tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24485042383541290532024-03-19T17:14:34.987-05:00Book of Mormon RereadA reread of the Book of Mormon, to help us all keep up with our reading and share insights with each other.Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-72945929836491986622019-12-10T17:50:00.000-06:002019-12-10T17:50:09.934-06:00Isaiah on Destruction of the Wicked -- 2 Nephi 23<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What Happens</b><br /><br />"The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming—It will be a day of wrath and vengeance—Babylon (the world) will fall forever—Compare Isaiah 13."<br />2 Nephi 23 Chapter Heading<br /><br /><b>Commentary</b><br /><br />In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, including messages about the Millennium. This chapter covers the destruction of Babylon, and uses it as an illustration of what will happen before the Second Coming.<br /><br />The chapter starts out with God calling his people. Verse three is interesting, saying "mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness," which seems to indicate the same thing that is mentioned elsewhere, that "in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments" (D&C 59:21).<br /><br />Verses 4-8 talk about gathering and noise and people coming from far away, and the knowledge of the destruction preceding it... people being afraid. To me, that seems like another last chance to realize you are on the wrong side and to change. Not saying it would be an easy thing to do at that point, but at that point if you realized this isn't who you wanted to be, it would be a good time to desert and not to try standing against God. (I mean, of course, better to realize sooner too.)<br /><br />Although verse 9 talks about cruelty, anger, and destruction, I am reminded of the constant longsuffering of God, and all that he puts up from us, helping and encouraging us to change. It reminds me of Jacob 5 and the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, God burning the bad fruit only as the good grows and needs the room... giving us all time and space to change and repent. This destruction is something that is necessary, but done only when the fruit is fully ripe.<br /><br />Verse 10 makes it clear that this isn't a normal war. This is basically a heavenly judgement, and will be accompanied by darkness from stars, sun, and moon.<br /><br />Verse 11 seems like the reason behind all of it... because something has to stop the evil and the terrible, and finally this is the time ordained for that to be done.<br /><br />I like verse 12 because it is also a reason. "I will make a man more precious than fine gold." And maybe that is exactly what is missing in this world: our value amongst one another, and restoring that value will help everything come back into balance.<br /><br />Verse 13 talking about shaking the heavens and "the earth shall remove out of her place" is another indication that all of this isn't just about the city Babylon, but is also a prophecy about the world in general before the Second Coming.<br /><br />14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up; and they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own aland.<br /><br />Verses 15-18 tell us that "every one that is joined to the wicked shall fall." And while some of the images are horrifying, the main message is that this time, God's mercy for their families won't stop it, no amount of "silver and gold" will stop it, and just as those who chose evil haven't spared God's precious children or valued life, at this time he will not spare theirs. Choosing evil is a death sentence.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Verses 19-21 seem to be saying that we can't trust in earthly beauty or might, because that is no defense against the evil behind it. God will utterly wipe out every false thing that we trust in... only by trusting in *him* can we be saved.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Verse 22 reminds us that though the wicked must perish, God will still be merciful to his people, which reminds me of Ezekiel 37:11-14 -- this life isn't the only time that we have to hope, because all of us will be raised by God and restored to life.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</span></div>
</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-68714478236601990192019-08-04T09:14:00.001-05:002019-08-04T09:14:34.504-05:00Isaiah on Praise in the Millennial Day -- 2 Nephi 22<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord—He will dwell among them—Compare Isaiah 12."<br />
2 Nephi 22 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, including messages about gathering and uniting the people of the Lord.<br />
<br />
This chapter talks about the Millennium, which seems like kind of a promise from God that everything that we do and have gone through will be worth it. We don't get the same level of detail that we do in other scriptures about this period, and although those details are amazingly cool (no sickness, no death, no sorrow, etc.), I think the focus here is also really cool, because it is part of a needed break between some of the other less-happy prophecies of the last days, but also because it is a blessing of hope, and a reminder that the bad parts are always temporary. It is good to skip ahead a little and see that we will all be praising God, and that the good parts will last, and that they will triumph.<br />
<br />
In verse two I like how it points out that we will trust and not be afraid. Fear is such a constant for us in this life it seems. Even if we aren't in an emergency, there are those background worries that can fill our lives with anxiety. The idea that we will be saying we are not afraid is an amazing promise.<br />
<br />
The Millennium seems to be all about joy, as verse three mentions, and I love the image of drawing water out of the wells of salvation. What could taste better? :)<br />
<br />
The last three verses all seem to convey the idea that we are going to be so happy and love God so much that we just can't contain it. In verse four we are telling others to praise him, in five we want everyone to sing to him, and in six we are crying out and shouting his praise. Those are things that we only do on rare, and supremely happy, occasions in our current lives... just imagine how happy we will be, if we are feeling that kind of impulse all the time. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.
</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-48013780157172835892019-07-16T06:43:00.001-05:002019-08-04T08:49:56.034-05:00Isaiah on Gathering and Uniting the Lord's People -- 2 Nephi 21<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness—The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium—The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 11."<br />
2 Nephi 21 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, including warnings about corruption and war, and a reminder to stay upon the Lord.<br />
<br />
This chapter begins with a prophecy of Christ, and there is a lot of great stuff here. Right off, we learn a lot about the spirit of the Lord, that it is also the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, etc. Which we kind of already knew, but I like when it breaks it down like that, so we can remember why we need the spirit in our lives so much. <br />
<br />
I really like the statements in verse three about not judging by sight or hearing. That is so opposite from what we learn in the world, and important to remember. God can see so much further than we can, and he can hear the yearnings of the soul. Our mortal senses are inadequate measures with which to judge, and we need to trust God in that regard, like Christ did, as he is the one referred to here.<br />
<br />
There is an interesting balance in verse 4 between helping the poor and the meek, and smiting and slaying the wicked. To me it seems like one necessitates the other. That, however unfortunate, the poor and the meek will never be treated justly until the wicked are slain. That's actually a sad condemnation of us as humans... that we can't actually find a way to treat each other decently and stop the corruption. But thankfully, God will, "even if it so be as by fire" (1 Nephi 22:17). <br />
<br />
Verse 5 talks about being clothed with righteousness and faithfulness. I kind of like that idea, of having those things wrapped around you all the time... that that is what you choose to wear every morning, your favorite outfit, and choosing that clean and bright clothing over that dirty souvenir T-shirt from the bad choices in your life. :)<br />
<br />
The ideas in verses 6-9, talking about even wild animals being at peace with each other and "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" is crazy cool. The knowledge of the Lord doesn't just affect us in our brains, but in our whole beings. It isn't just an intellectual knowing, but on a whole other level, where the wild animals and the winds and the waves and the whole earth and universe respond to it. We think so shallowly about God sometimes, only about what *we* think about him, and how he affects our personal lives, but this is bigger than that, and it always has been. A good thing to think on.<br />
<br />
Another thing I like in verse nine is that phrase "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." I love that idea... of the knowledge of God flooding our lives and filling every crevice and hiding place... that there will be no place to go that will be away from him, but that every word and conversation and taste and breath will be of him... I really love that idea of breathing in the spirit instead of air. :) I am sure that it would be better for us... and fill us too, with love and indescribable happiness.<br />
<br />
Verses 10-12 talk about Christ recovering the Lord's people from wherever they are throughout the world. I love verse 12 and "the outcasts of Israel." The whole idea of gathering what was scattered, from wherever they are in the earth, and restoring his people reminds us that he is going to forgive and renew his covenant with all of us, and how merciful and gracious he is to give us that chance to repent and change. <br />
<br />
Verse 13 seems to be saying that all of the Lord's people will be united in that day, not fighting or envying each other, and that their adversaries will be cut off... basically, as usual, the Lord uniting us and fighting our battles. :) Honestly, this whole chapter is interesting and good, but this might be my favorite part, and I look forward to the day when we aren't fighting about religion, but instead fighting for God.<br />
<br />
The last couple of verses reminds us of some miracles that have gone before, talking about smiting the Egyptian sea and making "men go over dry shod"
and comparing saving the remnant of his people to bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. I just hope that in the last days when these miracles are repeated, we are less hard-hearted than our predecessors, and less quick to complain. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-73464601659812976322019-05-05T13:10:00.001-05:002019-07-16T06:28:35.969-05:00Isaiah on Corruption, War, and Staying Upon the Lord -- 2 Nephi 20<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming—Few people will be left after the Lord comes again—The remnant of Jacob will return in that day—Compare Isaiah 10."<br />
2 Nephi 20 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, including prophecy of the coming of Christ and subsequent wickedness. In this chapter, we continue reading Isaiah.<br />
<br />
<br />
The chapter starts out warning of sin, specifically unrighteous decrees, which seems to point to corruption in government. God lets us know that he doesn't want his needy, poor, widowed, or fatherless people to be targeted or to suffer because of the "grievousness" that is written.<br />
<br />
God next asks, perhaps as a consequence of the corruption, what we will do without him. When desolation comes, we will have no place to flee, and we will fall. In verse 5 God talks of the "Assyrian" as the "rod of mine anger," perhaps referring to a specific event in the Old Testament, but also symbolically (since this is a prophecy for the last days as well) that he will use another nation to strike at the corruption that is harming his people with the aforementioned "grievousness." He will send this group against "a hypocritical nation" (likely the same one(s) harboring corrupt governments) and have them take the spoil and "tread them down like the mire of the streets" (verse 6). Doesn't sound very pleasant.<br />
<br />
<br />
We then switch in verse 7 to the inner thoughts and motivations of the king of Assyria (or other symbolic nation) who is comparing his people to the Lord's people who are being punished for corruption and disobedience. He thinks about how his people and his cities are just as good as they are, and can't he destroy Jerusalem just as easily as he just destroyed Samaria?<br />
<br />
God, who used the Assyrian as a rod to punish his people, then tells us that when he is done with his work, he will punish the King of Assyria for pride, specifically mentioning in verse 13 "For he saith: By the strength of my hand and by my wisdom I have done these things" to which the Lord says in verse 15 "Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith?" ... Basically saying, hey... I used you as a tool to accomplish something, and now you are taking this way too far. And to show that the Assyrian doesn't have power to go beyond God's boundaries, the Lord "shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in one day" (verse 17), and "the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them" (verse 19).<br />
<br />
In verse 20 things start turning positive. We are told that "the remnant of Israel" (presumably the people who are left after the big war with the Assyrian) "shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord" which is a really cool idea. This might sound weird, but what it reminds me of is overcoming an abusive past, where you can finally change the way you look at the world from fear and avoiding conflict to seeing that there is more out there, and being free to pursue life without that constant fear.<br />
<br />
... Of course the idea here is complicated by the fact that the Lord used the Assyrian to smite in the first place, and the the people strayed from God in the first place as well, so definitely not a perfect analogy... but maybe it works if you look at it with another analogy that the Lord uses for his people sometimes: a married couple. In that case, God's people would be the wife who left him for the Assyrian, and God allows her to stay long enough to understand what a bad choice she made, and that things are now way worse than they ever were for her before. Then, when she wants to leave and go home to her husband, the Assyrian stops her and beats her. So, God confronts him. The Assyrian waves his big gun and God turns him to dust with a thought, and then welcomes his wife back. Or, in other words, "the remnant shall return . . . unto the mighty God" (verse 21).<br />
<br />
At this point we pull back, reminded of our perspective of people reading about this before it happens, and God tells us that these things will happen, and that it is determined (verse 23). It is part of what we are going to see at the Second Coming. However, he also tells us "O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian; he
shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee,
after the manner of Egypt. / For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease" (verses 24-25). In other words, yes, this is going to happen, and it might get as bad as when you were slaves in Egypt, but please don't be afraid. It will be scary, but it will not last. I will come and save you.<br />
<br />
<br />
I love the imagery in verse 27 of removing burdens. God won't only lift our burdens and take off the yoke, but he will destroy the yoke. <br />
<br />
Verses 28-32 seem to go back to the Assyrian getting closer and closer to his goal: "he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem." But then the Lord stops him, hewing down the high and the haughty (verse 33).<br />
<br />
<br />
Lopping the bough in verse 33 also reminds me of the parable of the olive trees in Jacob 5, and the idea that God will improve his vineyard by removing the evil as the good grows. And the terror part reminds me that "the righteous need not fear" in 1 Nephi 22:17. I think the rest seems to all be about pride, literally as in the haughty, and also figuratively as in trees, which are also sometimes symbolic of idol worship. Basically, all of this destruction at the end seems to be symbolic of the destruction of the wicked, but God still promises to save the righteous. We just need to choose which group we want to be in. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-3637515844120802472019-01-15T18:01:00.002-06:002019-01-15T18:01:26.461-06:00Isaiah on Christ's Appearance in a Wicked World -- 2 Nephi 19<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Isaiah speaks messianically—The people in darkness will see a great light—Unto us a child is born—He will be the Prince of Peace and will reign on David’s throne—Compare Isaiah 9."<br />
2 Nephi 19 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, largely about the different ways we see the world, and what sharing God's perspective can do for us. In this chapter, we continue reading Isaiah.<br />
<br />
<br />
The beginning of this chapter leads into predictions of the appearance of Christ, both during his first ministry and his second coming (Isaiah seems to do that a lot, with layered meanings). I like the image of walking in darkness and then seeing "a great light" which seems to be not only to people that are alive, but also to the dead, which is talking about the resurrections that are associated with Christ's coming (again, both times).<br />
<br />
Verses 3-4 talks about multiplying nations and increasing joy, because Christ has freed us from sin and death and the oppression of Satan. I think verse 5 is referring to the destructions that are usually associated with the coming of Christ as well, for instance as in 3 Nephi, but also in prophecies about the Second Coming. <br />
<br />
Verse 6 mentions a child, which is a reference to Christ's mortal ministry, but even in this set of verses, it talks about things that Christ is in general and will be, but not necessarily who he was, at least from an earthly perspective, before he was crucified, which is why I think there is some confusion about his prophecies. He is the government spiritually always, but was never in the government during his mortal ministry. He will be the government on earth during the millennium, after his Second Coming, which is when judgement and justice that last forever will be established.<br />
<br />
<br />
Around verse 8 this chapter takes a downward turn. It's not really clear exactly why, but as far as the previous verses talk about Christ's coming, the following verse might be about Christ's death, in terms of his appearance in Jerusalem, and / or his rejection in so many places and lives since. Christ came and changed everything, but of course not everyone accepted that, or accepts it now, and considering the reality of God, *especially* while he was on earth and the reality was there in front of people, that's almost like saying that the sun doesn't shine just because you won't open your eyes to look at it. ... I think we should probably also be concerned about a similar condemnation. We tell ourselves sometimes that we don't know for sure when God is talking to us, but on some level we know a lot more than I think we admit. We have to let go of our doubt and have faith in order to move forward in understanding the spirit and the witness of Christ, which we can all have.<br />
<br />
Verses 12 and 13 can sound almost cruel if you are thinking about a normal everyday situation, as though God expects people to turn to him because he is smiting them. However, in the context of sin and the pride cycle, it makes a lot of sense. We often start doing bad things when things are going well, because we are filled with pride, thinking that we made everything good happen, and that we are better than other people and nothing can tear us down. And then, when we get wicked like that, things start falling apart... we aren't protected by God anymore, and so our enemies start winning, and God's hand is often outstretched because we need that reminder to switch back into humility mode. Thus, instead of cruelty, these verses are actually just God trying to reclaim and save us... as always, and I think the rest of the chapter reflects this same cycle. We are righteous when we are close to Christ, and then we drift away, which leads to destruction, and to return to goodness we always need Christ again, either through another visitation (on a global scale), or hopefully, on an individual scale, through prayer and repentance.<br />
<br />
I don't really know who is being referred to here if the ancient and the false prophet are specific people, but the idea of "the leaders of this people cause them to err" is definitely something that we can relate to in the modern world, and something that we need to ward against in our lives, to make sure that we are following God first and being super careful about who else we are listening to. <br />
<br />
Verse 17 is pretty extreme because God advocates throughout the scriptures for the fatherless and for widows. He has a huge soft spot for both of those groups. In this case though, it says that he won't have mercy on them, because even they are evildoers: "every one of them" meaning I think that this group of people is so far gone that even those two groups are corrupted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Verses 18-19 paint a further picture of how bad things are--wickedness compared to a forest fire, completely out of control with the people as the fuel. "No man shall spare his brother" is probably figurative and literal. None of them will refrain from passing on the evil even to their own families, and they are so evil that they likely won't physically spare their lives either. <br />
<br />
<br />
Verse 20 seems to me to be the obvious and constant consequences of sin. We always think that sin is going to fill us or satisfy us, and instead, no matter how hard we try to fill ourselves with sin we are left empty. In essence, we are trying to survive by eating the acid of sin, and not only creating a deeper and deeper void in ourselves spiritually, but often eating ourselves alive physically as well with stress and emotional pain, etc. <br />
<br />
The last verse returns us to some of God's favorite people, but instead of being widows and fatherless this time, it is tribes of Israel, which he also has a huge soft spot for. These too are just fighting each other though, and so God's arm remains outstretched. He can use it to destroy or to save, but it isn't really looking good for repentance at the point that the chapter ends.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-31298124640317275432018-11-17T10:09:00.001-06:002018-11-17T10:10:15.899-06:00Isaiah on Differences in Perception -- 2 Nephi 18<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Christ will be as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense—Seek the Lord, not peeping wizards—Turn to the law and to the testimony for guidance—Compare Isaiah 8."<br />
2 Nephi 18 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to
share with us, about fear and regrowth. In this chapter,
we continue reading Isaiah.<br />
<br />
<br />
As with the rest of these Isaiah chapters, it seems important to remember that they can be applied to us, in our day. Nephi and Jacob and Joseph wouldn't be quoting these to the people, or sharing them with us, if there weren't something for us to learn. So, to the extent that they are history, there are patterns there we can learn from, and sometimes prophecies are symbolic of or precursors to other prophecies and miracles.<br />
<br />
The first thing that happens here is that God commands Isaiah to prophesy of something, and the sign of it is a child that he is commanded to have and to name in a certain way. The name is Maher-shalal-hash-baz, which means (according to the footnotes) "To speed to the spoil, he hasteneth the prey." The fact that Isaiah's whole life is full of signs is also mentioned in verse 18. I have to say that Isaiah's wife was amazingly faithful to go along with this. :)<br />
<br />
The name is interesting, and kind of seems like it is talking about a predator chasing its target. It could be applicable to us because we are in a similar situation, where destruction is imminent if we don't repent, but maybe alternatively, or also, this is a huge tactic of Satan, to scare us and make us think that we should panic or give up when the real answer is *always* patience and faith--sticking with the Lord.<br />
<br />
The next verses seem to be explaining how God is going to deliver the people even though the situation seems hopeless. This is a precursor to our day as well, or to our lives in general. Things can seem very hopeless at times, but they never are, because God is the one in charge--the author of the story. The story of this world is not a tragedy, and neither are the stories of our lives. As long as we keep working to make things better, all things will work together for good as well. We just have to have patience and faith, and not give up.<br />
<br />
Verse 6 and 7 are interesting here, talking about the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and the waters of the river, strong and many. What I am getting from this part is the general message that if we aren't receptive to God's suggestions or his gospel when it is given to us gently, and we build a proverbial dam to keep it out, eventually we are going to suffer the consequences of that dam breaking, because God and the gospel are reality, and reality is going to build up and up until our illusions can't stand up to it anymore. I think that verse 8-10 continue this theme, basically saying that no matter what anyone tries against God's people is destined to fail, because "God is with us."<br />
<br />
Verses 11-13 remind us to listen to God and not to man. I really like 12 and 13 with "neither fear ye their fear" and (referring to God) "let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." If God is our fear and our dread, then really, how can things be bad? He loves us better than any earthly parent ever could, and takes care of us every moment. If he is all we have to worry about, then we're golden. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Verse 14 talks about God being a sanctuary, but also a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. To me, this seems like God is the same that he has always been--a rock and an anchor in the whirlwind around us. However, that same solidity that is a sanctuary to us could also be something that we break ourselves on or are offended by, depending on our perspective at the time, and what we are trying to do. If we work against God, it isn't him that will break. But if we take shelter with him, then we will be fine.<br />
<br />
Verse 17 reminds us to wait upon the Lord, which I think just means to have patience. Sometimes it seems like the Lord is hiding, because I think we have to learn some independence and just who we are when we make decisions on our own... but the Lord is never far away, or out of earshot, and if we wait and look for him, and pray to him, he will always hear and will help us if we are working at doing his will.<br />
<br />
Verse 19 is interesting, saying "should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?" Along with verse 20 this seems a clear indication that God is the only way that we should attempt communication with ghosts/spirits/departed loved ones.<br />
<br />
Verse 20 continues this thought, basically saying instead of trying to tell the future or figure things out through questionable means like fortunetellers, etc., we should look to God's law and the testimony of the scriptures. That is what all of this is here for.<br />
<br />
When we try to solve things other ways, we are going to be led astray, and be "hardly bestead" (distressed). Our journey through this life is going to make us hungry and freaking out, rather than the satisfaction and calm that we could have with the Lord. We'll be inclined to look on God as a stone of stumbling rather than a shelter, and when we look at the world we will see darkness rather than the light that we *could* have in our lives through God. Those differences in perception make or break our lives.<br />
<br />
3rd Nephi is similar to this because we have destruction, and then darkness, and then light and glory and Christ appears, and we continue that progression in the next chapter. Tune in next time as
we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-25789798587720234642018-10-21T07:59:00.001-05:002018-10-21T07:59:41.260-05:00Isaiah on Fear and Regrowth -- 2 Nephi 17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Ephraim and Syria wage war against Judah—Christ will be born of a virgin—Compare Isaiah 7."<br />
2 Nephi 17 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with us, about hope in the midst of destruction. In this chapter, we continue reading prophecies of Isaiah.<br />
<br />
Part of the reason this chapter is interesting is that Nephi shares it with us here, thus cluing us in that it must be applicable to more than some ancient wars. Isaiah tells the story of Ahaz, king of Judah, and neighboring countries that were ganging up against Jerusalem. I love the fear imagery in verse 2: "And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind." Isaiah is commanded to go and see Ahaz and to tell him not to be fearful, because God says that what he fears won't happen (verse 8).<br />
<br />
Interestingly, in verse 9 he says "If ye will not believe surely ye shall not be established." Ahaz likely doubts because God says that some of the things Isaiah told him would happen 65 years in his future. He then invites Ahaz to ask a sign of God to confirm the prophecy, which Ahaz declines, so God gives him a sign anyway, saying that a virgin will conceive--a prophecy of Christ. Isaiah adds prophecy about the future of the region, and seems to indicate that even though Ahaz' kingdom was going to be safe in the current situation, that something much more dire was on the way.<br />
<br />
The remainder of the chapter describes how the land will be overthrown and laid waste by God's hand. There will be few people left, small enough to enjoy luxuries that few could previously partake of, but not enough to tend or tame the land as it was before. Everything will be left to go wild, and places that were formerly vineyards turned to pastures for the beasts that are left. In a way this part is sad because we see how decimated the land is. In other ways though, it has the taste of hope as the good people that remain still live and work and survive, albeit more simply, rebuilding their lives and society, hopefully in a better way.<br />
<br />
For us today, I think there are some important lessons from this chapter, but the most important lesson is that we need to prepare for the coming of the Lord. In our day, as in Isaiah's, there will be great fears and anxieties. Like then, there is no reason to fear what the world will do--only what God will do. And God asks us to believe his words and trust his grace. If we will follow him and look forward to Christ's coming, then God will bring to pass the future that needs to happen, and that will get us where the world needs to go. We can have confidence that the Lord will lead us and help us, and that even if there is destruction, there will be life afterward where we can renew and grow, and commune with God. <br />
<br />
This chapter in some ways reminds me of 3rd Nephi, and as we continue to the next chapter I think it becomes even more so. Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah chapters that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-39881095079681954762018-10-06T07:51:00.002-05:002018-10-09T08:25:06.851-05:00Isaiah on Hope in the Midst of Destruction -- 2 Nephi 16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Isaiah sees the Lord—Isaiah’s sins are forgiven—He is called to prophesy—He prophesies of the rejection by the Jews of Christ’s teachings—A remnant will return—Compare Isaiah 6."<br />
2 Nephi 16 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to
share with us, mostly about the parable of the vineyard, and its relation to real life at the Second Coming. It involved a lot of corruption and destruction.
In this chapter, we continue reading Isaiah, and there are still some references to destruction, but there is definitely some hope interlaced in here as well.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of this chapter, Isaiah is seeing the Lord. He says that he is on a throne, and also sees seraphim praising God. Some of the description (for instance, multiple wings) seems symbolic, but since I haven't seen what Isaiah saw, I just don't know. The Bible dictionary says "probably fiery beings." :) At seeing God, Isaiah is concerned that he is unworthy, and (again, likely symbolically), one of the seraphim gives him a live coal, which cleanses his iniquity (verses 6-7).<br />
<br />
Isaiah seems to gain some confidence at this point, which I think that we all do when we are clean, and confident in our relationship with God. When God asks "Whom shall I send" in verse 8, Isaiah volunteers. What the Lord asks Isaiah to do sounds almost cruel the way that it is worded here (verse 10), but luckily we also have this passage quoted in the New Testament (Matthew 13:14-15; Acts 28:25-27), which helps us clarify that God was asking Isaiah to help the people, but that even though he wanted to heal them, he knew they would choose otherwise.<br />
<br />
Seeing the sad things that are going on with the earth, and knowing that despite his efforts, at least the majority of the people wouldn't listen to God, Isaiah asks "how long?" (verse 11). This could mean how long will the earth be this wicked, or how long until people will listen, or the earth is cleansed, but all of those things kind of spiral into one. God's answer here is kind of bleak, talking about a time when the cities will be empty and the land desolate.<br />
<br />
And yet, even when talking about all of this destruction and death and judgment, there is hope, as God explains "yet there shall be a tenth, and they shall return" (verse 13). The Lord explains symbolically here that even though the tenth will go through this same time of ignorance and destruction, and look dead (like a tree without any leaves), they will still be alive, and potentially able to bloom and thrive after the harsh season. It kind of reminded me of the idea of a forest fire, which burns, but in the burning provides nourishment to new trees, and also new life to the trees that survive... something seemingly bad actually being or becoming something good with a longer perspective, just as God promises us elsewhere that all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28), even though we can't always see how that is working right away.<br />
<br />
I think this idea is similar to some of the things that we go through in life as well. We have to weather harsh seasons and mists of darkness that might cause others to be lost, but as we read previously in Lehi's dream (1 Nephi 8:24), if we hold onto the rod of iron, which is the word of God, then we can get through those times and find that peace and joy and love that God offers us.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah selections that Nephi chose for us, and perhaps see even more hope springing forth. :)</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-69712727812669063182018-09-14T07:17:00.002-05:002018-09-14T10:34:41.980-05:00Isaiah on Corruption in the Vineyard of the Lord -- 2 Nephi 15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"The Lord’s vineyard (Israel) will become desolate, and His people will be scattered—Woes will come upon them in their apostate and scattered state—The Lord will lift an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 5."<br />
2 Nephi 15 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to
share with us, mostly about cleansing and protection.
In this chapter, we continue reading Isaiah.<br />
<br />
This is a great chapter which starts out with a parable about a vineyard. In a vineyard, presumably, the grapes have been cultivated and improved through the labor of the gardener, an example being the gardener planting it with his "choicest vine" in verse 2, but despite his effort, his grapes grow wild.<br />
<br />
The beginning of this parable is very similar to the parable of the olive trees that we read about in Jacob 5. This parable takes a different turn though. In verse 4, the Lord basically says that he did everything he could for his vineyard (us), and we still went wild, and so he explains that since the vineyard isn't fulfilling its purpose, that he will destroy it.<br />
<br />
The stages of destruction are interesting because he deconstructs things that we can see were clearly intentional and protective. He removes the hedge and the wall that he built as a protection (verse 5). He mentions that it won't be pruned or digged (verse 6), indicating the extensive labor that he was putting into it previously. He also mentions the clouds and that he will prevent them from raining on the field. This seems kind of mean on the surface, but it is another indication of the extensive effort that the Lord was making. He likely commanded the clouds to rain on his field in the first place, to help it to grow. An earlier verse also mentions him clearing the stones from the field and building a watchtower (verse 2).<br />
<br />
In verse 7, the symbolism of the parable is explained in terms of the people of the day, but of course, as with all scripture, it can be likened to us as well (1 Nephi 19:23). God also helpfully explains what he was expecting (judgment) and what he saw instead (oppression), which helps us know what to improve.
<br />
To me, the admonition about joining houses (verse 8) seems to be the idea that the idea that one person or group controlling everything isn't the right way. It reminds me of the movie It's a Wonderful Life. When the big bank tried to take everything over and controlled all of the people's money, they felt oppressed and trapped, and it was important to the area that everyone have a way to be independent, make their own choices, and have a way to get their own space. Apparently, God cares about that too, wanting us all to have a chance to make our own lives and choices free from that sort of burden.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of description in here of the coming destruction and how bad it will be, presumably so that we can try to avoid contributing to it. Helpfully, God also mentions specific sins to be avoided as well. Drinking all day is one (verse 11), and the reason for it is interesting. It's basically saying that a party lifestyle (here shown by the music and wine in verse 12) distracts us from attending to the Lord, and considering his works.<br />
<br />
God mentions captivity and need, and tells us that the reason for these things is this idea of ignoring the Lord, which seems also to be the reason for the lack of knowledge mentioned in verse 13. This in turn allows hell to enlarge herself... I think the idea here is that the less we hearken to God, the more space we give for evil to take us over.</div>
<br />
God explains that he is going to right all of the wrongs detailed here, and allow his people to get what they need (verses 16-17), but he gives some strong warnings in order to help that to happen.<br />
<br />
God cautions us against iniquity and sin, mentioning vanity specifically, which I think is interesting, and likely akin to pride, which gets in our way a lot. Other specific sins are thinking of ourselves too highly, drinking, and taking bribes (verses 21-23). Another interesting warning cautions us to not call evil good and good evil (verse 20). This backwards way to look at the world I think is very prevalent in our society, where we often seem to condemn religion and embrace sin for various reasons.<br />
<br />
There are several other warnings here about things that will happen as a result of not following the Lord (verse 24), but interestingly he mentions "an ensign to the nations" which seems like another consequence, or perhaps it is the cure. The verses explain that this group will be tireless, implacable, and dangerous, and compares them to lions, from which no one can deliver the prey (verses 26-29).<br />
<br />
The specific group could be referring to the Lord's kingdom, which is often referred to as an ensign, or it could also be referring to the remnant of Nephi's people, as mentioned in 3 Nephi 21:12: "And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest." It could also be both, in referring to the gathering of Israel and both of those groups merging together in some ways. The church itself being a lion and using sharp arrows (verse 28) seems to imply more violence than I can imagine on a non-symbolic level, but then again, this is referring to the Day of the Lord (footnote to verse 30), meaning the lead up to the Second Coming or the Judgment Day, so what happens then could be super different from what we would expect now.<br />
<br />
The chapter ends with kind of a gloomy outlook: "if they look unto the land, behold, darkness and sorrow" (verse 30), acknowledging the mood of these verses and probably of the whole earth at this time in history. The cool thing about this is that we know it is a precursor to the appearance of Christ (similar to what happened with the thick darkness before Christ's appearance in 3rd Nephi). Like the parable that we started the chapter with, the vineyard is laid waste, but there is something better in store.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the Isaiah verses that Nephi chose for us.
</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-61750036740180862342018-07-20T08:12:00.000-05:002018-07-23T05:51:58.286-05:00Isaiah on Cleansing and Protection -- 2 Nephi 14<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Zion and her daughters will be redeemed and cleansed in the millennial day—Compare Isaiah 4."<br />
2 Nephi 14 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to
share with his posterity and with us, mostly about punishment and destruction.
In this chapter, we continue reading Isaiah.<br />
<br />
The previous chapter was referring to the tragedy of the people (specifically the daughters of Zion), but in this chapter things definitely turn around. Instead of destruction, we see hope. The women are working to improve their lot, and perhaps build back up a broken people, and everyone that is escaped, or left after the destructions seem to have hope and goodness ahead of them.<br />
<br />
Verse 4 seems to say that the destructions that we just read about have cleansed the people, seemingly by getting rid of the most wicked among us. The chapter heading tells us that this is referring to the millennium, so presumably this is the transition from the "end of the world" destructions to a thousand years of awesome: "beautiful and glorious" (verse 2), everyone still alive is called "holy" (verse 3), and it refers back to the cloud by day and the fire by night which is the way that the Lord traveled with the children of Israel in the days of Moses.<br />
<br />
One difference is that the cloud and fire here aren't just in one place. Verse five says that they will be "upon every dwelling-place." That could be symbolic of the Lord being with the people wherever they are, but I think this likely also refers to something literal because the end of the chapter talks about Zion being a defence, and mentions a tabernacle that provides shadow and protection from the elements, and which is a place of refuge, so at least the protection from the heat and rain would be a physical place.<br />
<br />
This chapter is a nice refuge for us as well from the destructions of the previous chapter, and I think encourages us to be the holy people that will escape and be around to see the amazing aftermath.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we read more of the Isaiah verses that Nephi chose for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-69262550780069905312018-07-13T10:56:00.002-05:002018-07-13T10:56:41.776-05:00Isaiah on Punishment and Pleading -- 2 Nephi 13<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Judah and Jerusalem will be punished for their disobedience—The Lord pleads for and judges His people—The daughters of Zion are cursed and tormented for their worldliness—Compare Isaiah 3."<br />
2 Nephi 13 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, we were reading some Isaiah that Nephi wanted to share with his posterity and with us, mostly about the Second Coming. In this chapter, we continue that reading. Although a lot of this is likely about the Second Coming, Isaiah's prophecies are not always linear progressions. The destruction here could be from the past and from the future, or even symbolically talking about the future by talking about the past.<br />
<br />
In the beginning of this chapter the people are being punished for wickedness. It gets sounding pretty bad, but one thing that I find really interesting is in verse 9 where it says "Wo unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves!" ... This seems to be something that God is sad about, not just arbitrary lightning bolts from the sky, sent because God is really angry. When we are punished, in so many ways, we are punishing ourselves. Verses 10 and 11 tell us, basically, that our lives usually go wrong when we go wrong, and when we go right, our lives start getting back on track.<br />
<br />
Now, of course, not all tragedy happens because of sin. Sometimes righteous people are the victims of other people's sin, and sometimes there are just natural disasters and trials that happen in the world. Part of the tragedy of sin I think is that God could make things better for us, no matter how bad things are, but when we aren't doing the right things then our spirits and attitudes won't let him in at all, and we can't be provided with the extra strength and endurance that he would offer us if we were willing to accept it. When we don't, God has to watch the natural consequences of really, really bad choices even down through many generations.<br />
<br />
In this case, thinking of the history of Jerusalem and of geographical Zion, God miraculously supports his people, helping them to triumph over their enemies, but when they go against him, they are still in the midst of those enemies, but now they aren't righteous enough to have God supporting them, so they suffer.<br />
<br />
In verse 13 "The Lord standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people." This is interesting to me, because in order to avert these disasters, God needs *us* to change. Even during the flood, presumably if he was willing to mess with free agency he could have just snapped his fingers and made everyone behave... but because he values our freedom and won't force us to do anything, he had to start over instead. No one was left in that society, save Noah, to stand up and be an example and teach anything but evil to future generations. He works with us through faith and each other, and when there is no faith and no other good people to help us, that's when (as he did with so many prophets in the scriptures), he leads us away rather than allowing us to be killed. Presumably, that is why the 12 tribes were led away and scattered... in order to preserve them.<br />
<br />
The chapter continues its sadness at the punishment the people are going through, because they have done bad things, including beating his people to pieces and grinding the faces of the poor (verse 15) and haughtiness (verse 16), which sounds like many of the problems then (as now) may have been sparked by pride and inequality.<br />
<br />
The city and the people have gotten to the point where there is just tragedy everywhere: "burning instead of beauty" (verse 24), and desolation (verse 26). Tune in next time to continue reading Nephi's selections from Isaiah and to see the hope, even after the devastation. :)</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-45064934595760729522018-07-11T15:54:00.001-05:002018-07-11T15:56:10.659-05:00Isaiah on The Second Coming -- 2 Nephi 12<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Isaiah sees the latter-day temple, gathering of Israel, and millennial judgment and peace—The proud and wicked will be brought low at the Second Coming—Compare Isaiah 2."<br />
2 Nephi 12 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, Nephi bore his testimony of Christ and urged us to remember that we need him in our lives. In this chapter, he shares with us some of Isaiah's prophecies of the Second Coming to further illustrate our need for Christ.<br />
<br />
I like the phrase "the mountain of the Lord's House." Mountains are symbolic of temples and of being high and close to God. In this case, verse two tells us that "all nations shall flow unto it," which expands the idea of purity and revelation and individual, face to face communication with God to everyone, in all nations. That is a cool idea, since we too often think about religion and the gospel in an exclusive way, only open to people like us. God makes it clear that there are people willing to be like him all over the place, which is pretty much the point of all of it. :) What a great day that will be. Verse three tells us that we will have the opportunity to learn of God and walk in his paths, which we already can do, but still the whole idea of gathering to God to do it makes it all better and more awesome somehow.<br />
<br />
At the Second Coming God comes not just as a teacher, but as a ruler and a judge, which it talks about here as well. That's appropriate and God's right, but I also think that it will be such a relief. No matter where we live on the earth we see corruption and bias; injustice and inequality. With God as not only our spiritual guide but our ruler we won't see any of that. We'll certainly be rebuked and have to change our outlook and our behavior, as it mentions in verse 4, which definitely isn't always easy, but for the result of no more war, that seems more than fair.<br />
<br />
I like how it makes clear that the house of Jacob has *all* gone astray. This chapter doesn't talk about God coming back and raising one group up and condemning another. It says that we need to all come and walk in the light of the Lord and stop worshipping the work of our own hands. Probably some things that we can start doing now, in addition to the largest suggestion in the rest of the chapter which is to be humble.<br />
<br />
The idea in verse 11 that "the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day" is an interesting one. Does that mean no movie stars, no sports figures, no YouTube sensations, or just that we won't be addicted to those things like we are as a society now? :)<br />
<br />
After this Isaiah talks more about humility, but he starts sounding like he isn't just talking about emotion, but actual calamity. He talks about not just people that are lifted up being brought low, but trees, and mountains, and hills, and nations, towers, walls, ships, and even pictures. Then, in verse 19, it says that the Lord will arise to "shake terribly the earth." That totally sounds like a massive earthquake to me, but who knows.<br />
<br />
The end of the chapter warns us against idols which will be utterly abolished, but it is also mentioned that people will throw them to the moles and the bats, likely just to get rid of them since idols don't sound like a good thing to be in possession of at the Second Coming... which really also begs the question, what exactly *are* our idols? A good thing to think about.<br />
<br />
Isaiah sums everything up by saying "Cease ye from man," basically advising us to stick with God and not turn to society's wisdom... or our own, or other people's. Only God's.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue to read some Isaiah chapters that Nephi thought we should know about.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-221414208465395672018-06-18T15:18:00.002-05:002018-06-18T15:18:40.878-05:00Nephi Pieces Things Together -- 2 Nephi 11<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves He will come."<br />
2 Nephi 11 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, Jacob was giving us some great advice about choosing life and reconciling ourselves to the will of God.<br />
<br />
In this chapter, the narrative returns to Nephi, who was collecting and writing out these records for us, and who is now transitioning us from the sermon of Jacob to more prophecies of Isaiah. Although he tells us that he is leaving a lot out, I really like that he specifically mentions that he and Jacob have seen their Redeemer, just as Isaiah did (verses 2 and 3).<br />
<br />
Nephi wants his people (and us) to know some specific things. One is the truth of the coming of Christ, including how the law of Moses and the entire gospel from the beginning of the world all point us to Christ, and the fact that we *need* him. I think this is sometimes hard for us to grasp, but just imagine how difficult it must have been for people before Christ came... talking about a future event, and imagining that Christ would save them someday.<br />
<br />
I really like this chapter partly for that reason. I think it shows the all-encompassing nature of God's plan, and kind of how all time is before him. People before Christ were saved by his atonement, as we are, after the actual event. Because God promised it, it was a sure thing before it even happened, which I think is a good thing to remember about all of God's promises. They are always sure, even when they are far away. Just like the atonement, the happy ending that God promises us, if we trust in it, can help us to be happy now (Mormon 9:14).<br />
<br />
Another thing that Nephi wants us to remember are the covenants that the Lord made to his ancestors (and ours, whether by blood or adoption). Sometimes we take it for granted, but the idea that someday we will be granted immortality--that's huge. Nephi mentions God's grace, justice, power, and mercy. The way that all of those pieces of the gospel fit together IS the atonement. Christ makes it possible for justice and mercy to coexist, through the grace and power of Christ. The gift that he gives us is both free (because we could never accomplish it ourselves), and costly (because we still have to become perfect--Christ just gives us almost unlimited second chances). Christ, as mediator, gives us that opportunity to keep working on changing and improving, until the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18; D&C 50:24).<br />
<br />
To end, Nephi reaffirms the reality of God and Christ's atonement, and then tells us that he is going to share more of the writings of Isaiah, and he already told us why... because Isaiah knows these things too, and there is much to be learned from him. <br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we read some Isaiah that Nephi picked out for us.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-5363195252725667142018-05-15T17:09:00.002-05:002018-05-15T17:09:49.349-05:00Jacob's Sermon Ends -- 2 Nephi 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob explains that the Jews will crucify their God—They will be scattered until they begin to believe in Him—America will be a land of liberty where no king will rule—Reconcile yourselves to God and gain salvation through His grace."<br />
2 Nephi 10 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, Jacob was preaching to the people of Nephi, and teaching them about the Atonement and the Judgment.<br />
<br />
At the very beginning of this chapter, Jacob says this: "it has been shown unto me that many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of unbelief, nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be restored" (verse 2). Reading that, it really strikes me how hard it must be to be a prophet, or to have that foreknowledge.<br />
<br />
We've seen it already, with Lehi knowing that two of his sons would go astray and lead countless others to do the same. Nephi seeing his people throughout history, including dwindling in unbelief for many generations, and here Jacob, probably having seen the same thing or something very similar. And yet, he holds on to hope, which must seem tiny after witnessing so much. He knows that some of them will find the truth again, and he hangs on to that, knowing that God will someday make everything alright, even if it can't be alright now. That seems to be a strong lesson for all of us: hold on to the hope, no matter how small, and trust that God will cause light and truth to prevail, no matter how unlikely it can seem at times.<br />
<br />
Risking a spoiler, but this is a re-read, not a first read after all: It reminds me of Abinadi, who could have felt that it was pointless to preach to the evil priests of Noah, and who was then killed. And yet, from that seemingly hopeless instruction in the gospel came Alma who changed everything. Similarly, here, Jacob is looking forward to the portion of his posterity who will find the gospel again, and giving the people additional information about what is to come.<br />
<br />
He explains that Christ will come, and that he will be crucified, and the people at Jerusalem scattered, but that someday they will be restored. This is parallel to what he had just said about his own people, and then the two different prophecies converge, as he explains that those people will be restored to the lands of their inheritance, and that this land will be for the inheritance of Jacob's people, and also blessed to the Gentiles.<br />
<br />
A significant statement in these verses is "he that fighteth against Zion shall perish" (verse 13, repeated more strongly in 16). The idea here is that Zion will triumph, and that no one should get in God's way, but it seems even more strong because in context, Jacob is prophesying the future.<br />
<br />
Another strong statement in verse 16 is "They who are not for me are against me, saith our God." I think that is something that can be hard to hear, but just like so many other things in our lives, inaction and indecision are not neutral. They are negative. To move forward, we have to make decisions and actually do something. If we aren't actively following God, then we are working against him, even if it is just by letting our spiritual batteries run out. For instance, if we don't go to church, it is easier not to go the next week, and if we don't listen to the spirit, it is easier not to listen next time. Our spirituality and our relationship with God require maintenance, and when we aren't taking action to do good, it is similar to not using our physical bodies. Our spiritual muscles, like our physical muscles, can atrophy and shrink, eventually becoming unusable. We have to work to grow closer to God, rather than just trying to sit on the fence or make up our minds over and over again every time we face a challenge, which results in negative progress.<br />
<br />
As the chapter continues, God reaffirms that he will keep his promises to the house of Israel, and I think verse 20 is interesting in that context. It was really important for these people to know that this new land was a land of promise for them, because the land they had *left* had been a land of promise as well. That had to be part of what made leaving so hard in the first place, and why they might have felt "cast off" (verse 20). If God led your ancestors to Jerusalem, then leaving Jerusalem probable felt like backsliding or at least losing something precious, but here God confirms that he remembers them (verse 22).<br />
<br />
The last few verses are gold, and applicable to us as well. Cheer up, remember that we can choose death or life, so let's choose life. :) I like the phrase "reconcile yourselves to the will of God" (verse 24), which basically means to bring ourselves into harmony with God's teachings. The choice here is between harmony with God and harmony with the devil and the flesh... again, no neutral ground. And if we choose life, then we will be resurrected and received into the eternal kingdom of God. An excellent ending, to life, to the chapter, and to the words of Jacob.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we return to Nephi's narrative.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-86385029454907246432018-04-15T20:08:00.001-05:002018-04-15T20:08:11.889-05:00Jacob's Sermon: Fall, Atonement, Resurrection, and Judgment -- 2 Nephi 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob explains that the Jews will be gathered in all their lands of
promise—The Atonement ransoms man from the Fall—The bodies of the dead
will come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from
paradise—They will be judged—The Atonement saves from death, hell, the
devil, and endless torment—The righteous are to be saved in the kingdom
of God—Penalties for sins are set forth—The Holy One of Israel is the
keeper of the gate."<br />
2 Nephi 9 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, Jacob was preaching to the people of Nephi, and was
reading to them from Isaiah. In this chapter, he tells us why he was reading from Isaiah, and continues his sermon.<br />
<br />
The reason that he gives for reading from Isaiah is so that everyone will know the covenants that the Lord has made with the house of Israel (verse 1), and so that we can rejoice that we are part of that promise (verse 3). (Incidentally, this applies to everyone who is willing to accept the gospel. In Genesis 26:4 God tells Abraham "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." So, if we aren't already a part of the Abrahamic covenant, we can choose to be.) <br />
<br />
Jacob goes into the Fall, the Atonement, and Resurrection, talking about how death came into the world, and how that problem was solved through the Atonement, and then in verses 8-12 he alternates between praising God for how cool all of this is, and explaining it a bit more. :)<br />
<br />
I really like when he gets into some of the details of the resurrection, talking about how our new bodies will be immortal and that we will have a perfect knowledge (verse 13). Immortality is awesome. The idea of perfect knowledge is too, but God warns us that perfect knowledge can be a double-edged sword. We could have a perfect knowledge of awesome things, or a perfect knowledge of awful things (like guilt in verse 14), and a large part of that has to do with our actions and our ability to repent. I think this whole idea of perfect knowledge really helps us to understand why we would want to keep our minds clean. You don't want back up storage of sewage to suddenly be always there in our minds, not to mention how it will feel to face God with anything like that between us. Good reminder of how much we need repentance.<br />
<br />
Verse 15 talks about the Judgment, and I like that it gives some detail about how it happens after the resurrection rather than instantly after death. The whole idea of restoration is explained as well. It's almost like working with clay and then firing it... we solidify into what we have become at that point, but until then, we are still being shaped. It shows us the importance of repentance, change, and of being who we truly want to be, because when we get to that point, we are what we have chosen. And I really can't imagine getting to that point and being something that we never wanted to be... how important to make good choices. I love this part of verse 18: "their joy shall be full forever." Eternal happiness sounds pretty awesome. :)<br />
<br />
The verses after this get into praising God for his mercy and holiness, which is definitely awesome... I think the core of this might be in verse 20 where it talks about how God knows all things... which is how he could see the danger that we were going to be in if we tried to become like him, and why he set up his whole plan to save us in the first place. Sometimes this can get over our heads, but the way I think of it is just like regular parents. They have a child and they can see ahead and know that later in life the child is probably going to need some job skills and a way to earn money, and so starts investing so that they can send them to college. The kid doesn't have to go, but the money is there because the parents were able to plan ahead for something they could see coming. God's foreknowledge is much, much bigger and more detailed, and his plan is much more comprehensive.... but the idea is similar, and sometimes that helps me get my head around it. :)<br />
<br />
Verses 21 and 22 are explaining the atonement, and I like the simplicity of it. He suffered for all of us so that we could be resurrected. Of course there is more complexity, and this chapter explains a lot of things about law, punishment, justice, and more. One of my favorite parts is verses 28-29, talking about how frail we are and how easily we fall into Satan's traps. "When [we] are learned [we] think [we] are wise," and we stop listening to God. On the other hand, if we DO listen to God, then being learned is good. ... And aren't most things like that? Without God, it is all fail, but with him, everything is better.<br />
<br />
We get a similar vibe in the next verses, talking about the rich, the deaf, the blind, and "the uncircumcised of heart." The rich because of where their hearts are, and the deaf and the blind because they choose not to hear, and see. I also think the heart image is amazing... we know that the natural man is an enemy to God, and we have to bridle our passions, and I think that is the idea here. We have to edit our own hearts if we want to tell the story of who we truly want to be. Just gushing out whatever we find there makes us essential three year olds, right? Throwing tantrums and demanding our way. Becoming circumcised of heart means letting go of that anger and pain that we feel from finding out that the world isn't there to cater to us, and instead embracing the gospel and helping others. Finding out what a blessing it is to be other-focused rather than always focusing inwardly on our own needs and desires.<br />
<br />
Verse 38 talks about the tragedy of dying in our sins and returning to God in that state. Imagine being the way we are for eternity... all those things that we meant to do, or to change remaining undone. We should probably step it up a little. I like that Jacob seems to feel bad about all the negative stuff (verse 40), warning us of our sins and reminding us of the awfulness of it (verse 39), but it is clear that he is speaking the words of God, and that his whole goal (like God's) is to save us... to turn us to God, to get us to take action and learn to communicate with him and to seek his counsel.<br />
<br />
Jacob says "Prepare your souls for that glorious day" speaking of the Judgment Day, which I also liked. We don't usually think of the Judgment as a really positive time, probably because we are scared that we aren't doing enough... which is fair. But Jacob with that one word I think causes us to imagine the other side of some of what he is saying. He speaks of shrinking with fear and guilt on that day, but he also causes us to remember that it doesn't have to be that way. It could be gloriously happy. He makes us long for the words that he hints at in verse 48: "if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness" and we want to know those words, rather than being stuck facing these ones again.<br />
<br />
And just at that moment when we are longing to escape from ourselves, Jacob gives us that invitation in verses 50 and 51, and reminds us that it isn't as hard as we are making it out to be. We just have to go to God, accept his gifts... pray to and thank him, and allow our hearts to rejoice. This is huge, because it reminds us that we keep getting in the way of our own happiness. That is all that God wants for us, but we resist because we think that we know better, or we want to look cool, or whatever other reason... but if we could just let go of that pride and that self-focus that keeps tripping us up, we could be so much happier, and we could find our way through our obstacles, and even overcome our own weaknesses with God's help.<br />
<br />
Jacob lets us rest here, but promises to tell us more tomorrow... and we're sort of glad, because that was a lot to process. Tune in next time as Jacob's Sermon continues.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-46020259243866934882018-02-19T20:29:00.000-06:002018-02-21T20:20:13.752-06:00Jacob Teaching from Isaiah -- 2 Nephi 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: In the last days, the Lord will
comfort Zion and gather Israel—The redeemed will come to Zion amid great
joy."<br />
2 Nephi 8 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In
our last episode, Jacob was preaching to the people of Nephi, and was
reading to them from Isaiah. This chapter continues that sermon.<br />
<br />
The first few verses seem to be referring us back to God and perhaps our ancestors (the rock from whence we are hewn), and reassuring us that God will fulfil his promises. And as the verses turn forward in time instead of looking back, some of those promises are amazing... gardens instead of deserts, and comfort and joy. God will be our light and our salvation.<br />
<br />
Verse 6 tells us that the "heavens shall vanish away like smoke" and that those that dwell on the earth will die, but that salvation and righteousness will still be around, even if the heavens and the earth are gone or changed. A good reminder about what matters, and what lasts.<br />
<br />
I really like "fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings" in verse 7. Verse 12 adds that man isn't any more permanent than grass, but we are assured that God's righteousness and salvation are more permanent, and that he "hast feared continually every day" for us. I'm not sure if God is ever actually "afraid," or if being afraid for us is just another way of saying that he loves us and cares about what we are faced with, but either way, the idea remains that God is actively involved in our lives, and he doesn't stop helping us ever, for even a day.<br />
<br />
Verse 16 reminds us that God blesses us to speak his words and that he covers us in the shadow of his hand. ... He protects us, always. Then Isaiah gets into talking about some things that will happen at the second coming, but his theme is still the same. Even during the "desolation and destruction" (verse 19) spoken of, God will help us, and save us. One metaphor here is drinking the cup of God's fury, which ... doesn't sound very appetizing. He says that he has taken that cup out of the hands of his people, and that he will put it into the hands of those that afflict them, which is a good reminder that we likely want to work on being part of his people, rather than being on the afflicting side. :)<br />
<br />
The last verse in this chapter (verse 25) has an interesting phrase in it: "shake thyself from the dust." That seems to carry the idea of taking action... doing something with our lives. The verse ends with slavery imagery, I think basically asking us to free ourselves... both from the bondage of sin, but perhaps also the trap of thinking that we can't change. It is an interesting echo of something that Lehi said to his sons just a few chapters before: "arise from the dust, my sons, and be men." Isaiah and Lehi, singing the same gospel. :) Which just means that they were both in tune with God, and a reminder to us about what a good idea that is. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as Jacob teaches us more.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-90781615738547029312018-02-05T08:21:00.001-06:002018-02-05T08:21:32.653-06:00Jacob's Sermon Continues -- 2 Nephi 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: Isaiah speaks messianically—The
Messiah will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back to the
smiters—He will not be confounded."<br />
2 Nephi 7 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Jacob was preaching to the people of Nephi, and was reading to them from Isaiah. This chapter continues that sermon. It is only 11 verses long, but it gets deep right away.<br />
<br />
In the first verse God basically asks how he has abandoned us, and says that he hasn't... we have abandoned him. He is still there, and he still has the power to redeem us. I really like in verse 4 where Isaiah tells us that "When ye are weary he waketh morning by morning." God is concerned for us, and he keeps his prophets busy, trying to save us.<br />
<br />
Verses 7 and 8 remind us that the Lord is trustworthy. Even when bad things happen to us, we know that the Lord will keep his promises. I like "Who will contend with me? Let us stand together." The chapter has a lot of the "if you fight with God, God will win" idea, which of course is a good thing to keep in mind since we too often set our wills against his, which only causes us pain. This particular phrase though seems softer. An offer of unity--the idea of let's not fight; let's figure it out together. God knows more than we do, even about ourselves and our lives. If we can learn to trust him, instead of harming ourselves by demanding things that we can't and shouldn't have, we can work with God to find ways to satisfy our needs and wants in ways that will help us find some long-term happiness.<br />
<br />
Verses 9 and 10 assure us that God will help us. The question in verse 10 asking who obeys the Lord and walks in darkness is rhetorical. The answer is no one. If we walk with God, we will always have light in our lives.<br />
<br />
Verse 11 is interesting talking about people who create sparks. I think that it is paired with verse 10, and really the whole chapter talking about whether we're trusting God or not. If we try to light our own lives by kindling our own light--tiny sparks that are quickly extinguished--we can only find eventual sorrow. God's light is as the sun, brightening everything and helping us see clearly. With him, we never have to walk in darkness, and we will be able to discern the right path.<br />
<br />
Some great advice from Jacob, Isaiah, and of course, God. Tune in next time as Jacob continues reading from Isaiah as part of his sermon.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-28990505195718326782018-02-01T08:01:00.000-06:002018-02-01T08:01:39.344-06:00Jacob's Sermon Begins -- 2 Nephi 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Jacob recounts Jewish history: The Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the Gentiles; and the Jews’ latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah."<br />
2 Nephi 6 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Nephi made his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph priests and teachers over his people after they split apart. This seems to be a record of one of Jacob's sermons.<br />
<br />
I'm impressed in verse 3 by the reason that Jacob is doing this. He is concerned about the welfare of the souls of the people around him. How often do we really think about one another's souls? :) Doing so might pull us out of our short-term thinking a little bit, as we go throughout our day thinking about how we can help one another on a spiritual level.<br />
<br />
In verse 4 he says "I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah." I like this idea of talking about now and about the future... looking forward. And then he reads from Isaiah, which in some ways seems like the past, right? But just like we recently read in past chapters, these prophets saw the future, including our day, and so they can help us with thinking ahead as well.<br />
<br />
In verse 6 he starts quoting Isaiah, and Isaiah is always good. Interesting to think about likening it all to us (verse 5) though. How do these scriptures apply to us? Jacob gives us one hint in verse 5 as well. We are of the house of Israel (either by blood or by adoption if we covenant to follow the Lord). I like the line in verse 7 "they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." Looking to and waiting on the Lord--trusting him, is never something that we need to be ashamed of, because God is there to back us up and make sure that our trust is not in vain... specifically with reference to the Second Coming, which Isaiah is leading up to here, but also a promise in general, that God will always keep his covenants with us. It's our side that we have to worry about. :)<br />
<br />
Jacob jumps in here and explains how this applies to the people (which is awesome, especially with Isaiah). The Lord showed him that Jerusalem was sacked, and part of Isaiah's promise here was that it would be restored. Then he goes back to quoting Isaiah, furthering this idea of restoration. God's message throughout these verses is that he will deliver his
covenant people. <br />
<br />
Isaiah, as always, is many-layered, so I think in
talking about his covenant people he means specifically those at
Jerusalem (mentioned in verse 8), but also the Gentiles (mentioned in
verse 12), so in essence, all of us who "repent and fight not against
Zion" (verse 12). He specifically also mentions that "none will he
destroy that believe in him" (verse 14), which is a pretty amazing
promise, likely specific to this event, but also true in a general,
eternal sense.<br />
<br />
My favorite part in the last part of this chapter (verse 17) is "I will contend
with them that contendeth with thee." The idea that God will fight our
battles for us is an amazing promise. I think, again, that the meaning
here is many layered. God likely doesn't mean that he will fight all
of our battles for us, since we need to learn to handle things as well, but specifically the ones at the Second Coming
are included, as are, perhaps, other battles like that... ones where we
have done all we can, and only a miracle will do.<br />
<br />
I think sometimes we
see that in our own lives, where we are the prey (verse 16), because we have broken God's laws. It would be perfectly just to punish or
destroy us, but in repentance, instead, we find God willing to save us
even from ourselves. ... I think that is what the atonement is--Christ willing to
fight our battles for us in a spiritual way, just like he will fight
this physical one (or at least partly physical) for us at the Second Coming.<br />
<br />
The chapter ends with a cool quote: "all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." I like the idea that eventually everyone will know the Lord. I also think it is cool that Isaiah was talking about a different Jacob, but that it also applies to the Jacob who is quoting it here, any other Jacob, and really... all of us. God is our mighty one. He will save us.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as Jacob reads us more Isaiah. :) Good stuff.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-54804463832717206172018-01-28T18:43:00.003-06:002018-01-30T07:44:49.501-06:00Nephi Flees for His Life -- 2 Nephi 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"The Nephites separate themselves from the Lamanites, keep the law of Moses, and build a temple—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cut off from the presence of the Lord, are cursed, and become a scourge unto the Nephites."<br />
2 Nephi 5 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Lehi died and Laman and Lemuel were getting mad at Nephi for preaching to them. Pretty par for the course in our story so far. However, this chapter starts out with them getting so angry that, as Nephi puts it, "they did seek to take away my life" (verse 2). This definitely isn't the first time this has happened, but something is different this time--perhaps the calming influence of their father, or the fact that there is no longer a higher authority to go to beyond the brothers themselves--and the Lord warns Nephi that he needs to "flee" (verse 5), along with anyone that will go with him.<br />
<br />
Verse 6 lists some of the people that went with Nephi, including Zoram, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, and interestingly "also my sisters." I think that is the only place that it specifically even mentions that Nephi has sisters, even though of course there is a lot of speculation about the subject.<br />
<br />
So, they leave and go someplace else, and they call the new place the land of Nephi, and themselves the people of Nephi. Thus the huge generation-spanning rift that echoes throughout the whole Book of Mormon begins. Or rather, I suppose that it began much earlier, since that sibling bond had been eroding for a while, but this is the breaking point where they really become two different people, and later we hear all kinds of stories about this central split, because the two different groups raise their children to believe that it happened for very different reasons, but since we are reading about it now, it is a good thing to remember later that Nephi left because God warned him to flee. ... Incidentally, the same reason that Lehi left Jerusalem in the first place.<br />
<br />
We learn in verse 12 that Nephi has brought along the brass plates and the Liahona. I'm sure that he had more need of both than people who had chosen not to heed the word of the Lord, but leaving the Lamanites without the scriptures, when the journey back to retrieve them was a dramatic event in all of their lives is huge, likely exacerbating the rift. Not at all that I think Nephi should have or could have made a different choice here. Just, you don't miss the scriptures until you don't have them anymore, and it becomes pretty easy to dwindle in unbelief. But of course, God felt compassion for their state as well, and that's why he sends missionaries out to them in later chapters. :)<br />
<br />
Nephi also brought along the sword of Laban (verse 14) and he makes many copies of it, thinking ahead and realizing that the rift will lead to violence.<br />
<br />
In verse 16, Nephi builds a temple. That's an important addition, essential to their spiritual lives. I don't know if they had left one behind with the Lamanites as well, but it's possible. This is an important tradition that doesn't always get mentioned, but significantly when Christ appears to these people (hundreds of years after this point), it is to a group that have gathered around a temple... so clearly this tradition was maintained through many, many generations as the people followed God and stayed true to his teachings.<br />
<br />
God curses the Lamanites, and tells them not to mix, or they will receive the same cursing (verse 23). This is an interesting direction, and indicates that God might have been concerned about contact between the groups having a corrupting influence rather than an edifying influence... the way he asked the Israelites under Moses to not mix with the other nations that were already in the land, because they would tend to start following idols and not stay true to him when they did. Maybe we have to work our way up and be a lot more solid before we are ready to do missionary work, rather than allowing ourselves to be swayed. ... Or maybe it was still too early for contact to result in anything better than violence.<br />
<br />
In verse 26, Nephi consecrates his younger brothers to be priests and teachers, and in the very next verse it says "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." That's a pretty cool statement, and I think there is a connection there. Happiness goes hand-in-hand with choosing to follow God. Things aren't always going to go right, and we won't always escape pain, but every single thing in God's plan is meant to lead us to goodness and happiness, and when we follow him, we're on that path, and that is our inevitable destination, even if we aren't there every second. :)<br />
<br />
At the end of the chapter Nephi talks about keeping records, and about God commanding him to make a separate record (the plates that we are reading from in translation). We *also* learn that there have already been "wars and contentions" with the Lamanites (verse 34), so in the space of 20 verses the swords that Nephi made had been used several times, and perhaps the curse that was laid upon the Lamanites helped the Nephites stay alive, since the possibility of infiltration would be very low.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time when we get to read some things written by Jacob, Nephi's little brother, and begin our interlude into a lot of Isaiah. :)</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-81186612482129462602017-12-06T07:24:00.000-06:002018-01-30T07:44:32.197-06:00The Death of Lehi -- 2 Nephi 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Lehi counsels and blesses his posterity—He dies and is buried—Nephi glories in the goodness of God—Nephi puts his trust in the Lord forever."<br />
2 Nephi 4 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, we were learning about the prophecies of Joseph of Egypt, and how they applied to Nephi's time, and also our time. The chapter starts out talking about how important those prophecies are, and then we get back to the blessings that Lehi is leaving upon his posterity before he dies. He starts with the sons and daughters of Laman.<br />
<br />
In verse 4, he mentions a basic truth. "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." This is pretty fundamental, but it is hard to always see clearly, because sometimes we, and others that we observe, seem to prosper when we aren't keeping the commandments. The consequence listed here isn't not prospering wealth-wise though. It is being cut off from God spiritually. I think that also makes it a lot harder to prosper in a lot of other ways, but that spiritual lack is a constant presence, and although we can, and do, try to fill the hole with something else, the only thing that works is God. No amount of money, power, fame, or obsession-fulfillment can make up for that loss.<br />
<br />
In verses 5-7, Lehi tells the sons and daughters of Laman (and later also the sons and daughters of Lemuel) that if they are cursed (which he has seen in a vision), that the cursing will be answered upon the heads of their parents. He knows that if they were brought up to follow God and not to hate, that they would do the right things, but since he knows that isn't going to happen, he works to try to ameliorate the damage. This makes me wonder what God thinks, looking out at the world. ... And of our *huge* responsibility as lights in the world, to set a good example. How many in the world are lost from God just because they haven't had that example and help in their lives of something they truly admire and want to emulate?<br />
<br />
In verse 12, Lehi dies, and in verse 13, Laman and Lemuel are angry because of Nephi's preaching. The anger is pretty par for the course in our story, of course, but because of Lehi's death, it has a special significance. It is the beginning of a permanent rift that stretches over an entire nation. It makes you think about how important family unity is, although of course it isn't always avoidable. I'm sure that Lehi did everything he could to solve this particular issue, but Laman and Lemuel had to be free to make their own choices.<br />
<br />
I love Nephi saying that his "soul delighteth in the scriptures" (Verse 15). That seems like something that all of us should probably do a lot more of. The more we ponder and delight in God's word, the more it will become a part of us... there whenever we need advice, or comfort. Since the spirit can bring all things to our remembrance, if we have those scriptures inside us, the Lord can easily speak to us, reminding us of the scriptures that are particularly applicable to our current circumstances.<br />
<br />
Nephi, in verse 19 says something that we can probably all relate to: "when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins." I like that we see the humanity of prophets, especially Nephi. His life wasn't easy, for sure, and he shows us here and elsewhere that he wasn't perfect, but he was also a truly amazing man and a prophet of God. To me, I think that it offers hope. We also are not perfect, and our souls groan when we would desire to rejoice sometimes as well, because we so easily turn to temptation and sin. But that didn't stop Nephi from continuing to try, and working to overcome his weaknesses. It didn't stop him from having a relationship with God and being faithful... and it doesn't have to stop us. We, too, can overcome our weaknesses, and become great people, with God's help.<br />
<br />
In verse 28, Nephi continues his internal monologue/prayer by saying "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." This particular verse strikes me because it makes it clear what we are doing when we sin... we're basically opening up the doors and letting the bad guys in. It also mentions awaking and rejoicing... some important things we can do to fight Satan's influence... breaking out of the zombie state where we're just going through the motions, and really thinking about our choices and what we want... and finding positive things around us, and tapping into the joy of life rather than the despair.<br />
<br />
Nephi ends his prayer in verse 35, saying "God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss." I like that part because it mentions prayer and asking, which are huge throughout the scriptures, and important in our lives as well as in Nephi's, but also because he mentions asking not amiss. We have to really apply ourselves to prayers and requests with God, not just throw wishes up like they don't matter. God is really listening, and asking for the wrong things will either mess up our lives because we actually get them, or mess up our connection with the spirit because we're asking for something that is clearly bad for us and/or the people around us. It's a good reminder that God wants to bless us abundantly, but we need to make sure we ask for good things.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time for the family rift going to the next level.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-52586323104015173712017-10-31T09:12:00.000-05:002018-01-30T07:44:16.787-06:00Lehi's Last Words, Part Three -- 2 Nephi 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Joseph in Egypt saw the Nephites in vision—He prophesied of Joseph Smith, the latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon."<br />
2 Nephi 3 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Lehi gave a last blessing to his son Jacob. Here, he gives a blessing to his son Joseph, his "last-born" (verse 1).<br />
<br />
Like the last chapter, it seems clear that this blessing was in the company of his whole family, not just one-on-one, because there are so many hints in the verses, encouraging the whole family. In verse 2, Lehi consecrates the land unto Joseph and his descendants "with thy brethren" and specifically says "if it so be that ye shall keep the commandments." I think that final caveat is worth noting, not just in the context of this blessing (as we see much later in history when the land is overrun with people that were not descendants of Lehi), but also in the context of almost all blessings from the Lord. It takes effort to maintain the gifts that God gives us, or we lose them.<br />
<br />
We are reminded of the vision that Lehi and Nephi saw of their seed being mostly destroyed in the next verses. Lehi promises Joseph that all is not lost, because he is of the posterity of Joseph of Egypt, and explains the prophecy that a righteous branch of that tribe will rise up in the latter days to bring light in the darkness.<br />
<br />
A specific seer is mentioned, and it also specifies that it won't be Moses. This is interesting stuff, because this is a prophecy of Joseph of Egypt, so apparently Joseph knew ahead of time that his people would need saving, and who would save them (verse 10). I think that is cool, and awesome... and I think it also shows the compassion of the Lord to help us know ahead of time that things are going to be okay. We all need that reassurance sometimes.<br />
<br />
Verses 11 and 12 are powerful predictions of the Book of Mormon and the Bible growing together, and not only confounding false doctrines, but even more powerfully, the laying down of contentions and the establishment of peace. I like the phrase "convincing them of my word" because it seems to indicate that the truth won't just be there, shunned, but that it will be believed and welcomed by many of Lehi's descendants... perhaps some of us, reading. :)<br />
<br />
In verse 15 is when the reader usually realizes that the seer spoken of is actually Joseph Smith, and what would it have been like for Joseph Smith, translating these words? To realize that he was not only part of prophecy (as most of us are, connected to all of this through our lineage and blood, or adoption into the house of Israel, and perhaps also the family of Lehi), but that he was *named* and know of, as Moses was, well ahead of his actual lifespan. So much joy. :) Probably some feeling of overwhelming responsibility as well. :)<br />
<br />
Verse 17 talks about Moses again, and you have to wonder, don't you, if Joseph of Egypt prophesied this... did Moses know of the prophecy? It makes you read the story of Moses with a whole other perspective, thinking that he might have also known his destiny.<br />
<br />
In verse 23 Lehi tells Joseph that he doesn't have to worry about his descendants, because they will hearken unto the words of the book, and thinking about that a little bit makes you realize that those very words are IN the book, and that we, today, are hearkening also. I like that. So many layers of goodness. :)<br />
<br />
Verse 24 talks about restoration, which is a huge theme throughout the scriptures, not only in this giant-sized generation and world-spanning kind of restoration, but also restoration on an individual level: our words and actions will also be brought full circle. A good thing to remember that we are all part of the interwoven pattern that is life, and the gospel, and the pattern of God.<br />
<br />
In verse 25 Lehi says that Joseph is little, so we know that it's hasn't been a lot of years that they have been in the promised land before these events. He encourages his son to stick with his brother Nephi, and to remember the words of his dying father, which probably would have made an impact on his son at a young age, especially since the blessing was obviously written down, and he had it to read as he grew older. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time for Lehi's *very* last words.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-86357938681261750352017-10-04T06:23:00.003-05:002017-10-04T06:23:59.162-05:00Lehi's Last Words, Part Two -- 2 Nephi 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
"Redemption comes through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life."<br />
2 Nephi 2 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Commentary</b><br />
In our last episode, Lehi began his last words. Here, he continues them, trying to give his children good advice so that they will follow God after he is gone. He first speaks to Jacob, his "firstborn in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness" (verse 1).<br />
<br />
He talks to Jacob first of the afflictions and sorrow that he has suffered at the hands of his brothers, and tells him that God will "consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain" (verse 2). I think this whole idea is amazing. It is similar to the make weak things strong idea. God makes our trials into blessings, and through hardship and pain, we become glorious. And that's all of life, right? Instead of the unchanging Garden of Eden where they stayed as they were, we are in a world where change and growth became possible. It's hard and painful to do those things, and so we often shy away and wish we could go back to the garden, but we're here for a reason... a good one. :) So we can grow and learn and become more than we were before.<br />
<br />
Lehi continues, saying that Jacob is redeemed and has seen his redeemer, which is amazing, and indicates that there is a lot of prophecy in this family. I wonder though if there could be a lot of prophecy in every family if we were more willing to develop our own relationships with God more fully.<br />
<br />
Then Lehi starts in on an awesome lesson for his son (and for us). Part of this is the statement that "men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil" (verse 5). That's a significant statement, at least in terms of what Laman and Lemuel had previously said, and what we so often think of as an excuse: "the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us" (1 Nephi 15:9). ... He *does* help us know what is right and wrong, and if we ask he will tell us more, but we have to do our part too. We have to at the very least, tune in and listen, rather than tuning God out and focusing on what we want.<br />
<br />
Verses 6 and 7 talk about the atonement, and the thing that stands out to me here (although of course the atonement is awesome all by itself, all the time), is the phrase "unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered." It's another participation step, just like the one from verse 5. Verse 4 told us that "salvation is free" ... and it totally is, but just like free samples at Costco, no one is going to show up at our door to bring them to us just because they are free. We have to go and get them... and we have to go and get salvation as well. We have to be tuned in to it, and we have to be willing to accept it, because salvation, of necessity, changes us into sanctified people. If we resist that change, unwilling to let go of pride and sinful behaviors, it can't change us. God won't force us into heaven. We have to want to be sanctified people.<br />
<br />
Lehi continues, talking about how important it is for everyone to know about the atonement and salvation (verse 8-10), and then he mentions in verse 11 that "it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." This is amazing stuff, folks. The whole opposition thing is similar to the idea mentioned above, of afflictions and gain, or what is talked about elsewhere in the scriptures, the idea of restoration. Affliction and gain seem to be opposites, and what we do to others and what others do to us seem also to be completely separate... and yet, everything works together for God's purposes. Our choices in life have to be real choices, both enticing, so we can decide what we really want, and grow into who we choose to be.<br />
<br />
In verse 14 Lehi mentions "sons" plural, so we know that this lesson isn't just for Joseph, but that he was working to teach them all, and help them to make better choices.<br />
<br />
Verse 16 says that we couldn't act for ourselves unless we were enticed. I think this is interesting, and maybe shows how difficult it is for us to make choices. If we could just keep on doing the same thing all the time, we totally would. God has to set up enticing choices in our lives in order to get us to move, to choose, to become something more than netflix addicts, right? And, for sure, the choices aren't always fun... but they get us up, and they help us make decisions, and remember that we want to be more.<br />
<br />
Verse 21 talks about life as a probation, which is an interesting idea. It includes the idea of limited freedom and of being monitored, which seems sort of restrictive, but also the idea of this as a step on the path to greater freedom and fewer restrictions, right? The idea of an early release from prison matches up pretty well with escaping from sin and the corruption brought into the world by the fall (a corruption of course that also works for our gain).<br />
<br />
Verse 22 tells us that if Adam hadn't fallen, there would have been no change... verse 23 adds, and no children, which means no us. All this leading to verse 25: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." That joy part gets me every time... so amazing. The whole purpose of all of this is so that we can find joy. Good purpose, eh? I love the idea that everything that God does, all the time... his whole plan... is to help us find happiness. How can you not want to participate in such a cool plan, really. :)<br />
<br />
Verses 26 and 27 make some very clear points. First, that we are free to act, and not to be acted upon, and that it is up to us to choose liberty and life, or captivity and death. The first point emphasizes responsibility. We can't blame our lives on anything someone else chose. We are free to act... to overcome any actions of others and still choose. And then the liberty/captivity and life/death thing is pretty stark. Maybe it helps us to look at what we are choosing and what we are becoming, and where all of it is leading us. Are we choosing captivity or freedom... life or death?<br />
<br />
Lehi ends by urging his sons to look to Christ and choose life and the Holy Spirit over death and the will of the flesh. He assures them that he is only concerned about their welfare.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we continue reading the last words of Lehi, as he speaks to his son Joseph.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-26632813544606669772017-09-11T08:58:00.000-05:002018-01-30T07:42:38.508-06:00Lehi's Last Words, Part One -- 2 Nephi 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Lehi prophesies of a land of liberty—His seed will be scattered and smitten if they reject the Holy One of Israel—He exhorts his sons to put on the armor of righteousness."<br />
2 Nephi 1 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Nephi was explaining some of Isaiah's prophecies to his family, and although this chapter picks up right after that, it changes to 2 Nephi instead of 1 Nephi. It's an interesting switch, but I think it makes sense when we realize that the first chapter was basically a summation of Lehi's life, and here, at his death, the whole world cracks (figuratively) for these people. Lehi's dreams and visions and the fact that he was their prophet and patriarch and spiritual leader had been holding them together. ... Ah, but I am getting ahead of myself.<br />
<br />
Nephi has finished teaching his family, and now his father starts teaching them. He has some strong things to say as he is leaving his final blessing upon his people. We learn in verse 14 that he only has a few days to live, so chapters 1-4 essentially comprise Lehi's last words.<br />
<br />
Lehi reminds his sons of the amazing things that the Lord has done for them, and tells them that he has seen a vision and knows that Jerusalem has been destroyed (verse 4). That's a big deal, if they believe him, because it justifies everything that they have done. The reason they left Jerusalem was because Lehi predicted its destruction, people tried to kill him for saying it, and God told him to save his family.<br />
<br />
It's interesting in verse 6 where it talks about no one being able to come to the promised land unless they are brought by the Lord. I think reading American history with this in mind offers a whole different perspective. Also, it is very clear through the following verses that everyone in the promised land is blessed if obedient, and will dwell safely with liberty preserved, but if not, then other people will be brought. We can see that happening to the Jaredites, and the merging of the Mulekites and the Nephites, etc., but perhaps it is something that we should be aware of now. This isn't something that has changed. We still need to be obedient to be safe in our promised land... and perhaps all promised lands. :)<br />
<br />
Verses 13-27 are kind of sad to me. We see here that Lehi has no illusions about his often-disobedient sons. He knows their ways, and unfortunately knows that they likely will slip right back into past behaviors when he is gone. He asks them repeatedly to awake, and also to arise from the dust. He's seen their future, and the future of their posterity, and he pleads with them to avert it, and to not cause a curse to come down upon themselves. <br />
<br />
In verses 28 and 29, Lehi promises his first blessing to Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and the sons of Ishmael, but only if they will listen to Nephi. If they do not, then his first blessing goes to Nephi. This is interesting to me just because I know that (in a few more chapters) Sam, and maybe some of the sons of Ishmael, choose to go with Nephi. So, did Sam (and anyone else who may have gone along) retain that blessing, or is this kind of a collective promise and if one of them invalidates it, it passes to Nephi anyway?<br />
<br />
In the last few verses, Lehi blesses Zoram and his posterity. I really love this part, because Lehi includes everyone. He isn't father to this man, or directly related to his posterity in any way, since Zoram married a daughter of Ishmael. But he is the spiritual father to them all, and he blesses Zoram along with his own son.<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as Lehi continues his last words.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-33452051443162343532017-08-20T08:55:00.001-05:002018-01-30T07:42:09.018-06:00Saved at the Last Day -- 1 Nephi 22<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"Israel will be scattered upon all the face of the earth—The Gentiles will nurse and nourish Israel with the gospel in the last days—Israel will be gathered and saved, and the wicked will burn as stubble—The kingdom of the devil will be destroyed, and Satan will be bound."<br />
1 Nephi 22 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Nephi was sharing some prophecies of Isaiah with us, and also reading them to his family. They wondered, as we do sometimes, what it was all supposed to mean. Are these things actually going to happen physically, or is it all a symbolic spiritual thing? Nephi's answer is interesting. In verse 3 he tells us that the answer is actually both. I think that's where we run into comprehension problems in real life too sometimes. We think it all has to be one or the other, but it is *all* both, right? :)<br />
<br />
The part about leading away the tribes of Israel starting in verse 4 is interesting, because Nephi and his family are a perfect example of watching it happen. Later on we learn that the Brother of Jared was led in a similar manner much earlier, and so the statement by Nephi that they are scattered on the isles of the sea doesn't seem far-fetched at all... God seems to have a pattern of teaching people how to build boats. :)<br />
<br />
Nephi talks about the scattering and gathering of Israel in broad terms here and seems to focus mainly on the good parts, even though we know that only a few chapters ago he personally saw the destruction of his descendants. I think it is really cool that he is focusing on teaching his family hope rather than demanding repentance. Both are of course necessary, but hope and possibility and the eventual happy ending are what keep us going in dark times.<br />
<br />
Nephi talks about lots of destruction here, but it is still about the triumph of God, and the salvation of his people. I like verse 16 where it says (speaking of God) "for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous." We know that happens sometimes on a smaller scale, but when it comes to the overall war, God won't allow the bad guys to win. :)<br />
<br />
In verses 25 and 26 Nephi gets into talking about the Millennium and about how God will gather his people and Satan will be bound. :) We will dwell safely if we repent (verse 28). He stops talking about it just as it is getting good, but enough to give a really hopeful view of the future, and the message that in the end, things will be really, really good. He then follows that up with his testimony that the Plates of Brass contain the truth, and that if we are obedient and endure to the end, we will be "saved at the last day" (verse 31). Amazing stuff, and of course, something to work on.<br />
<br />
That's the end of 1 Nephi. Tune in next time as we begin 2 Nephi, in which Lehi dies and the whole world changes for this family.</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448504238354129053.post-81680552935724464452017-07-27T19:52:00.002-05:002018-01-30T07:41:50.828-06:00The Assurance of Salvation -- 1 Nephi 21<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>What Happens</b><br />
<br />
"The Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and will free the prisoners—Israel will be gathered with power in the last days—Kings will be their nursing fathers—Compare Isaiah 49"<br />
1 Nephi 21 Chapter Heading<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Commentary</b><br />
<br />
In our last episode, Nephi was teaching us some prophecies of Isaiah, reminding us that there is no peace to the wicked. This chapter is much less warning and a lot more promising a triumphant future through the Messiah, which this whole chapter is about. God, speaking through Isaiah, is referring to Christ when he talks about the polished shaft the quiver of God in verse 2, and the salvation "unto the ends of the earth" in verse 6. I think time wise as well as numerically, right? Everyone, everywhen. :)<br />
<br />
There is so much salvation goodness in these verses. "I will preserve thee, and give thee my servant" (verse 8), speaking of Christ. Verse 9 not only talks about freeing prisoners, but saving "them that sit in darkness." Interesting stuff... are they (we?) in the darkness by their own choice, or just haven't been introduced to light--and I think salvation comes either way you interpret it. :)<br />
<br />
No hunger or thirst or sunburn in verse 10... this salvation thing is sounding better and better all the time, right? :) In verse 13 we break out into singing because we will be no longer smitten, but instead find mercy and comfort. I can't really think of a better reason to sing.<br />
<br />
Verse 14 points out that we often claim that the Lord has forgotten us, or isn't paying attention. But he has not... nor can he, because as he says in verse 16, clearly referring to the atonement: "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."<br />
<br />
Even when things seem to be hopeless, God saves us, saying specifically "they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" (verse 23). That's an interesting statement if we consider Lehi's dream and the Great and Spacious building full of people mocking. Sometimes we feel that, trying to live God's way in our society. God assures here, through our good friends Nephi and Isaiah looking forward to our day, that there isn't any reason to be ashamed of waiting for the Lord. He always comes through.<br />
<br />
The Lord tells us in verse 25 that he "will contend with him that contendeth with thee."--that he will fight our battles and save our children. In the end, all we have to do is follow the Lord and keep his commandments. He'll do the part that we can't handle. A very-much-more-than-fair arrangement in our favor. :)<br />
<br />
Tune in next time as we go back to Nephi's commentary, and the last chapter of First Nephi. Wow, right?</div>
Suzanne Bennerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10390209922646950758noreply@blogger.com2