Dallin H. Oaks, “‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug 1999, 7)
Regarding this quote by Joseph Smith … in the business world, this appears to be the standard too when it comes to audits. In the IT industry and in our company, there isn't necessarily a rule book for everyone to follow. Rather, committees are formed and pass a set of regulations. When audit comes along, they will not judge whether we are following good practices or not, instead they will look at what rules we've applied to ourselves and then judge us according to those rules.
To bring this back to the Gospel … it matters not how many commandments have ever been given. What is important is what commandments we have been given in our dispensation and if we have been taught them and if we have kept them.
Ask and it shall be given
This references prayer. If we lack knowledge, then we should ask and God will grant it to us. As the saying goes, it never hurts to ask.
This counsel is perhaps the most often repeated declaration in the scriptures. If the Lord repeats it so much, then there must be something to it.
Do unto others as you would have them do to you – the Golden Rule
If I want to be loved, then I should love.
Enter the straight gate
If you want to enter the kingdom of God, you must enter at the entrance. You will not obtain the kingdom of God if you do not follow the given rules.
The cliché goes "all roads lead to Rome." But with regards to the Kingdom of Heaven … only one road leads there.
Beware of false prophets
Always listen to the authorized servants of God. Never put your trust in people who seem to have the spirit of God with them. Follow those who are authorized to teach the gospel.
Produce good fruit (works)
In order to produce good fruit (works), then one must be good himself. You cannot be evil and produce good fruit and vice versa.
All can hear the words and teachings of Christ, but who will heed them?
Only those who heed his teachings will benefit from them. Those who do not do the teachings of Christ will perish.
If you do not judge, you will not be judged
I think this is more at mercy. If you are merciful to people, you will obtain mercy. If you are merciless to people, you will not obtain mercy.
Elder Oaks gave an excellent talk on judgment. He identified two kinds of judgment: final judgment and intermediate judgment.
Of final judgment he said, " I believe that the scriptural command to “judge not” refers most clearly to this final judgment, as in the Book of Mormon declaration that “man shall not … judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord” (Morm. 8:20).
"The effect of one mortal’s attempting to pass final judgment on another mortal is analogous to the effect on an athlete and observers if we could proclaim the outcome of an athletic contest with certainty while it was still under way. A similar reason forbids our presuming to make final judgments on the outcome of any person’s lifelong mortal contest.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; … He holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, … ‘not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,’ those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 218)." (Dallin H. Oaks, “‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug 1999, 7)
Regarding this quote by Joseph Smith … in the business world, this appears to be the standard too when it comes to audits. In the IT industry and in our company, there isn't necessarily a rule book for everyone to follow. Rather, committees are formed and pass a set of regulations. When audit comes along, they will not judge whether we are following good practices or not, instead they will look at what rules we've applied to ourselves and then judge us according to those rules.
To bring this back to the Gospel … it matters not how many commandments have ever been given. What is important is what commandments we have been given in our dispensation and if we have been taught them and if we have kept them.
Ask and it shall be given
This references prayer. If we lack knowledge, then we should ask and God will grant it to us. As the saying goes, it never hurts to ask.
This counsel is perhaps the most often repeated declaration in the scriptures. If the Lord repeats it so much, then there must be something to it.
Do unto others as you would have them do to you – the Golden Rule
If I want to be loved, then I should love.
Enter the straight gate
If you want to enter the kingdom of God, you must enter at the entrance. You will not obtain the kingdom of God if you do not follow the given rules.
The cliché goes "all roads lead to Rome." But with regards to the Kingdom of Heaven … only one road leads there.
Beware of false prophets
Always listen to the authorized servants of God. Never put your trust in people who seem to have the spirit of God with them. Follow those who are authorized to teach the gospel.
Produce good fruit (works)
In order to produce good fruit (works), then one must be good himself. You cannot be evil and produce good fruit and vice versa.
All can hear the words and teachings of Christ, but who will heed them?
Only those who heed his teachings will benefit from them. Those who do not do the teachings of Christ will perish.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
3 Nephi 13
Teachings of Christ continued
Give to the poor, but do it privately
Do not make it known that you give to the poor. Modern day application: pay your tithes and offerings privately (don't announce how much you pay).
In a broader sense, the Savior is also teaching us about motivation to serve. We should not serve to be seen of men. Rather we should serve because we love God.
In Elder Oaks first General Conference talk (Dallin H. Oaks, “Why Do We Serve?,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 12), he gave six reasons as to why we serve. From basest to noblest, the reasons are:
For earthly reward
For a personal desire to obtain good companionship
Out of fear of punishment
Out of a sense of duty or loyalty to friends or family traditions
Hope for an eternal reward (the joy of the fruits of our labor)
For "a more excellent way"; because we have charity - we love God and our fellow men
Pray to God. When you pray, pray in secret; when you pray, do not repeat in vain
Modern day application: pray every day privately. Find a quiet place to reflect, meditate and pray to God. Do not mindlessly say the same prayer and ask for the same things over and over again. Deliberately pray … honestly think about what you are thankful for and what you need from your Father in Heaven. Pray sincerely.
Elder Scott offered this counsel in his April 2007 General Conference talk, " Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.
A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it." (Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11)
Forgive others
Modern day application: don't hold grudges. Don't be so easily offended. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
Fast to be seen of God, not of men
Don't let it be known that you are fasting. Modern day application: while fasting, don't complain of hunger pains and starving with others. Act as though the fasting day is like any other day. Be cheerful, but humble. For me, I should not complain of headaches. I should endure cheerfully and focus on the spiritual blessings of the fast.
Do not accumulate treasures on earth; lay up treasures in Heaven
Modern day application: find joy in the spiritual things of life. Do not let greed and materialism get a hold of your heart. Do not enter spending races with neighbors.
We can learn as much as we can or want to in this life. No matter what will happen, we will take that knowledge with us. It is ours to keep. Robbers cannot break in and steal it nor will it become corrupted by rust. If we render service, we will lay up blessings in heaven for ourselves.
Teachings of Christ to his Apostles
Don't worry about what to eat, drink or what you will wear
Use your whole efforts towards the teaching of repentance and God. Give your undivided attention to the building of the kingdom of God.
Seek first to build up the kingdom, and all other blessings will follow
Give to the poor, but do it privately
Do not make it known that you give to the poor. Modern day application: pay your tithes and offerings privately (don't announce how much you pay).
In a broader sense, the Savior is also teaching us about motivation to serve. We should not serve to be seen of men. Rather we should serve because we love God.
In Elder Oaks first General Conference talk (Dallin H. Oaks, “Why Do We Serve?,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 12), he gave six reasons as to why we serve. From basest to noblest, the reasons are:
For earthly reward
For a personal desire to obtain good companionship
Out of fear of punishment
Out of a sense of duty or loyalty to friends or family traditions
Hope for an eternal reward (the joy of the fruits of our labor)
For "a more excellent way"; because we have charity - we love God and our fellow men
Pray to God. When you pray, pray in secret; when you pray, do not repeat in vain
Modern day application: pray every day privately. Find a quiet place to reflect, meditate and pray to God. Do not mindlessly say the same prayer and ask for the same things over and over again. Deliberately pray … honestly think about what you are thankful for and what you need from your Father in Heaven. Pray sincerely.
Elder Scott offered this counsel in his April 2007 General Conference talk, " Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.
A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it." (Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11)
Forgive others
Modern day application: don't hold grudges. Don't be so easily offended. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
Fast to be seen of God, not of men
Don't let it be known that you are fasting. Modern day application: while fasting, don't complain of hunger pains and starving with others. Act as though the fasting day is like any other day. Be cheerful, but humble. For me, I should not complain of headaches. I should endure cheerfully and focus on the spiritual blessings of the fast.
Do not accumulate treasures on earth; lay up treasures in Heaven
Modern day application: find joy in the spiritual things of life. Do not let greed and materialism get a hold of your heart. Do not enter spending races with neighbors.
We can learn as much as we can or want to in this life. No matter what will happen, we will take that knowledge with us. It is ours to keep. Robbers cannot break in and steal it nor will it become corrupted by rust. If we render service, we will lay up blessings in heaven for ourselves.
Teachings of Christ to his Apostles
Don't worry about what to eat, drink or what you will wear
Use your whole efforts towards the teaching of repentance and God. Give your undivided attention to the building of the kingdom of God.
Seek first to build up the kingdom, and all other blessings will follow
3 Nephi 12: Part II
Other Teachings of Christ
Be the salt of the earth
The "I Have a Question" section from the April 1999 Ensign does a wonderful job of explaining what this teaching means.
To summarize, in the Law of Moses when sacrifices were offered, the animal flesh or fruit or smoke was not given to the Lord. Rather it was the smell or savour that was given and was pleasing to the Lord. To make the smell sweet, salt was sprinkled on the offering.
As the article points out, "It is clear that under the new covenant the followers of Christ, as “salt,” are responsible for extending gospel blessings to the whole earth. “When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant,” the Lord explains, “they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men” (D&C 101:39). It is our privilege and blessing to lovingly lead our brothers and sisters to Christ, helping them receive their covenant blessings. As we do so, we become the figurative salt that makes it possible for them to offer the acceptable sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. In addition, our own covenant sacrifice of time, talents, and means is pleasing to the Lord."
Therefore, to be the salt of the earth means we are to love and lead and be missionaries in all that we do.
Just as a side thought … how interesting it is that the restored Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City Utah.
Be the light of this people
The second part of this lesson is that we should be the light to the people (be an example of righteousness). The point of this (in my understanding) is that we need to show our works and be in the world but not of it. We could not "salt" the earth if we lived in an isolated environment. We need to be "out and about" showing our light and not in some remote land where we could not influence those not of our faith.
Believe in Christ
Believe his teachings and follow them. The first principle of the Gospel is faith in Jesus Christ.
Repent of your sins
Repent of breaking commandments that Christ has given us. The commandments are found in this very chapter of 3 Nephi.
Have a broken heart and contrite spirit
Be humble and willing to submit to the teachings of Christ.
Do not be angry with your fellow man
Do not call him a fool (stupid, idiot) or any names. If you do, you will be in danger of hell's fire.
Lynn G. Robbins said the following, "A cunning part of his [Satan's] strategy is to dissociate anger from agency, making us believe that we are victims of an emotion that we cannot control. We hear, “I lost my temper.” Losing one’s temper is an interesting choice of words that has become a widely used idiom. To “lose something” implies “not meaning to,” “accidental,” “involuntary,” “not responsible”—careless perhaps but “not responsible.”
“He made me mad.” This is another phrase we hear, also implying lack of control or agency. This is a myth that must be debunked. No one makes us mad. Others don’t make us angry. There is no force involved. Becoming angry is a conscious choice, a decision; therefore, we can make the choice not to become angry. We choose!
To those who say, “But I can’t help myself,” author William Wilbanks responds: “Nonsense.”
“Aggression, … suppressing the anger, talking about it, screaming and yelling,” are all learned strategies in dealing with anger. “We choose the one that has proved effective for us in the past. Ever notice how seldom we lose control when frustrated by our boss, but how often we do when annoyed by friends or family?” (“The New Obscenity,” Reader’s Digest, Dec. 1988, 24; emphasis added). (Lynn G. Robbins, “Agency and Anger,” Ensign, May 1998, 80)
Before you come unto Christ, reconcile all your differences with your neighbors or acquaintances
Do not let disagreements last. The longer you wait to resolve differences, the harder it becomes to repent. Work out problems quickly before the problems grow too big to handle.
Do not look upon women (men) to lust after
It is natural to glance, but do not dwell on uninvited thoughts and be quick to turn away to resist further temptation.
Divorce is bad
Divorce is only good if it resolves a greater evil (unfaithful spouse, abuse).
Do not forswear (falsely swear)
You should be so honest in all that you say, that you should not even need to swear! When you say yes, it should mean yes. When you say no, it should be no.
If you are offended, do not seek revenge
First, let him treat you badly again and let the sting of his conscience rebuke him. If his conscience does sting him, he will repent and a friend will be gained. If his conscience does not sting him, leave him to God. Do not let anger and hate dwell in your heart. It may corrupt you more than the person that offended you. Leave it to God to handle. Always forgive.
Be kind to those who are in need
Lend to the borrower. Give to the beggar.
Do not hate your enemies, rather pray for them, and even serve them
If you can truly love your enemies, then you will have charity.
I will always remember the story President Hinckley related in his talk (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 81) about a woman who forgave a 19-year-old who threw a frozen turkey into the woman's car.
The news article from which President Hinckley read the account said, “How would you feel toward a teenager who decided to toss a 20-pound frozen turkey from a speeding car headlong into the windshield of the car you were driving? How would you feel after enduring six hours of surgery using metal plates and other hardware to piece your face together, and after learning you still face years of therapy before returning to normal—and that you ought to feel lucky you didn’t die or suffer permanent brain damage?
“And how would you feel after learning that your assailant and his buddies had the turkey in the first place because they had stolen a credit card and gone on a senseless shopping spree, just for kicks? …
“This is the kind of hideous crime that propels politicians to office on promises of getting tough on crime. It’s the kind of thing that prompts legislators to climb all over each other in a struggle to be the first to introduce a bill that would add enhanced penalties for the use of frozen fowl in the commission of a crime.
“The New York Times quoted the district attorney as saying this is the sort of crime for which victims feel no punishment is harsh enough. ‘Death doesn’t even satisfy them,’ he said.
“Which is what makes what really happened so unusual. The victim, Victoria Ruvolo, a 44-year-old former manager of a collections agency, was more interested in salvaging the life of her 19-year-old assailant, Ryan Cushing, than in exacting any sort of revenge. She pestered prosecutors for information about him, his life, how he was raised, etc. Then she insisted on offering him a plea deal. Cushing could serve six months in the county jail and be on probation for 5 years if he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.
“Had he been convicted of first-degree assault—the charge most fitting for the crime—he could have served 25 years in prison, finally thrown back into society as a middle-aged man with no skills or prospects.
“But this is only half the story. The rest of it, what happened the day this all played out in court, is the truly remarkable part.
“According to an account in the New York Post, Cushing carefully and tentatively made his way to where Ruvolo sat in the courtroom and tearfully whispered an apology. ‘I’m so sorry for what I did to you.’
Be the salt of the earth
The "I Have a Question" section from the April 1999 Ensign does a wonderful job of explaining what this teaching means.
To summarize, in the Law of Moses when sacrifices were offered, the animal flesh or fruit or smoke was not given to the Lord. Rather it was the smell or savour that was given and was pleasing to the Lord. To make the smell sweet, salt was sprinkled on the offering.
As the article points out, "It is clear that under the new covenant the followers of Christ, as “salt,” are responsible for extending gospel blessings to the whole earth. “When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant,” the Lord explains, “they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men” (D&C 101:39). It is our privilege and blessing to lovingly lead our brothers and sisters to Christ, helping them receive their covenant blessings. As we do so, we become the figurative salt that makes it possible for them to offer the acceptable sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. In addition, our own covenant sacrifice of time, talents, and means is pleasing to the Lord."
Therefore, to be the salt of the earth means we are to love and lead and be missionaries in all that we do.
Just as a side thought … how interesting it is that the restored Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City Utah.
Be the light of this people
The second part of this lesson is that we should be the light to the people (be an example of righteousness). The point of this (in my understanding) is that we need to show our works and be in the world but not of it. We could not "salt" the earth if we lived in an isolated environment. We need to be "out and about" showing our light and not in some remote land where we could not influence those not of our faith.
Believe in Christ
Believe his teachings and follow them. The first principle of the Gospel is faith in Jesus Christ.
Repent of your sins
Repent of breaking commandments that Christ has given us. The commandments are found in this very chapter of 3 Nephi.
Have a broken heart and contrite spirit
Be humble and willing to submit to the teachings of Christ.
Do not be angry with your fellow man
Do not call him a fool (stupid, idiot) or any names. If you do, you will be in danger of hell's fire.
Lynn G. Robbins said the following, "A cunning part of his [Satan's] strategy is to dissociate anger from agency, making us believe that we are victims of an emotion that we cannot control. We hear, “I lost my temper.” Losing one’s temper is an interesting choice of words that has become a widely used idiom. To “lose something” implies “not meaning to,” “accidental,” “involuntary,” “not responsible”—careless perhaps but “not responsible.”
“He made me mad.” This is another phrase we hear, also implying lack of control or agency. This is a myth that must be debunked. No one makes us mad. Others don’t make us angry. There is no force involved. Becoming angry is a conscious choice, a decision; therefore, we can make the choice not to become angry. We choose!
To those who say, “But I can’t help myself,” author William Wilbanks responds: “Nonsense.”
“Aggression, … suppressing the anger, talking about it, screaming and yelling,” are all learned strategies in dealing with anger. “We choose the one that has proved effective for us in the past. Ever notice how seldom we lose control when frustrated by our boss, but how often we do when annoyed by friends or family?” (“The New Obscenity,” Reader’s Digest, Dec. 1988, 24; emphasis added). (Lynn G. Robbins, “Agency and Anger,” Ensign, May 1998, 80)
Before you come unto Christ, reconcile all your differences with your neighbors or acquaintances
Do not let disagreements last. The longer you wait to resolve differences, the harder it becomes to repent. Work out problems quickly before the problems grow too big to handle.
Do not look upon women (men) to lust after
It is natural to glance, but do not dwell on uninvited thoughts and be quick to turn away to resist further temptation.
Divorce is bad
Divorce is only good if it resolves a greater evil (unfaithful spouse, abuse).
Do not forswear (falsely swear)
You should be so honest in all that you say, that you should not even need to swear! When you say yes, it should mean yes. When you say no, it should be no.
If you are offended, do not seek revenge
First, let him treat you badly again and let the sting of his conscience rebuke him. If his conscience does sting him, he will repent and a friend will be gained. If his conscience does not sting him, leave him to God. Do not let anger and hate dwell in your heart. It may corrupt you more than the person that offended you. Leave it to God to handle. Always forgive.
Be kind to those who are in need
Lend to the borrower. Give to the beggar.
Do not hate your enemies, rather pray for them, and even serve them
If you can truly love your enemies, then you will have charity.
I will always remember the story President Hinckley related in his talk (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 81) about a woman who forgave a 19-year-old who threw a frozen turkey into the woman's car.
The news article from which President Hinckley read the account said, “How would you feel toward a teenager who decided to toss a 20-pound frozen turkey from a speeding car headlong into the windshield of the car you were driving? How would you feel after enduring six hours of surgery using metal plates and other hardware to piece your face together, and after learning you still face years of therapy before returning to normal—and that you ought to feel lucky you didn’t die or suffer permanent brain damage?
“And how would you feel after learning that your assailant and his buddies had the turkey in the first place because they had stolen a credit card and gone on a senseless shopping spree, just for kicks? …
“This is the kind of hideous crime that propels politicians to office on promises of getting tough on crime. It’s the kind of thing that prompts legislators to climb all over each other in a struggle to be the first to introduce a bill that would add enhanced penalties for the use of frozen fowl in the commission of a crime.
“The New York Times quoted the district attorney as saying this is the sort of crime for which victims feel no punishment is harsh enough. ‘Death doesn’t even satisfy them,’ he said.
“Which is what makes what really happened so unusual. The victim, Victoria Ruvolo, a 44-year-old former manager of a collections agency, was more interested in salvaging the life of her 19-year-old assailant, Ryan Cushing, than in exacting any sort of revenge. She pestered prosecutors for information about him, his life, how he was raised, etc. Then she insisted on offering him a plea deal. Cushing could serve six months in the county jail and be on probation for 5 years if he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.
“Had he been convicted of first-degree assault—the charge most fitting for the crime—he could have served 25 years in prison, finally thrown back into society as a middle-aged man with no skills or prospects.
“But this is only half the story. The rest of it, what happened the day this all played out in court, is the truly remarkable part.
“According to an account in the New York Post, Cushing carefully and tentatively made his way to where Ruvolo sat in the courtroom and tearfully whispered an apology. ‘I’m so sorry for what I did to you.’
Ryan Cushing was sentenced to six months in jail, five years probation and five years psychiatric help and community service.
Be perfect like Christ who is like God
Saturday, September 01, 2007
3 Nephi 12: Part I
The Beatitudes
Be poor in spirit --> you shall receive kingdom of heaven
See also Romans 8:17, D&C 84:38, D&C 56:18
Poor in spirit means that we are spiritually dependant on God. It means we know our need for God.
Mourn --> you shall be comforted
Russell M. Nelson said, "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." (The Gateway We Call Death, p. 22-24)
Be meek --> you shall inherit the earth (see Articles of Faith v. 10)
“…meekness has a metabolism that actually requires very little praise or recognition-of which there is usually such a shortage anyway.
“…Meekness also protects us from the fatigue of being easily offended. There are so many just waiting to be offended. They are so alerted to the possibility that they will not be treated fairly, they almost invite the verification of their expectations! The meek, not posted on such a fatiguing alert, find rest from this form of fatigue.
“…Bruising as the tumble off the peak of pride is, it may be necessary…Meekness enables us, after a tumble, to pick ourselves up but without putting others down blamefully.
“…The deserving and blessed meek will not only eventually inherit the earth, they will do so when this planet is really worth inheriting!”
“…If meek, we will place all we have on the altar of the Lord and will not ask for a receipt!” (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, pp. ix, 55, 57, 58, 95, 207)
Hunger and thirst after righteousness --> you shall be filled with the Holy Ghost
What would you do if you were literally dying of hunger and thirst? What if you were a mother or father of little children who needed food and water and who were going to die if they did not eat or drink? What would you do? I would imagine I would do just about anything to feed my family. Jean Valjean was so desperate that he stole bread to feed his family.
I can recall going outside to run for exercise one hot summer day. It may have been foolish of me to run out in the heat at the time, but I wasn't too concerned at the time. I was on the last stretch of the run and I was thirsty. I was not simply thirsty; rather I was deliriously thirsty. All I could think about was water. I was desperate. Thirst was my only motivation to get back home. Thirst is what drove me to finish that day.
Are we just as motivated to seek righteousness or are we passive? Jesus taught us to truly desire righteousness.
Be merciful --> you shall obtain mercy (at the judgment seat and in this life)
One of mercy's synonyms is forgiveness. I will never forget the last talk President Faust gave in General Conference (April 2007). It was perhaps the most emotional talk by a general authority I've seen.
We must have mercy and forgive if we are to live in peace. If we let revenge and hate decay our souls, our lives will indeed by hell. We can always choose to have mercy.
Be pure in heart --> you shall see God
Elder Wirthlin said the following, "To be without guile is to be pure in heart—an essential virtue of those who would be counted among true followers of Christ. He taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8; see also 3 Ne. 12:8). He revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that Zion is the pure in heart (see D&C 97:21) and that a house is to be built in Zion in which the pure in heart shall see God (see D&C 97:10–16).
"If we are without guile, we are honest, true, and righteous. All of these are attributes of Deity and are required of the Saints. Those who are honest are fair and truthful in their speech, straightforward in their dealings, free of deceit, and above stealing, misrepresentation, or any other fraudulent action. Honesty is of God and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning. Righteousness is living a life that is in harmony with the laws, principles, and ordinances of the gospel." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Without Guile,” Ensign, May 1988, 80).
President Kimball said the following, "Zion is 'every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.' (D&C 82:19.) As I understand these matters, Zion can be established only by those who are pure in heart, and who labor for Zion, for 'the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.' (2 Ne. 26:31.)" (Spencer W. Kimball, “Becoming the Pure in Heart,” Ensign, May 1978, 79) He then went on to outline how the Church can become pure in heart.
Be a peacemaker --> you shall be called a child of God
Elder Nelson said, "Now, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what does the Lord expect of us? As a Church, we must “renounce war and proclaim peace.” (D&C 98:16) As individuals, we should “follow after the things which make for peace.” (Romans 14:19) We should be personal peacemakers. We should live peacefully—as couples, families, and neighbors. We should live by the Golden Rule. We have writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with writings of the descendants of Ephraim. (Ezek. 37:16-19; 2 Nephi 3:12) We should employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We should bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We should serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We should keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We should continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations." (Russell M. Nelson, “‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 39)
Be persecuted --> you shall receive the kingdom of heaven and the reward therein
“I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 304.)
What the Beatitudes boil down to is one word: humility.
Be poor in spirit --> you shall receive kingdom of heaven
See also Romans 8:17, D&C 84:38, D&C 56:18
Poor in spirit means that we are spiritually dependant on God. It means we know our need for God.
Mourn --> you shall be comforted
Russell M. Nelson said, "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." (The Gateway We Call Death, p. 22-24)
Be meek --> you shall inherit the earth (see Articles of Faith v. 10)
“…meekness has a metabolism that actually requires very little praise or recognition-of which there is usually such a shortage anyway.
“…Meekness also protects us from the fatigue of being easily offended. There are so many just waiting to be offended. They are so alerted to the possibility that they will not be treated fairly, they almost invite the verification of their expectations! The meek, not posted on such a fatiguing alert, find rest from this form of fatigue.
“…Bruising as the tumble off the peak of pride is, it may be necessary…Meekness enables us, after a tumble, to pick ourselves up but without putting others down blamefully.
“…The deserving and blessed meek will not only eventually inherit the earth, they will do so when this planet is really worth inheriting!”
“…If meek, we will place all we have on the altar of the Lord and will not ask for a receipt!” (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, pp. ix, 55, 57, 58, 95, 207)
Hunger and thirst after righteousness --> you shall be filled with the Holy Ghost
What would you do if you were literally dying of hunger and thirst? What if you were a mother or father of little children who needed food and water and who were going to die if they did not eat or drink? What would you do? I would imagine I would do just about anything to feed my family. Jean Valjean was so desperate that he stole bread to feed his family.
I can recall going outside to run for exercise one hot summer day. It may have been foolish of me to run out in the heat at the time, but I wasn't too concerned at the time. I was on the last stretch of the run and I was thirsty. I was not simply thirsty; rather I was deliriously thirsty. All I could think about was water. I was desperate. Thirst was my only motivation to get back home. Thirst is what drove me to finish that day.
Are we just as motivated to seek righteousness or are we passive? Jesus taught us to truly desire righteousness.
Be merciful --> you shall obtain mercy (at the judgment seat and in this life)
One of mercy's synonyms is forgiveness. I will never forget the last talk President Faust gave in General Conference (April 2007). It was perhaps the most emotional talk by a general authority I've seen.
We must have mercy and forgive if we are to live in peace. If we let revenge and hate decay our souls, our lives will indeed by hell. We can always choose to have mercy.
Be pure in heart --> you shall see God
Elder Wirthlin said the following, "To be without guile is to be pure in heart—an essential virtue of those who would be counted among true followers of Christ. He taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8; see also 3 Ne. 12:8). He revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that Zion is the pure in heart (see D&C 97:21) and that a house is to be built in Zion in which the pure in heart shall see God (see D&C 97:10–16).
"If we are without guile, we are honest, true, and righteous. All of these are attributes of Deity and are required of the Saints. Those who are honest are fair and truthful in their speech, straightforward in their dealings, free of deceit, and above stealing, misrepresentation, or any other fraudulent action. Honesty is of God and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning. Righteousness is living a life that is in harmony with the laws, principles, and ordinances of the gospel." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Without Guile,” Ensign, May 1988, 80).
President Kimball said the following, "Zion is 'every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.' (D&C 82:19.) As I understand these matters, Zion can be established only by those who are pure in heart, and who labor for Zion, for 'the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.' (2 Ne. 26:31.)" (Spencer W. Kimball, “Becoming the Pure in Heart,” Ensign, May 1978, 79) He then went on to outline how the Church can become pure in heart.
Be a peacemaker --> you shall be called a child of God
Elder Nelson said, "Now, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what does the Lord expect of us? As a Church, we must “renounce war and proclaim peace.” (D&C 98:16) As individuals, we should “follow after the things which make for peace.” (Romans 14:19) We should be personal peacemakers. We should live peacefully—as couples, families, and neighbors. We should live by the Golden Rule. We have writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with writings of the descendants of Ephraim. (Ezek. 37:16-19; 2 Nephi 3:12) We should employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We should bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We should serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We should keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We should continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations." (Russell M. Nelson, “‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 39)
Be persecuted --> you shall receive the kingdom of heaven and the reward therein
“I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priestcraft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 304.)
What the Beatitudes boil down to is one word: humility.
Friday, August 31, 2007
3 Nephi 11
V. 3-6: Open Your Ears and Look
The Nephites hear a voice coming from heaven. The voice is not harsh or loud. It pierced them to the "center." It took them three times before they understood it. On the third time, they opened their ears and the looked with their eyes towards the sound. How many times are we distracted by other things that we close our ears to and look the other way from the direction of our leaders' counsel? If we do not open our ears and look to our leaders for direction, we will not understand what the Lord would have us do.
V. 11: The Will of the Father
Christ announced to the Nephites that he is the light and life of the world. Without him, we would all be lost forever just as we would be doomed to die on a world without light. The planet would be too cold to live on and vegetation would not grow. We would die of either cold or hunger. Additionally, Christ told the Nephites that he fulfilled his father's will "in all things from the beginning."
How many times do I seek my own will rather than the will of God? (Too many I'm afraid.) But think upon this idea of doing the Father's will. What are our reasons for not doing the Father's will? I imagine that we are seeking other ways to find happiness. We may be focused on obtaining material wealth. We may be afraid that if we devote our precious time and resources to the Father's will, we will never achieve anything of our own. But if we seek the Father's will in all things, we will inherit all that Heavenly Father possesses or in other words, "the kingdom of God" (v. 38). So really, it is in our best interest to seek the will of the Father so that one day, we will inherit "the kingdom of God."
V. 14-15: Come Forth Unto Me
Christ invites the people to learn for themselves that He is indeed the Christ that was prophesied of to come. He invites them to thrust their hands into his side. This is in reference to when the Roman guards went to break his legs so that he would die of suffocation; they found that Christ was already dead. They took a spear and pierced his side and blood and water came gushing out (John 19:34). He invites the Nephites to feel the prints of the nails that were driven in his hands, wrists and feet. The individual who would feel his marks would know that Christ is indeed the "God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth" and that he has died for the sins of the world. We learn from 1 Nephi 11:33 that Nephi knew that Christ would be crucified. This knowledge would have been passed down from prophet to prophet and from prophet to people so that the people would know the true Christ. One day, each of us will know that Jesus is the Christ. Everyone will confess that he is the Christ. For the individual who is righteous enough, I imagine that one day he or she will experience the same intimate manifestation the Nephites enjoyed. He or she will feel the marks of Christ and know for sure that Christ is his or her personal Savior.
V. 21-28: The Authority and Manner of Baptism
After the Nephites feel the marks of the Savior, Jesus calls Nephi and gives him power to baptize in Christ's name. Christ also exhorts them not to have disputations among themselves. Jesus clearly outlines the procedure of baptism. The person must repent before baptism. He then must "go down and stand in the water." The baptismal prayer is pronounced and then the person is "immersed" in the water. God's kingdom is a kingdom of order. The ordinance that allows a person into God's kingdom then ought to be well organized and ordained from God. Here in these verses, Christ clearly establishes the standard for baptism into God's kingdom. There must have been some disagreements among the Nephites prior to Christ's coming since Jesus exhorts them to not dispute.
V. 29-41: The Doctrine of Christ
Jesus then teaches the people his doctrine – both what it is and what it is not. He first teaches them that his doctrine is not to have the spirit of contention. The doctrine of contention is of the devil. Satan would have the children of God stirred up in anger one with another. But Christ's doctrine is to do away with such contention. In place of contention is the doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism and becoming like a little child. The qualities of a little child are precious. A little child is humble, meek, obedient, willing to submit and loving. I tend to think of my children when I read this doctrine. They are quick to say "I'm sorry." They are obedient, kind and loving.
The Nephites hear a voice coming from heaven. The voice is not harsh or loud. It pierced them to the "center." It took them three times before they understood it. On the third time, they opened their ears and the looked with their eyes towards the sound. How many times are we distracted by other things that we close our ears to and look the other way from the direction of our leaders' counsel? If we do not open our ears and look to our leaders for direction, we will not understand what the Lord would have us do.
V. 11: The Will of the Father
Christ announced to the Nephites that he is the light and life of the world. Without him, we would all be lost forever just as we would be doomed to die on a world without light. The planet would be too cold to live on and vegetation would not grow. We would die of either cold or hunger. Additionally, Christ told the Nephites that he fulfilled his father's will "in all things from the beginning."
How many times do I seek my own will rather than the will of God? (Too many I'm afraid.) But think upon this idea of doing the Father's will. What are our reasons for not doing the Father's will? I imagine that we are seeking other ways to find happiness. We may be focused on obtaining material wealth. We may be afraid that if we devote our precious time and resources to the Father's will, we will never achieve anything of our own. But if we seek the Father's will in all things, we will inherit all that Heavenly Father possesses or in other words, "the kingdom of God" (v. 38). So really, it is in our best interest to seek the will of the Father so that one day, we will inherit "the kingdom of God."
V. 14-15: Come Forth Unto Me
Christ invites the people to learn for themselves that He is indeed the Christ that was prophesied of to come. He invites them to thrust their hands into his side. This is in reference to when the Roman guards went to break his legs so that he would die of suffocation; they found that Christ was already dead. They took a spear and pierced his side and blood and water came gushing out (John 19:34). He invites the Nephites to feel the prints of the nails that were driven in his hands, wrists and feet. The individual who would feel his marks would know that Christ is indeed the "God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth" and that he has died for the sins of the world. We learn from 1 Nephi 11:33 that Nephi knew that Christ would be crucified. This knowledge would have been passed down from prophet to prophet and from prophet to people so that the people would know the true Christ. One day, each of us will know that Jesus is the Christ. Everyone will confess that he is the Christ. For the individual who is righteous enough, I imagine that one day he or she will experience the same intimate manifestation the Nephites enjoyed. He or she will feel the marks of Christ and know for sure that Christ is his or her personal Savior.
V. 21-28: The Authority and Manner of Baptism
After the Nephites feel the marks of the Savior, Jesus calls Nephi and gives him power to baptize in Christ's name. Christ also exhorts them not to have disputations among themselves. Jesus clearly outlines the procedure of baptism. The person must repent before baptism. He then must "go down and stand in the water." The baptismal prayer is pronounced and then the person is "immersed" in the water. God's kingdom is a kingdom of order. The ordinance that allows a person into God's kingdom then ought to be well organized and ordained from God. Here in these verses, Christ clearly establishes the standard for baptism into God's kingdom. There must have been some disagreements among the Nephites prior to Christ's coming since Jesus exhorts them to not dispute.
V. 29-41: The Doctrine of Christ
Jesus then teaches the people his doctrine – both what it is and what it is not. He first teaches them that his doctrine is not to have the spirit of contention. The doctrine of contention is of the devil. Satan would have the children of God stirred up in anger one with another. But Christ's doctrine is to do away with such contention. In place of contention is the doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism and becoming like a little child. The qualities of a little child are precious. A little child is humble, meek, obedient, willing to submit and loving. I tend to think of my children when I read this doctrine. They are quick to say "I'm sorry." They are obedient, kind and loving.
Monday, August 27, 2007
3 Nephi 9 & 10
Follow the Prophets
I think the whole purpose of these two chapters is to convince the reader to follow the prophets.
In chapter 9, several times Mormon says that the people were destroyed because the killed the prophets and saints. It is a graphic chapter about those who completely disregarded the prophets. This is quite a warning to us in this day and time.
Chapter 10 talks about how the prophets were correct in their prophecies. It also talks about how blessed those people are who follow the prophets.
There is a fantastic article in the July 200 Ensign (Following the Prophets: A Book of Mormon Perspective) that talks about following the prophets. The author uses the Book of Mormon as an example of how people were blessed by following the prophets and how people were cursed for not following the prophets.
Christ’s Pleas
Who can ignore the pleas of Christ for his people to turn to him by repenting?
V. 13 – “return unto me, and repent of your sins”
V. 14 – “come unto me … mine arm of mercy is extended towards you … blessed are those who come unto me.”
V. 21 – “I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.”
V. 22 – “whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive … repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.”
C. 10 V. 6 – “return unto me with full purpose of heart.”
The invitation is clear to those who survived the destruction. They have a chance to begin a new life, if you will. They are given a second chance to repent and make things right.
These verses testify to the mercy of Christ and God. The Nephites were in an awful state of wickedness and were mostly destroyed. After the destruction, they were granted mercy – a chance to change and truly repent of their sins.
As a small note on chapter 10 – verse 18 states that at the “ending of the thirty and fourth year” Christ appeared to the Nephites and Lamanites who remained alive in the land. Remember that the great destruction took place at the beginning of the 34th year. It seems that most of the 34th year, the people were probably repairing and getting their lives back in order when Christ appeared to them at the temple in Bountiful.
I think the whole purpose of these two chapters is to convince the reader to follow the prophets.
In chapter 9, several times Mormon says that the people were destroyed because the killed the prophets and saints. It is a graphic chapter about those who completely disregarded the prophets. This is quite a warning to us in this day and time.
Chapter 10 talks about how the prophets were correct in their prophecies. It also talks about how blessed those people are who follow the prophets.
There is a fantastic article in the July 200 Ensign (Following the Prophets: A Book of Mormon Perspective) that talks about following the prophets. The author uses the Book of Mormon as an example of how people were blessed by following the prophets and how people were cursed for not following the prophets.
Christ’s Pleas
Who can ignore the pleas of Christ for his people to turn to him by repenting?
V. 13 – “return unto me, and repent of your sins”
V. 14 – “come unto me … mine arm of mercy is extended towards you … blessed are those who come unto me.”
V. 21 – “I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.”
V. 22 – “whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive … repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.”
C. 10 V. 6 – “return unto me with full purpose of heart.”
The invitation is clear to those who survived the destruction. They have a chance to begin a new life, if you will. They are given a second chance to repent and make things right.
These verses testify to the mercy of Christ and God. The Nephites were in an awful state of wickedness and were mostly destroyed. After the destruction, they were granted mercy – a chance to change and truly repent of their sins.
As a small note on chapter 10 – verse 18 states that at the “ending of the thirty and fourth year” Christ appeared to the Nephites and Lamanites who remained alive in the land. Remember that the great destruction took place at the beginning of the 34th year. It seems that most of the 34th year, the people were probably repairing and getting their lives back in order when Christ appeared to them at the temple in Bountiful.
3 Nephi 7 & 8
The Nephites’ Return to Pride
3 Nephi 7 begins in year 30. The chief judge or governor was assassinated and the people who killed him failed in establishing a king. The Nephite government was completely dismantled and all the people divided up into tribes. Verse 8 sums up pretty well the state of the people, "thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire."
The tribe that consisted of the people who destroyed the government was led by a man named Jacob. This tribe fled to the northern lands to set up a kingdom.
The prophets were continually persecuted, but did continue to declare repentance despite being stoned and being cast out. Nephi was receiving visits from angels on a daily basis. His faith was so strong that he even raised his brother from the dead. The people seethed with anger at Nephi and the other prophets.
Year 32 continued in the same manner as year 30 and 31. But interestingly enough, in year 33 "there were many … that were baptized" (3 Nephi 7:26). This would correspond to the last year of Christ's ministry in Jerusalem.
Chapter 8 tells of the great destruction of the Nephite cities and the three days of darkness which was prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite. All the destruction began in year 34 in the 1st month on the 4th day of the month. The three hours of destruction were followed by three days of darkness.
3 Nephi 7 begins in year 30. The chief judge or governor was assassinated and the people who killed him failed in establishing a king. The Nephite government was completely dismantled and all the people divided up into tribes. Verse 8 sums up pretty well the state of the people, "thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire."
The tribe that consisted of the people who destroyed the government was led by a man named Jacob. This tribe fled to the northern lands to set up a kingdom.
The prophets were continually persecuted, but did continue to declare repentance despite being stoned and being cast out. Nephi was receiving visits from angels on a daily basis. His faith was so strong that he even raised his brother from the dead. The people seethed with anger at Nephi and the other prophets.
Year 32 continued in the same manner as year 30 and 31. But interestingly enough, in year 33 "there were many … that were baptized" (3 Nephi 7:26). This would correspond to the last year of Christ's ministry in Jerusalem.
Chapter 8 tells of the great destruction of the Nephite cities and the three days of darkness which was prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite. All the destruction began in year 34 in the 1st month on the 4th day of the month. The three hours of destruction were followed by three days of darkness.
3 Nephi 6
3 Nephi 6 begins in the year 26. During years 22, 23, 24 and 25, the people were returning to their lands and getting their lives back in order after destroying the GR. Year 26 is when they pick up where they left off before the great battle with the GR. In year 27, the people established "great order in the land" (v. 4).
Classes and Ranks
As the people prosper, they develop class systems. There are many merchants (businessmen?), lawyers and officers (government officials?). In 3 Nephi 6:12, the people begin to distinguish themselves by "ranks." This clearly points to pride. Without pride, the people would see each other as neighbors and not as poor and rich, intelligent and uneducated, black and white. Our society today distinguishes between different colors or classes. It is true that not everyone is equal in chances for learning or in wealth. But these things do not matter when it comes to judgment day. What will matter then is if we served our fellowmen and if we kept the commandments. If we find ourselves in a position where we are better educated than others or if we have more means that others, then we need to recognized that we have been blessed of God and that God in turn expects us to serve those who are less fortunate. Where much is given, much is required. (D&C 82:3)
The Church Broken Up
3 Nephi 6:14 talks about how this inequality broke the church. It says, "there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up … the church was broken up in all the land." My guess is that just as there were different "ranks" among all the people, there were also different "ranks" among the members of the church. This pride caused a rift in the membership which eventually caused the church to be broken up. I can't imagine exactly how the church was broken up during those times, but I can imagine how "ranks" could cause a major rift in a ward.
To illustrate how ranks could break a church, we could say that there is an uprising in part of the church membership concerning tithing. Some members say that they will not pay tithing unless their children are accepted into BYU. Their assumption being that a lot of the tithing funds go towards the funding of operations at BYU. The leaders of the church would probably take a stand and continue to fund BYU while various members of the church refuse to pay their tithing. These members in turn lose their temple recommends and thus an entire anti-Mormon movement begins. Now this is an absurd example, but the point is that any issue can help cause people to be prideful. And when pride enters, the fall is soon to come. What can we learn from this? We can take this lesson from the Nephites and strive to not be prideful. The opposite of pride is charity. If we seek this gift from God, then pride will not have sway over us.
The Humble Lamanites
Contrast the Nephites' pride to the few Lamanites who were genuinely humble. In 3 Nephi 6:13 it says they were "exceedingly humble." They "would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God." In 3 Nephi 6:14 it says they were "converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it." They were "firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord."
Inspired Men
In 3 Nephi 6:20 men, who were inspired from heaven, started to preach to the people. The prideful people did not like these men and they were angry with them. They were so angry with these men sent from heaven that they secretly put them to death without the consent of the governor of the land. Someone issued a complaint against these people who secretly murdered. These lawyers and chief priests who killed the prophets were taken before the judge. Because of their many family members in high places, the guilty were let free. And not only were they let free, but they also sought to assassinate the governor and establish a king. This would prove to be the entire disintegration of the Nephite government which had lasted over 100 years.
Pride is not
Pride is not patient. Pride is not kind. Pride envies. Pride is puffed up. Pride seeks his own interests. Pride is easily provoked. Pride thinks evil. Pride takes joy in iniquity, lying and deception. Pride does not bear nor endure all things. Pride does not believe and has no hope.
There is not optimism in pride. All pride accomplishes is the tearing down of things. Pride does not build up. People with a doomsday outlook on life will be prone to the self-fulfilling prophecy.
Life is too short to live grumpily and prideful. We need to have a positive outlook on life and look for the good in others. We need to life and not tear down. We need to encourage and support and strive to accomplish good things in life.
Classes and Ranks
As the people prosper, they develop class systems. There are many merchants (businessmen?), lawyers and officers (government officials?). In 3 Nephi 6:12, the people begin to distinguish themselves by "ranks." This clearly points to pride. Without pride, the people would see each other as neighbors and not as poor and rich, intelligent and uneducated, black and white. Our society today distinguishes between different colors or classes. It is true that not everyone is equal in chances for learning or in wealth. But these things do not matter when it comes to judgment day. What will matter then is if we served our fellowmen and if we kept the commandments. If we find ourselves in a position where we are better educated than others or if we have more means that others, then we need to recognized that we have been blessed of God and that God in turn expects us to serve those who are less fortunate. Where much is given, much is required. (D&C 82:3)
The Church Broken Up
3 Nephi 6:14 talks about how this inequality broke the church. It says, "there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up … the church was broken up in all the land." My guess is that just as there were different "ranks" among all the people, there were also different "ranks" among the members of the church. This pride caused a rift in the membership which eventually caused the church to be broken up. I can't imagine exactly how the church was broken up during those times, but I can imagine how "ranks" could cause a major rift in a ward.
To illustrate how ranks could break a church, we could say that there is an uprising in part of the church membership concerning tithing. Some members say that they will not pay tithing unless their children are accepted into BYU. Their assumption being that a lot of the tithing funds go towards the funding of operations at BYU. The leaders of the church would probably take a stand and continue to fund BYU while various members of the church refuse to pay their tithing. These members in turn lose their temple recommends and thus an entire anti-Mormon movement begins. Now this is an absurd example, but the point is that any issue can help cause people to be prideful. And when pride enters, the fall is soon to come. What can we learn from this? We can take this lesson from the Nephites and strive to not be prideful. The opposite of pride is charity. If we seek this gift from God, then pride will not have sway over us.
The Humble Lamanites
Contrast the Nephites' pride to the few Lamanites who were genuinely humble. In 3 Nephi 6:13 it says they were "exceedingly humble." They "would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God." In 3 Nephi 6:14 it says they were "converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it." They were "firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord."
Inspired Men
In 3 Nephi 6:20 men, who were inspired from heaven, started to preach to the people. The prideful people did not like these men and they were angry with them. They were so angry with these men sent from heaven that they secretly put them to death without the consent of the governor of the land. Someone issued a complaint against these people who secretly murdered. These lawyers and chief priests who killed the prophets were taken before the judge. Because of their many family members in high places, the guilty were let free. And not only were they let free, but they also sought to assassinate the governor and establish a king. This would prove to be the entire disintegration of the Nephite government which had lasted over 100 years.
Pride is not
Pride is not patient. Pride is not kind. Pride envies. Pride is puffed up. Pride seeks his own interests. Pride is easily provoked. Pride thinks evil. Pride takes joy in iniquity, lying and deception. Pride does not bear nor endure all things. Pride does not believe and has no hope.
There is not optimism in pride. All pride accomplishes is the tearing down of things. Pride does not build up. People with a doomsday outlook on life will be prone to the self-fulfilling prophecy.
Life is too short to live grumpily and prideful. We need to have a positive outlook on life and look for the good in others. We need to life and not tear down. We need to encourage and support and strive to accomplish good things in life.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
3 Nephi 3
I've written various comments on 3 Nephi 3 over the years. Below are my comments with the date that they were written.
This is a wonderful chapter about following the prophets, strength in unity and purity.
The Gadianton robbers were wrecking havoc on the Nephites until finally the leader of the GR wrote to Lachoneus demanding that the Nephites give up their land and possessions. Of course his whole epistle was a complete farce. Giddianhi said that the Nephites could be brothers and partakers with the GR, but this was after he explained why the GR were offended – because their rights to leadership were taken away. Do you think for a second that the GR would not enslave the Nephites? Yet they said they would not!
Lachoneus, who was a prophet, commanded the people to gather into one part of the land with all their possessions. He then exhorted them to repent or else they would never be delivered from the GR. I think that today is much the same. The brethren exhort us to repent and keep the commandments. They also tell us that we must gather oft to pray and partake of the sacrament and to learn and to bear testimony. They instruct us on how to be pure and clean. As will be read later, the Nephites were delivered because they listened to the prophets.
I recently read an article in the July Ensign that talked about following the prophets and how people were affected when they followed the prophets and when they did not. This is just a reference to read that article.
Written June 28, 2000
I have fascinated more and more every day I read these chapters. The parallel between this time of the Nephites and our time is frighteningly similar. The main thug we have been fighting is Osama bin Laden. He has declared war on the United States numerous times. He inspires other thugs like himself to make war upon the free and peaceful people of the United States. Giddianhi is no different. They are all the same. They want to live an archaic life and throw the whole world back into the middle ages. They are not for progress. They are for the tearing down and wrecking havoc. They do not want peace.
We are far from defeating terrorism. I doubt it will ever be defeated. Just as the GR were defeated numerous times, yet they still came back with greater power. It is true that the Nephites and Lamanites defeated the GR this time. But later in the history of the Nephites, the GR reappear and prove to be the entire destruction of the Nephites. The people went from being wealthy, blessed and prosperous to being reduced to a war-loving group of wanderers.
Written September 7, 2003
"Feeling for your welfare"
In 3 Nephi 3:5, Giddianhi tries to flatter Lachoneus by voicing his concern for Lachoneus. Being far removed from the situation, we the readers, plainly see that Giddianhi is a liar and is not truly concerned for Lachoneus' welfare. But at the time, it may have been a little more foggy. It may have appeared to Lachoneus and the Nephites that they were indeed going to be defeated … that the only two choices they had were either death or to join the Gadianton Robbers.
Giddianhi was wise in trying to persuade Lachoneus and the Nephites to give up willingly. If they were successful in persuading the Nephites, it meant that the GR would not lose men and resources in trying to defeat the Nephites. From his perspective, he probably reasoned that his robbers could squash the Nephites … that the Nephites would not last long against his thousands and tens of thousands of warriors. Giddianhi probably thought it would be a waste to kill all those Nephites and squander all the resources. It would be better to have the Nephites willingly give in to them … why should the Nephites sacrifice their lives for so little? It was pointless to fight.
But Lachoneus saw through the lies and subtle reasonings. The GR, despite Gaddianhi's "concerns" for the Nephites, wanted to conquer. They wanted to be the rulers … they wanted the Nephites to pay homage to them, much like the Lamanite king forced Limhi and his people to pay heavy taxes. The Nephites were not interested in survival only to live as slaves. They wanted freedom and they were not going to give Giddianhi the pleasure of being his subjects.
And so Lachoneus did not even reply to Giddianhi's epistle. Instead, he went to work and immediately began to persuade the people to repent and prepare for battle. His Herculean efforts succeeded in gathering the people in one body in one land (3 Nephi 3:25). All the Nephites gathered in between Zarahemla and Bountiful and there they were going to hold out until the end.
Written August 20, 2007
This is a wonderful chapter about following the prophets, strength in unity and purity.
The Gadianton robbers were wrecking havoc on the Nephites until finally the leader of the GR wrote to Lachoneus demanding that the Nephites give up their land and possessions. Of course his whole epistle was a complete farce. Giddianhi said that the Nephites could be brothers and partakers with the GR, but this was after he explained why the GR were offended – because their rights to leadership were taken away. Do you think for a second that the GR would not enslave the Nephites? Yet they said they would not!
Lachoneus, who was a prophet, commanded the people to gather into one part of the land with all their possessions. He then exhorted them to repent or else they would never be delivered from the GR. I think that today is much the same. The brethren exhort us to repent and keep the commandments. They also tell us that we must gather oft to pray and partake of the sacrament and to learn and to bear testimony. They instruct us on how to be pure and clean. As will be read later, the Nephites were delivered because they listened to the prophets.
I recently read an article in the July Ensign that talked about following the prophets and how people were affected when they followed the prophets and when they did not. This is just a reference to read that article.
Written June 28, 2000
I have fascinated more and more every day I read these chapters. The parallel between this time of the Nephites and our time is frighteningly similar. The main thug we have been fighting is Osama bin Laden. He has declared war on the United States numerous times. He inspires other thugs like himself to make war upon the free and peaceful people of the United States. Giddianhi is no different. They are all the same. They want to live an archaic life and throw the whole world back into the middle ages. They are not for progress. They are for the tearing down and wrecking havoc. They do not want peace.
We are far from defeating terrorism. I doubt it will ever be defeated. Just as the GR were defeated numerous times, yet they still came back with greater power. It is true that the Nephites and Lamanites defeated the GR this time. But later in the history of the Nephites, the GR reappear and prove to be the entire destruction of the Nephites. The people went from being wealthy, blessed and prosperous to being reduced to a war-loving group of wanderers.
Written September 7, 2003
"Feeling for your welfare"
In 3 Nephi 3:5, Giddianhi tries to flatter Lachoneus by voicing his concern for Lachoneus. Being far removed from the situation, we the readers, plainly see that Giddianhi is a liar and is not truly concerned for Lachoneus' welfare. But at the time, it may have been a little more foggy. It may have appeared to Lachoneus and the Nephites that they were indeed going to be defeated … that the only two choices they had were either death or to join the Gadianton Robbers.
Giddianhi was wise in trying to persuade Lachoneus and the Nephites to give up willingly. If they were successful in persuading the Nephites, it meant that the GR would not lose men and resources in trying to defeat the Nephites. From his perspective, he probably reasoned that his robbers could squash the Nephites … that the Nephites would not last long against his thousands and tens of thousands of warriors. Giddianhi probably thought it would be a waste to kill all those Nephites and squander all the resources. It would be better to have the Nephites willingly give in to them … why should the Nephites sacrifice their lives for so little? It was pointless to fight.
But Lachoneus saw through the lies and subtle reasonings. The GR, despite Gaddianhi's "concerns" for the Nephites, wanted to conquer. They wanted to be the rulers … they wanted the Nephites to pay homage to them, much like the Lamanite king forced Limhi and his people to pay heavy taxes. The Nephites were not interested in survival only to live as slaves. They wanted freedom and they were not going to give Giddianhi the pleasure of being his subjects.
And so Lachoneus did not even reply to Giddianhi's epistle. Instead, he went to work and immediately began to persuade the people to repent and prepare for battle. His Herculean efforts succeeded in gathering the people in one body in one land (3 Nephi 3:25). All the Nephites gathered in between Zarahemla and Bountiful and there they were going to hold out until the end.
Written August 20, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
3 Nephi 2
"The people began to forget"
The big point of this entire chapter is found in the first two verses – “the people began to forget.” How many times do I forget a wonderful, spiritual experience and I begin to err and sin. One of the many lessons I learned in Guatemala was with President Ramos. After a very spiritual interview, President Ramos identified the Spirit and then told me that whenever I have a spiritual experience, I must strive to keep the Spirit with me as long as possible. I’ve noticed before, too, that after a powerful spiritual experience, temptations and distractions come more quickly and often. I often remember thinking how temptations would come after an excellent missionary discussion or testimony meeting.
I imagine that the only way to keep the spirit with you is to work harder than before to have spiritual experiences. Soon enough, trials will come, which if approached with faith and a good attitude will make you stronger in the spirit. The only way to get through a trial is by prayer and faith. This whole process reminds me of that talk by Elder Maxwell in the June 1996 Ensign. I think I still have that article.
Another point is that after the Nephites began to forget, they also began to disbelieve. Satan had tricked them into thinking that men made all these signs and wonders. How often do I attribute the miracles of God to men? I believe that we sometimes think that we got an ‘A’ in a class or that we got the job, and we forget whose breath it is that gives us life. Other times we know that we could not have done a certain thing without the help of God, yet we take the credit.
Nephite Cycle
In this chapter we see the Nephites slip into their cycle once again. After the sign of Christ’s birth (year 91), the Nephites repented and most of them were righteous. But in a matter of four years (year 95), the Nephites were “less and less astonished at a sign or wonder” (verse 1). Then in verse 2 it says “thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again.”
In verses 5-7 we read of the change in dating systems. It has been 100 years since the days of king Mosiah, 609 years since Lehi and left Jerusalem and 9 years since the sign of Christ’s birth. The Nephites now reckon their time according to the sign of Christ’s birth.
In year 13 there are many wars and contentions. The GR are very strong and threaten the destruction of the Nephites. The GR are so strong and wrecking so much havoc that the Nephites and Lamanites are “compelled” to fight them. In verse 12 it reads that they must fight the GR to defend their families, rights, religion, privileges, freedom and liberty. This sounds a lot like when Captain Moroni fought the Lamanites with his Standard of Liberty.
Gadianton Robbers and Terrorists
Another note about the Nephites and Lamanites taking up arms against the GR – I remember reading these verses about the GR as a missionary and high school student. I always wondered who the GR would be in our day and time. Then September 11, 2001 came and our eyes were opened. Now, there is no doubt in my mind who the modern day GR are. They are the terrorists who fight in the same manner as the GR did. Not as a nation with its armies, but as a bunch of thugs who are loosely organized, but great in number and insanity.
Now what I wonder about is when the day will come that the free people of the world will be threatened with destruction just as the Nephites were threatened with destruction (verse 19).
The big point of this entire chapter is found in the first two verses – “the people began to forget.” How many times do I forget a wonderful, spiritual experience and I begin to err and sin. One of the many lessons I learned in Guatemala was with President Ramos. After a very spiritual interview, President Ramos identified the Spirit and then told me that whenever I have a spiritual experience, I must strive to keep the Spirit with me as long as possible. I’ve noticed before, too, that after a powerful spiritual experience, temptations and distractions come more quickly and often. I often remember thinking how temptations would come after an excellent missionary discussion or testimony meeting.
I imagine that the only way to keep the spirit with you is to work harder than before to have spiritual experiences. Soon enough, trials will come, which if approached with faith and a good attitude will make you stronger in the spirit. The only way to get through a trial is by prayer and faith. This whole process reminds me of that talk by Elder Maxwell in the June 1996 Ensign. I think I still have that article.
Another point is that after the Nephites began to forget, they also began to disbelieve. Satan had tricked them into thinking that men made all these signs and wonders. How often do I attribute the miracles of God to men? I believe that we sometimes think that we got an ‘A’ in a class or that we got the job, and we forget whose breath it is that gives us life. Other times we know that we could not have done a certain thing without the help of God, yet we take the credit.
Nephite Cycle
In this chapter we see the Nephites slip into their cycle once again. After the sign of Christ’s birth (year 91), the Nephites repented and most of them were righteous. But in a matter of four years (year 95), the Nephites were “less and less astonished at a sign or wonder” (verse 1). Then in verse 2 it says “thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again.”
In verses 5-7 we read of the change in dating systems. It has been 100 years since the days of king Mosiah, 609 years since Lehi and left Jerusalem and 9 years since the sign of Christ’s birth. The Nephites now reckon their time according to the sign of Christ’s birth.
In year 13 there are many wars and contentions. The GR are very strong and threaten the destruction of the Nephites. The GR are so strong and wrecking so much havoc that the Nephites and Lamanites are “compelled” to fight them. In verse 12 it reads that they must fight the GR to defend their families, rights, religion, privileges, freedom and liberty. This sounds a lot like when Captain Moroni fought the Lamanites with his Standard of Liberty.
Gadianton Robbers and Terrorists
Another note about the Nephites and Lamanites taking up arms against the GR – I remember reading these verses about the GR as a missionary and high school student. I always wondered who the GR would be in our day and time. Then September 11, 2001 came and our eyes were opened. Now, there is no doubt in my mind who the modern day GR are. They are the terrorists who fight in the same manner as the GR did. Not as a nation with its armies, but as a bunch of thugs who are loosely organized, but great in number and insanity.
Now what I wonder about is when the day will come that the free people of the world will be threatened with destruction just as the Nephites were threatened with destruction (verse 19).
3 Nephi 1
Nephi Departs
Nephi the son of Helaman departs out of the land (3 Nephi 1:2). What could it have been like for Nephi to work all those years never to see that the people truly repent of their sins? He may have left because the people were so hardened. Nephi, the son of Helaman was one of the most faithful and hard-working prophets in the Book of Mormon.
The Power of the Word
As stated, the prophecies began to be fulfilled – every whit. What the Lord declares is what will be. In 3 Nephi 1:13, the Lord responds to Nephi’s prayer. The Lord says, “I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken.” This is very powerful. Are we not also trying to establish our character to the point that what we say will be? Honesty takes on a whole new meaning in this light. If our words match our actions, then eventually our word will be powerful like unto the Lord’s word.
When we covenant to do something, we need to do it so our words have meaning. We should not make idle threats. We should make promises and keep them. Our words will eventually become our actions and the Lord will be with us. And when the Lord is with us, we like Nephi the son of Helman, will receive power from heaven and what we declare will be the will of the Lord. That is how we gain power from the Lord – keeping our word.
Satan Tears Down
In 3 Nephi 1:22, Satan put lies in the hearts of the people so that they would harden their hearts and not believe in the signs that had been given. As always, Satan tries to tear down rather than build up. There are many people who are this way – they are negative and try to tear down people’s beliefs rather than build up and be positive. Negativism never accomplished much.
The Rising Generation
Finally in 3 Nephi 1:29, the rising generation “became for themselves and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words to join the Gadianton robbers.” How heart-breaking it must have been for the parents of these children. But the Lord will never force us to be obedient. As the verse says, they “became for themselves” and therefore chose for themselves. Agency is key. We must make decisions for ourselves. We also must accept the consequences of our decisions.
Nephi the son of Helaman departs out of the land (3 Nephi 1:2). What could it have been like for Nephi to work all those years never to see that the people truly repent of their sins? He may have left because the people were so hardened. Nephi, the son of Helaman was one of the most faithful and hard-working prophets in the Book of Mormon.
The Power of the Word
As stated, the prophecies began to be fulfilled – every whit. What the Lord declares is what will be. In 3 Nephi 1:13, the Lord responds to Nephi’s prayer. The Lord says, “I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken.” This is very powerful. Are we not also trying to establish our character to the point that what we say will be? Honesty takes on a whole new meaning in this light. If our words match our actions, then eventually our word will be powerful like unto the Lord’s word.
When we covenant to do something, we need to do it so our words have meaning. We should not make idle threats. We should make promises and keep them. Our words will eventually become our actions and the Lord will be with us. And when the Lord is with us, we like Nephi the son of Helman, will receive power from heaven and what we declare will be the will of the Lord. That is how we gain power from the Lord – keeping our word.
Satan Tears Down
In 3 Nephi 1:22, Satan put lies in the hearts of the people so that they would harden their hearts and not believe in the signs that had been given. As always, Satan tries to tear down rather than build up. There are many people who are this way – they are negative and try to tear down people’s beliefs rather than build up and be positive. Negativism never accomplished much.
The Rising Generation
Finally in 3 Nephi 1:29, the rising generation “became for themselves and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words to join the Gadianton robbers.” How heart-breaking it must have been for the parents of these children. But the Lord will never force us to be obedient. As the verse says, they “became for themselves” and therefore chose for themselves. Agency is key. We must make decisions for ourselves. We also must accept the consequences of our decisions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)