Ether 2
Ether 2
A couple things made me think as I read this chapter this morning. It's kind of long, so if you're in a hurry, you can skip down below to the ** to read my favorite part.
One was the I noticed the interesting dynamic of the brother of Jared's (BoJ) relationship with the Lord. In the beginning each time he petitioned the Lord for a very specific thing, and he received that specific thing. Then in this chapter he petitioned the Lord for two things, light and air. One was life-threatening and other other wasn't.
The Lord gave to BoJ for that which was life-threatening, but on the other matter, the light, the Lord came back to him and said, "What will ye that I should do?"
Obviously the Lord doesn't need advice from the BoJ on what to do. This question wasn't for the Lord, but it was for the BoJ.
The Lord helps us along the way in this life. He's given us scriptures, prophets, church, manuals, inspiration, etc. We have numerous ways to learn and receive direction every day. But, He doesn't intend for us to be a people who live righteously because we are simply told to.
His desire is that the net result of us following and being obedient is that our will becomes His will, our character begins to align with His character, and we begin to make the choices He would have us make, not because He tells us to, but because we are like Him.
This is what happened with the the brothers Nephi and Lehi in the latter BoM. God gave them the power to happen whatever they would say because He knew their will were completely aligned with His.
The BoJ's sin in this chapter is that he didn't call upon the Lord. Perhaps that is why their seashore camping lasted 4 years. ( Can you imagine 4 years of camping with cages of bees, birds and animals. What a zoo!)
After four years the Lord appeared to the BoJ and called him to repentance. I found this part interesting. Often times, when it works in our best interest, the Lord allows us to work out our own salvation, offering assistance and guidance along the way. But, when it pertains to His kingdom, it seems as though He has a very specific timeline and agenda and spurs us on down here to accomplish that.
**My favorite verse, however, was verse 25 when the Lord said, "And behold, I prepare you against these things (the waters, etc); for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come."
To me this is a beautiful metaphor for this life. This great deep is life. He knew it would be filled with waves, winds, floods- trials, adversity and afflictions. But, He would not send us here unprepared. He will not leave us alone.
Before we came here we were taught and prepared. And now that we are here we are still being taught and prepared. As we come to the Lord we can receive that direction that will keep us safe and happy and moving safely in the right direction. And sometimes He will ask us what we think we should do. He will test us and try us, so we can learn and grow, think for ourselves, test ourselves and prove to ourselves we can do it.
This chapter to me is another beautiful example of the love and patience the Lord has for us.
What part of this chapter got into you today?
SATURDAY: Suit Yourself Saturday - Share you own favorite scripture of quote from a prophet
SUNDAY: TBA
MONDAY: Ether 3
A couple things made me think as I read this chapter this morning. It's kind of long, so if you're in a hurry, you can skip down below to the ** to read my favorite part.
One was the I noticed the interesting dynamic of the brother of Jared's (BoJ) relationship with the Lord. In the beginning each time he petitioned the Lord for a very specific thing, and he received that specific thing. Then in this chapter he petitioned the Lord for two things, light and air. One was life-threatening and other other wasn't.
The Lord gave to BoJ for that which was life-threatening, but on the other matter, the light, the Lord came back to him and said, "What will ye that I should do?"
Obviously the Lord doesn't need advice from the BoJ on what to do. This question wasn't for the Lord, but it was for the BoJ.
The Lord helps us along the way in this life. He's given us scriptures, prophets, church, manuals, inspiration, etc. We have numerous ways to learn and receive direction every day. But, He doesn't intend for us to be a people who live righteously because we are simply told to.
His desire is that the net result of us following and being obedient is that our will becomes His will, our character begins to align with His character, and we begin to make the choices He would have us make, not because He tells us to, but because we are like Him.
This is what happened with the the brothers Nephi and Lehi in the latter BoM. God gave them the power to happen whatever they would say because He knew their will were completely aligned with His.
The BoJ's sin in this chapter is that he didn't call upon the Lord. Perhaps that is why their seashore camping lasted 4 years. ( Can you imagine 4 years of camping with cages of bees, birds and animals. What a zoo!)
After four years the Lord appeared to the BoJ and called him to repentance. I found this part interesting. Often times, when it works in our best interest, the Lord allows us to work out our own salvation, offering assistance and guidance along the way. But, when it pertains to His kingdom, it seems as though He has a very specific timeline and agenda and spurs us on down here to accomplish that.
**My favorite verse, however, was verse 25 when the Lord said, "And behold, I prepare you against these things (the waters, etc); for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come."
To me this is a beautiful metaphor for this life. This great deep is life. He knew it would be filled with waves, winds, floods- trials, adversity and afflictions. But, He would not send us here unprepared. He will not leave us alone.
Before we came here we were taught and prepared. And now that we are here we are still being taught and prepared. As we come to the Lord we can receive that direction that will keep us safe and happy and moving safely in the right direction. And sometimes He will ask us what we think we should do. He will test us and try us, so we can learn and grow, think for ourselves, test ourselves and prove to ourselves we can do it.
This chapter to me is another beautiful example of the love and patience the Lord has for us.
What part of this chapter got into you today?
SATURDAY: Suit Yourself Saturday - Share you own favorite scripture of quote from a prophet
SUNDAY: TBA
MONDAY: Ether 3
I read the chapter. Then I had to go look up something to explain about it. Then I got sidetracked reading about the Brother of Jared. What a faithful amazing man he was.
ReplyDeleteBut the verse (12) that struck me was actually a warning to the future people of this land we live in. Our land is choice and is to be free from bondage and captivity from all other nations..... IF we will but serve God.
Our constitution was founded upon Godly principles. I hate the way those priniciples have eroded in such a short time. Our freedoms are quickly going away. Other countries are worming their way into control. Some days I feel like I am in bondage!
And... with all that political soapboxing aside.... it is so important for us to each pray for our country and the leaders who are making decisions. For us as parents to instill pride and honor in the hearts of our children so that everytime they see a flag it reminds them to say a prayer for our country.
There was a lot more in this chapter, but Michelle already covered it!
Sorry- I kind of was on a roll on this one! I smiled at your getting sidetracked. I call it spiritual ADD. LOL. thanks for always writing, Ang, I learn so much from you and about you :)
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