Priesthood Authority

Principle: In God's church the leaders must be ordained into their positions

In Mosiah 18:18 it says, " Alma having authority from God , ordained priests ; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them and teach them pertaining to the kingdom of God. "

My testimony is strengthened as I remember that even Jesus Christ prayed about whom he should choose as apostles; and that even before he was to finish his ministry on the earth; he would provide the Priesthood Keys to Peter and ordain him to be the leader and the prophet.

In Luke 6:12-17 Jesus Christ prays ALL night to decide whom He will call to be His apostles:

•12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

• 13 ¶And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

• 14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

• 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,

• 16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

• 17 ¶And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

In Matthew 16:18-20 we read when Jesus Christ prophesied that He would be calling Peter to be the prophet and giving him the Priesthood.

• 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

• 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Only one week later Peter receives those keys that were promised on the Mount of Transfiguration - Luke 9 : 28-36:

•28 ¶And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

• 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

• 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

• 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

• 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

• 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

• 34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

• 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

• 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

I know that it is a truth that one must be called of God in order to have authority and the Priesthood. I have felt the power that comes from having a true testimony of the leaders in the church being called and ordained of God to hold the Priesthood Keys.

keys are biblical symbols of power and authority
held by prophets for governing the kingdom of God.

“Keys symbolize power because they are given to those
who are judged trustworthy. . . . In the Old Testament keys belong
to the steward of the house, the trusted servant, the one that the
master has chosen for the household affairs. Thus, in the biblical
context, keys are dual images of trust and responsibility.  For the
one who gives the keys, they are symbols of trust and belief in the
character of the steward. For the one who receives the keys, they
are symbols of responsibility. While Jesus taught the Jewish leaders
that keys control access to revelation (see Luke 11:52), his statement
implied that, because the Jewish leaders did not fulfill their
responsibility in accessing and teaching the truth, they had lost the
keys which they had once held. The biblical references to keys
(Is. 22:22; Matt. 16:13–20; Luke 11:52; Rev. 1:18; 3:7) imply that
there are several keys associated with the kingdom of God.
As two of the foremost prophets in the Old Testament with
roles that embodied trust and responsibility, both Moses and
Elijah held keys for the governing of the kingdom. “

                                                                          Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman discuss the meaning of keys in biblical texts.

Urim and Thummim

Principle: Only with authority from God can gifts be given and be used

We can see in Mosiah 8:5-6 that even Ammon a man of God could not use the instrument given of God to translate the record that King Limhi desired him to translate. We read; "And it came to pass that he caused that the plates which contained the record of his people from the time that they left the land of Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them.

Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages, and Ammon told him that he could not."

However, as we continue to read we see that Ammon did know of a person who could use the instrument, or had the gift given of God that could receive revelation; or was a seer. We read;

"Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer."

King Mosiah was the person whom had the instrument and gift from God being spoken of by Ammon that would help translate the records that King Limhi's people had found; and that King Mosiah possessed two stones; or the Urim and Thummim; according to President Joseph Fielding Smith in his overview of interpreters. ( BOM Student Manual Religion 121-122 ) 

We can also see in the Old Testament that those in authority had a Urim and Thummim as we read in Exodus 28:30 ; "And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually."

From the Jerusalem Talmud ( A record recorded by Jewish Priests ) we learn that High Priests could use the Urim and Thummim to ask questions that would benefit all people, or questions pertaining to expansion of Jerusalem or building new temples. ( Yoma 41 b )

In my research about the history of the Urim and Thummim I found a very interesting piece of information as recorded again in the Talmud.

It states that the Urim and Thummim was suspected to have been lost before or around the time that Jerusalem was taken captive by the Babylonians. ( Tamid 65 b ; Jerusalem Talmud )

As well this theory of the Urim and Thummim no longer being used by this people is apparent as we read about individuals seeking to determine if they were descended from the Priesthood; but were required to wait for a Priest with the Urim and Thummim who could find out, as we read in  the book of Ezra 2:62- 63;

"These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim."

As well in an overlapping account in Nehemiah 7:65; it reports this same problem of not having a Urim and Thummim and Priest to provide revelation. Thus supporting this theory as well that the Urim and Thummim was no longer available. ( Jewish Encyclopedia )

One reason why God could no longer permit such a tool as the Urim and Thummim to be provided amongst the people anymore could be due to the era of the Maccabees- A group of individuals responsible for leading the Jewish rebel army; whose object was to reassert Jewish religion by forcing conversion.

And, Lastly all of these things can help remind us of how merciful that Our Father In Heaven is as he called Lehi and his family out of Jerusalem; and as well The Brother of Jared ( Ether 3:21 ), in order that these records could be kept and sealed up; and once again interpreted by the Urim and Thummim; and by one whom has the authority; and was prophesied to bring the fullness of the gospel back to the earth; even as Joseph Smith used this same process with the Urim and Thummim.

Joseph Smith History 1:42

"Again, he told me, that when I got those plates of which he had spoken—for the time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled—I should not show them to any person; neither the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim; only to those to whom I should be commanded to show them; if I did I should be destroyed. While he was conversing with me about the plates, the vision was opened to my mind that I could see the place where the plates were deposited, and that so clearly and distinctly that I knew the place again when I visited it."

What beautiful examples that we have in the Old Testament, The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants about the means by which revelation can be provided to those with authority. As well, although I do not have the literal stones and breastplate that these scriptures explain; I am reminded of my temple garments and covenants; which do provide me my own compass or direction to know truth or as it says in the Jewish Encyclopedia;

"In consequence, Urim and Thummim has traditionally been translated as lights and perfections (by Theodotion, for example), or, by taking the phrase allegorically, as meaning revelation and truth, or doctrine and truth"

The temple and the covenants that I make there do provide me light and perfection; just as the Urim and Thummim can do....

I am so thankful for my opportunity to have the truth and light that I am blessed with in His gospel.

Understanding God

We Can Not Understand All Things

I continually feel thankful in my life that I have been given the astounding privlidge of being a Mother. Having children and going to the temple to make covenants with my God are the two top experiences in my life that have brought me to understand whom My Father in Heaven and His Son- Jesus Christ are; even deep down in Their core.

 

When I think of the senerios that life present me as a Mother and the best ways that I can help my children learn to understand life and grasp things that they can not yet see; I am always reminded how our Father in Heaven must feel as our parent, and how His gospel and plan for us is absolutely perfect.

 

President Uchtdorf reminded us in his most recent conference talk titled, " Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth " that; " It was only a century ago that most astronomers assumed that our Milky Way Galaxy was the only galaxy in the universe. They supposed all that lay beyond our galaxy was an immense nothingness, an infinite void- empty, cold and devoid of starts, light and life. As telescopes became more sophisticated- including telescopes that could be launched into space- astronomers began to grasp a spectacular, almost incomprehensible truth; the universe is mind-bogglingly bigger than anyone had previously believed, and the heavens are filled with numberless galaxies, unimaginably far away from us, each containing hundreds of billions of stars. "

 

Because people could not see numberless galaxies in that time, and because they could not comprehend that; they did not believe it could exist. Likewise, there is so much that we can not comprehend about this life or the next; and so we must have faith; which is part of the process that will help us be more ready to take and learn the next step.

 

I do not try to teach my children how to ride a bike, when they have not learned to walk yet. I do not try and teach my children how to divide when they have not learned addition and subtraction. I do not allow my children to date when they do not understand the purpose of dating and do not have the maturity to respect it's purposes.

 

Our Father in Heaven is so loving to provide us the opportunity to come to earth and learn very slowly; very carefully and directed under His instruction when we seek Him out. We can learn what He is like; and how we can have more joy like He has; and how we can become worthy of all that He has.

( Luke 12:44 )

 

Despite the fact that we can learn a lot however;

The scripture from our reading this week in Mosiah 4:9 is an eternal principle when it says; " Believe that man doth not comprehend all things which the Lord can comprehend", and this statement as instruction that we will , " grow in knowledge of the glory of Him that created us." ( Mosiah 4:12 )

 

There are some things that we will most likely never comprehend during this life time.

 

I am thankful that He does not require me to understand things that I can not yet comprehend, and that His plan and gospel actually protects me from not sinning as truth is not revealed to me until I am ready to accept and comprehend it, line upon line and precept upon precept. ( Isaiah 28:10 )

 

There is nothing of more value to me than His love and I am overwhelmingly thankful to be filled with it.

Setting Our Hearts on Material Things

Setting our Hearts on Material Things 

In Mosiah 7:21 as we read that ; " Zeniff who was made king over the people, he being over zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore was deceived by the cunning craftiness of King Laman ", this suggests that Zeniff allowed his desire for unnecessary things ( desirable land ) or the fact that he could not be happy with what he had; he turned his freedom over to someone else, therefore putting his whole entire people into bondage. As we continue to read in Mosiah 7:22, " And all this he did, for the sole purpose of bringing this people into bondage. And behold , we at this time do pay tribute to the king of the Lamenites , to the amount of one half of our corn and our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one half of the increase of our flocks and our herds..." From this we can see that King Zeniff put the future of not only himself, but the future of his people or posterity in a position of bondage. 

 

We can learn two great valuable lessons from this record. First, we can learn that when we allow our desire for worldly possessions take hold of our heart; we are essentially giving up our hearts to something other than serving our God; as our time and efforts are instead put into obtaining " things " rather than serving Him through teaching our children the gospel; ministering to the sick; mourning with those that mourn; serving in the temple; etc. We can see that doing this removes a portion of our blessings of the spirit; as we allow these things to enter into our heart: there is less room for the things of God; or the thoughts and actions that allow the spirit to speak to us. Our choices also may change as our vision is blurred, and we can be deceived even as King Zeniff was. 

 

Second, we can learn that the path of seeking after unnecessary possessions can put us into bondage. We can become so centered on the materials of this world that we enter a never ending race of seeking after those things. Many times those that are caught up in the things of the world end up going into debt for these things. That debt can even extend to their children as they may never pay it off. Also, many times material bondage keeps parents less able to provide spiritual blessings like education and missions.

 

With Christmas coming up I am hoping to make good choices on what I spend money on; and as well I hope that I can teach my children through example that material possessions are not what Christmas is about; and that it is wise to be careful what we set our hearts on in such a commercialized season. 

Christ Directs His Church Across Time

I feel thankful that I can be referred to as a saint this day, as in many cases the term " Saint " is referencing those individuals in the early church. The word Saint is derived from a Greek word " Hagios " , which translated means; " to set apart " . 

As King Benjamin desired his son Mosiah to send a proclamation unto his people to be gathered together in order to hear him speak; in Mosiah 1:10-11; he explains that he has a name to give his people which will " set them apart " or distinguish them as he says; " I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished about all the people that the Lord had brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord."

King Benjamin also explains in Mosiah 5:7 additional reasons they can be called by this name as he says; " And now because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called children of Christ, his sons and daughters." As well he explains they will keep this name forever unless it be " blotted out " through transgression ( Mosiah 1:12 ) .

Similarly we see the same process happen with the apostle Paul in Ephesians as he speaks to the " saints " gathered to hear him. Paul first explains that before the earth was made; a plan was created for those who will accept Christ into their lives to sanctify them ( Ephesians 1: 4 ) , and that they would have a distinction that would separate them from the world as he says in Ephesians 1:5; " Having pre-destined us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will."  As well a few verses later Paul explains that the Saints are sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise; meaning this name is permanent, unless removed by way of transgression. 

we can also see this pattern in the Old Testament in Exodus 32:33 as Moses explains that whoever sins is blotted out of his book. We can also see this pattern in the early saints of the church in D&C 128:7 ;it explains that this sealing that Paul talked about upon the saints, and that King Benjamin talks about in the Book Of Mormon; is  only taken out by way of blotting out ; through transgression. In the Doctrine and Covenants it says; "  Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead."

I find it beautiful that God's church is directed after the same order in all dispensations; and it is true witness to me of whom is directing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; as throughout history the church has stayed the closest to the patterns that Christ himself taught and set up. 

I am very aware of the blessings that I have been given and will be given as a faithful member of His church. I am thankful that I am both a child of Christ, a Latter Day Saint , and that I am sealed to my Father and Heaven through a previous marriage. Although that sealing is no longer sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise to that individual, I have been told by the Temple President that my sealing to my Father and Heaven and Jesus Christ, is still valid so long as I am worthy. I will never forget a tender mercy of the Lord that I once experienced through a dream. Because I am not sealed to my current husband I feel very worried from time to time about how I will ever enter the Celestial Kingdom. In a dream one night after sorrowfully praying and asking how this would work out for me, I had passed on from this life. I was waiting in a pure white room waiting to move from one place to another. I kept thinking this will not be possible for me to enter where I wanted too as I knew I did not have an eternal marriage. A Woman dressed all in white came and handed me a paper with my temple name on it, and the very last name written was Christ; my feelings were overwhelmed and I knew that He was the way. I knew that He was trying to tell me that He will give me the help that I need in some how or in some way if I do my part to be worthy of His name. 

 

This beautiful dream gave me great understanding about what it means to bear His name, and to be His child. For what parent would not do everything in their power to help their child have a joyful and fulfilling life? A parent would do anything to bring their child true joy, and He has done everything. It is already done- and now the blessings are just waiting for us to claim them through our obedience as His children. I love Him more than anyone or anything could ever enter into my heart. I want to make Him happy, and I try to do this as His child that bears His name. What a privilege that we all have to be royalty as His children. 

I say this in His holy name- Jesus Christ, amen. 

SERVICE LEADER

 Jesus Christ Himself is our greatest example of a perfect leader. In John 13:1-35 there is a beautiful example of our Savior Jesus Christ washing the feet of His disciples. There was not a more humble or affirming act of service that anyone could do for a person not only in that time; but as well in our time. Jesus Christ used this example that he knew would transcend every era of time in all history. This can be a witness to us about how important this example that He set was.

It is a testimony builder for me of what our examples can do for individuals; not just today; but for eternity. 

As I read in Mosiah about King Benjamin I was reminded of the eternal example that he set by following Jesus Christ's example in his actions towards the people that He led.

 Because of King Benjamin's testimony that Jesus Christ would come; although it had not even happened yet; but because of his faith in what he knew would come to pass; he lived by the example of what Jesus Christ would later teach on the earth in his ministry.  

In Mosiah 2: 11-17; King Benjamin explains the reason that he lead His people is because of Christ; and to be in the service of God;

11 But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people, and consecrated by my father, and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a ruler and a king over this people; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.

 12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;

 13 Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath commanded you—

 14 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.

 15 Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.

 16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

We have countless examples of leaders in the scriptures devoting everything they could in order to serve their people; and this is all because of Jesus Christ and the way that He taught us to do this by His example. When I think of this I am even more thankful to Him because I am aware that every single good deed ever done in all of our existence was done because of either the Light of Christ within a person, or in other words the faith and hope in Him. 

In HC 1:340 Joseph Smith wrote a letter of admonition from Kirtland to the brethren in Missouri. He writes on April 21st, 1834;

" We now commence (to answer your letters ), after giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for every expression of His goodness in preserving our unprofitable lives to the present time, and for the health and blessings which we now enjoy through His mercies " 

Everything that Joseph Smith sacrificed and did was for Jesus Christ and His gospel; and I am thankful that we also have the witness of Joseph Smith's character and works to uphold His worthiness of being a prophet whom has done more for the world than anyone save Jesus Christ ( D&C 135:3 ).

And, even still after sacrificing and doing all that Joseph Smith did ; HE CONSIDERED HIMSELF AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT! What an example for us all. Joseph Smith and all faithful leaders of Christ have humility that allows and leads them to serve.

As even Jesus Christ said in John 13:16 ;

 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."

Setting the example that even He;  as He washes their feet; is explaining that They, and we should serve everyone; despite any preconceived notions about whom should serve whom.

Brooke's Comment

A statement I heard  made an impact on me enough that I thought of it when reading our scripture assignment this week. The statement kept playing in my head over and over saying; 

 

" We are making choices at every second of everyday. We can choose right or wrong at every second of every day." 

 

I was searching LDS.org for these words that were playing in my mind when I read Mosiah 2:17. After awhile of not finding these words in a talk, I looked in the book that my daughter and I made together of some of her comments and quotes from conference talks; it was then that I realized that it was not a prophet, or apostle that said those words, it was my eight-year old daughter. I was so proud of her that she said something so profound that it stuck in my head and I went to look for the quote in the conference talk library. 

 

In Mosiah 2:17 it says; 

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. "

 

My daughter was right. At every moment we can either choose to be doing something that will help others around us feel the spirit and the invitation to come to Christ; or we can choose to not put as much thought into what we are doing, but just go about our day not being a light unto the world, but just being a part of it. For me, I have to remind myself to make the better choice and spend less time cleaning my house, and take the time to play with my four-year old. For me, I have to work on responding with love and patience when a comment someone says may have hurt me. For me, I have to choose to take extra time in the scriptures with my children discussing and really listening rather than racing through scripture study. For me, I have to think of people in my ward or neighbors, and how I can help them, instead of thinking of some of the things I want to do for myself that day. I think that all of our struggles are different than each others, but I know from experience that because I love my Father in Heaven I am very concerned about what I can do for Him on a daily basis, verses what the world says I should do with my time.

 

I like this quote by Neal A. Maxwell:

“We can tell much by what we have already willing discarded along the pathway of discipleship. It is the only pathway where littering is permissible, even encouraged. In the early stages, the debris left behind includes the grosser sins of commission. Later debris differs; things begin to be discarded which have caused the misuse or underuse of our time and talent.” 

― Neal A. Maxwell, The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book

 

The fact that I thought of words of wisdom taught to me by my daughter was also a sure witness and reminder to me of becoming as a child; as it says in Mosiah 3:19, that we must become like a child; submissive; meek; and willing to submit to all things. My daughter is a great example to me and I do pray to be more like her. 

Only the Lord can Judge

Only The Lord knows  

 

In Jacob 5:31 we read, " And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard did taste of the fruit, every sort according to its number. And the Lord of the vineyard said: Behold, this long time have we nourished this tree, and I have laid up unto myself against the season much fruit."

 

As I read this scripture I was reminded that the Lord does not judge us on a curve as it says in the talk titled, " Judge Not and Judging ", by Dallin H. Oaks. In this talk he says, " The Lord’s way of final judgment will be to apply His perfect knowledge of the law a person has received and to judge on the basis of that person’s circumstances, motives, and actions throughout his or her entire life (see Luke 12:47–48; John 15:22; 2 Ne. 9:25)."

 

I am thankful that when the final judgement comes, that I will not be placed next to a person with different weaknesses and strengths than myself and receive my Father's opinion on my actions based on what someone else could do, but only based upon what He knows that I was or was not capable of doing because of my life circumstances and personal wiring.

 

I find it beautiful that we can see this principle even in this verse as the Lord judges the fruit according to it's sort and number, which to me is according to the circumstance, motives, and actions after which it was created.

scripture reading and marriage

Scripture reading is good for marriage

 

In Jacob 2:9 it reads:

 9 Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

 

As I read this scripture I noticed that it gave wonderful instruction on the way to heal wounds as Jacob says that instead of consoling and healing their wounds, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God; there are daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

 

In this scripture Jacob is teaching husbands that what they should be doing is reading and enjoying in the words of God in the scriptures and through the prophets, and as well that he himself would like to be enjoying the scriptures with them; instead of telling them what he had been commanded to tell them.

 

The scriptures are a great source of peace and joy in my life. I have never had the opportunity to study scriptures with a spouse and discuss thoughts on the scriptures with an eternal companion; but I can only imagine that it would be the most fulfilling, joyful, and healing thing that a couple could do in their marriage.

He takes care of the little children

Heavenly Father Loves His Children

 

In Jacob 5:4-8 we read:

"And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not.

And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and nourished it according to his word.

And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top thereof began to perish.

 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard saw it, and he said unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, go and pluck the branches from a wild olive tree, and bring them hither and we will pluck off those main branches which are beginning to wither away, and we will cast them into the fire that they may be burned.

  And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away many of these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will; and it mattereth not that if it so be that the root of this tree will perish, I may preserve the fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I will take these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will.

 

These verses reminded me of how merciful and loving that our Heavenly Father and His son are in working with us; providing us the tools that we need to be nourished and are given continual opportunities to change. The part that stuck out to me the most however, is that He was very concerned about the young and tender branches of the tree; and the fact that even when the roots in this senerio that I am comparing to the parents, may not have taught the gospel to their children; or may even be means to leading their children astray; He still was aware of the young and tender ones or children, to  the point that he takes away the children, or in other words provides a new root for them; through help of others, or healing that the atonement can bring.

 

So many times in the scriptures we can see our Father in Heaven's love for the children.

 

3 Nephi 17:21

And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one , and blessed them , and prayed unto the Father for them .

 

Matthew 18

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receive me.

 

These are just two small examples, but in my life I have had many real examples of this through help with others where I may lack because of my weaknesses in helping my own children; and as well with the things that I experienced as a child myself.

Even in the hardest times of my life I have never doubted if I have a Heavenly Father or not, and this is because I have witnessed many miracles of him interceding and providing what my family or those close to me need in order to become more like Him. I will say witnessing this does not mean the blessing was always taken or used; but He has always provided.