Jacob 4

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This is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon.

I love Jacob's humility. And I dearly love his knowledge, understanding, and love for Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father that is shown in these verses.

Verse 4, of course, is a favorite of mine, as it is of most I am sure.

I find it interesting that he speaks of faith a few times couples coupled with hope. To Jacob, they seem inseparable.  Jacob's life was not easy, and he had mentioned before it was filled with sorrow.  Sorrow for his situation, sorrow for his family, and sorry for those who he had seen in visions that strayed.  Hope was probably very important to him.

In verse 11 he speaks of us being presented to God, having faith and a good hope. But here he specifies what we should have hope in: Glory in Christ. And for them specifically, glory in Christ before he manifests himself in the flesh.

This verse also tells me that when we die there is a first judgement where we will be present unto God.  The righteous will be presented as the first-fruits of Christ. The wicked will be presented as not.

This first initial judgement makes sense, as we know that it will be the first-fruits of Christ that will come forth on the morning of the First Resurrection with Him. Reason calls for a judgement, or presentation, before God of our worthiness or standing in Christ.

Did we make the choices here that ultimately qualify us to become the first-fruits of Christ? Did we have a good hope and faith in Christ? Were we obedient to His laws and commandments? Did we serve and preach, love and teach? Did we care for our fellow brethren? 

I also love how, in verse 7, Jacob tells us how the Lord shows us our weaknesses so we can know that it is by His grace that we can be successful.  

I feel that everyday in my life. I am painfully aware of my weaknesses. But, thankfully, I am also aware that He turns then into strengths when He needs them to be, and when I need them to be.  In that I find great comfort.  Especially as I parent (or try to.)

I also find great comfort and joy that He can use me in spite of my weakness to teach others.  I have learned to be comfortable teaching gospel principles even if I am imperfect in practice.  (aren't we all?)

I can teach without apology, because my weaknesses bring me closer to Him. And I know He has asked me to say the things I do. This is why I love teaching so much. I feel unqualified, and yet, He qualifies me. I can see it and feel it, and I love that very apparent help and support of Him in my life continually.