2 Nephi 6
Read Online here
I love the subject of the House of Israel. Its history and future fascinate me. It really is my story. But, sometimes it's hard to wrap my brain around. Here's a great article by Elder Nelson that explains the story of the House of Israel and our part in it.
Twice here, in vv 7 and 13, it speaks of not being ashamed because of our faith. To this President Benson said, "Let us never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). Let us never be afraid to do what is right. Let us trust in God and keep His commandments...I know, and so do you who have testimonies of the divinity of this work, that without God's help we cannot succeed, but with His help we can accomplish anything He asks us to do."
We are a peculiar people- very different from the world. We stand out because of our faith and our standards. Some I know tend to downplay their beliefs as not to offend their non-member friends. Others are simply embarrassed by the gospel.
I think of what it means to "wait" for the Lord.
I love Disneyland. But when it's crowded, the lines can be long. When there is a particular ride or attraction I want to see, then I stand in line. I wait for it. That means, I put myself in the position to partake of it, when the time is right. I forgo other things (other rides, etc) because I it bad enough. I might sacrifice some things (my feet and back hurt when the line gets too long), and I might even miss out on some fun things (parades, shows, etc) but, if I really, truly, want to see that attraction, I hold my place in line and wait. I am faithful to my goal.
I think to wait for the Lord means we put ourselves in a position to recognize the sings of His coming, and He, Himself. We forgo other things (rated R movies, alcohol, etc). We sacrifice things (our time to serve, our money to tithing, etc) and we might even miss out on some other really fun things (ballgames and shopping on Sundays). But, if we really want to be ready for Him when He comes, we hold our places and wait. We are faithful to Him.
To me, that's what enduring to the end is. We hunker down in our beliefs and faith, always busy in good works and repenting, keeping an eye on what we are waiting for. We choose to sacrifice, to forgo and to even miss out on lesser things, because we know what we really want. We want to follow the Lord and to see Him again.
Our reward for doing this is in v 14 "none will He destroy that believe in Him."
We get Eternal Life. The best event/attraction/prize ever!
And the wonderful thing about living in the Latter days is that we can play a vital role in the gathering of Israel while we wait. We are part of the prophecy of Isaiah. We are helping to fulfill his prophecies. To me that is such an exciting notion! We are in the scriptures. We were seen by a prophet that lived 2600 years ago. This truly is our story, yours and mine.
That is one of the most exciting things about the Book of Mormon, for me. It isn't just another Testament of Jesus Christ. It's a testament of my purpose here and now, my role in the gathering of Israel. It truly is my book. :)
I love the subject of the House of Israel. Its history and future fascinate me. It really is my story. But, sometimes it's hard to wrap my brain around. Here's a great article by Elder Nelson that explains the story of the House of Israel and our part in it.
Twice here, in vv 7 and 13, it speaks of not being ashamed because of our faith. To this President Benson said, "Let us never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). Let us never be afraid to do what is right. Let us trust in God and keep His commandments...I know, and so do you who have testimonies of the divinity of this work, that without God's help we cannot succeed, but with His help we can accomplish anything He asks us to do."
We are a peculiar people- very different from the world. We stand out because of our faith and our standards. Some I know tend to downplay their beliefs as not to offend their non-member friends. Others are simply embarrassed by the gospel.
I think of what it means to "wait" for the Lord.
I love Disneyland. But when it's crowded, the lines can be long. When there is a particular ride or attraction I want to see, then I stand in line. I wait for it. That means, I put myself in the position to partake of it, when the time is right. I forgo other things (other rides, etc) because I it bad enough. I might sacrifice some things (my feet and back hurt when the line gets too long), and I might even miss out on some fun things (parades, shows, etc) but, if I really, truly, want to see that attraction, I hold my place in line and wait. I am faithful to my goal.
I think to wait for the Lord means we put ourselves in a position to recognize the sings of His coming, and He, Himself. We forgo other things (rated R movies, alcohol, etc). We sacrifice things (our time to serve, our money to tithing, etc) and we might even miss out on some other really fun things (ballgames and shopping on Sundays). But, if we really want to be ready for Him when He comes, we hold our places and wait. We are faithful to Him.
To me, that's what enduring to the end is. We hunker down in our beliefs and faith, always busy in good works and repenting, keeping an eye on what we are waiting for. We choose to sacrifice, to forgo and to even miss out on lesser things, because we know what we really want. We want to follow the Lord and to see Him again.
Our reward for doing this is in v 14 "none will He destroy that believe in Him."
We get Eternal Life. The best event/attraction/prize ever!
And the wonderful thing about living in the Latter days is that we can play a vital role in the gathering of Israel while we wait. We are part of the prophecy of Isaiah. We are helping to fulfill his prophecies. To me that is such an exciting notion! We are in the scriptures. We were seen by a prophet that lived 2600 years ago. This truly is our story, yours and mine.
That is one of the most exciting things about the Book of Mormon, for me. It isn't just another Testament of Jesus Christ. It's a testament of my purpose here and now, my role in the gathering of Israel. It truly is my book. :)
I understand how Jacob felt, in a small way in vs 3&4 toward some of my children.
ReplyDeleteI find great strength in vs 17....for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Loerd:I will contend with them that contend with thew- it reminds me of the hymn, The Lord is My Strength....He is my salvation.... just love it!