The story of Job is one of the most confusing stories in the Old Testament. God and Satan seem to make a bet on the faithfulness of a man being dependent upon his circumstances. In this seemingly cruel "experiment," Job was stripped of his possessions, many of his family were killed, and he was afflicted with terrible pain.
Modern Christians seem to be fond of platitudes such as "everything happens for a reason," or "he never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it."
These ideas initially seem to fall apart in the situation of Job. He just suffered for no apparent reason. His friends turned against him in accusation to add insult to injury. In the end, his problems all went away and he was blessed, but for what reason were these things done to begin with?
The same questions are frequently asked regarding modern tragedies. When children suffer from diseases beyond their control, or people are afflicted with poverty and hardship through no fault of their own, people wonder why God, who is supposed to love us, would allow these difficulties if he were truly omnipotent.
Toward the end of the story of Job, God asks him a set of rhetorical questions to illustrate the point that Job has relatively no power and but little understanding. In Job 38, the Lord asks the following:
"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)
Instead of offering words of comfort and consolation, or reason and explanation, the Lord highlighted Job's ignorance. Why?
People get so involved in their current circumstances that they tend to forget the investment that God made when he forged the earth and sent humanity to live on its surface. He speaks with power because he is conveying the idea that the circumstances of life are not an accident, and there is no person whose birth or existence on this world is based on a whim. These questions allude to a truth that is fundamental to understanding the difficulties of mortality:
"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Combined with the understanding that we have from other prophets, that humans are the offspring of God (Acts 17:26-29), this means that there was a time in which we sang together before the foundations of the world... and that we shouted for joy. Contemporary prophesy teaches the cause of our joy was our Heavenly Father's grand plan of happiness: a course that could lead his children to become "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:16-17)
As we were, it would have been impossible for us to inherit the gift of eternal life. We needed to become more... to undergo a physical and spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-5). The challenges of life are specifically designed to alter us, and purge us from the ungodly (Malachi 3:2-3).
The details of how circumstances can help us prepare for the kingdom of God are frequently beyond our immediate comprehension, but a complete understanding is not necessary (1 Corinthians 13:12). What is necessary is having enough faith and desire to do what is right regardless of the circumstances (Hebrews 11:6).
The difficulties that came upon Job were not without purpose. In his extremity, he learned that he could hold to what was right and true even when it was excruciatingly difficult. He trusted that, no matter what, God would make things right in the end:
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation" (Job 13:15-16)
Ultimately, the question for each Christian is "will I follow the Lord only when it is convenient?" If faith is conditional, it is not strong enough to bring the changing power of Jesus Christ. As he explained, only those who hear and do that which he taught will have a strong enough foundation to weather the tempests of life (Matthew 7:24-27).
In the end, the purposes of all things will be understood, and those who, like Job, keep faith regardless of circumstances, will be as they were before the foundations of the earth... they will sing together and shout for joy!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
The Prophet said something I don't like... now what?
God has used prophets in nearly all his dealings with mankind. From Moses to John the Baptist, and from the Apostle Peter to the Apostle Paul, God has spoken words of counsel, comfort, and correction through his chosen servants.
Sometimes these messages are received, but frequently, these words are rejected. Prophets are asked to speak unpopular things. Who wants to hear that they are bad and in need of repentance, especially when there are those who will quote a couple scriptures and tell you about how much you deserve good things? Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, observed this tendency:
"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Helaman 13:26-28)
In modern times, people have found fault with any number of policies. Prophets who have advocated for defending marriage between a man and a woman (The Family: A Proclamation to the World), or who have warned of the perils of socialism (Ezra Taft Benson), or who have counseled against civil disobedience (Kentucky County Clerk issue).
Of course, prophets are not infallible... they are men, and all men except Jesus Christ have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jonah was swallowed by a whale, Moses was reprimanded for handling situations with his family and with Israel, the brother of Jared was chastised for hours because of the infrequency of his prayer, and Isaiah confessed that he was a man of unclean lips.
That having been said, when a prophet speaks as instructed by God, it is intended that their counsel be received and accepted. Jesus himself taught:
"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:41)
While there are false prophets, God tends to be a bit more careful about what his actual prophets are permitted to say. Consider this lesser known story from the book of Kings:
"And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee. And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord." (1 Kings 13:1-5)
At first, this story is fairly straightforward. Jeroboam the son of Nebat had forsaken the worship of the Lord for political reasons, and a prophet of Judah spoke the words that God had given him. He had been commanded not to eat or drink, and to travel in a particular way, and because he had done exactly as he had been commanded, the power of God was made manifest.
Recognizing the power of the Lord, Jeroboam asked that the prophet pray for his hand. When he had, Jeroboam's hand was restored. Unfortunately, Jeroboam's belief stopped when he had what he thought he needed. The prophet of Judah began his journey back, and here is where the story takes an unexpected turn:
"Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father...
"And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.
"He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
"And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back: And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.
"And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase." (1 Kings 13:11-24)
Because God expects his children to follow his prophets, he carefully ensures that they represent him properly. As Wilford Woodruff taught, "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." This means you don't have to worry that the Prophet is leading you down the wrong path.
So if the Prophet of the Lord has said something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or suggested an idea that is not in harmony with your political or social beliefs, or has advocated for anything else that you don't like... it's a good bet that following the prophet is the best way to feel better about it.
God did not send you to earth only to hear pleasant things, or have a leisurely life, but to help you reach your ultimate potential. The path of Christ was never meant to be easy, why should the words of his prophets always be easy to hear? He himself said: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38)
Those who have heeded the counsel of Christ's prophets and apostles, whether they liked it or not, will be those who are prepared for his return.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
What if the worst should happen?
One of the most interesting mechanisms in great stories is when the protagonist(s) define the worst possible situation, and then, in spite of their best efforts to evade this situation, it happens.
Han Solo went to tremendous lengths to evade capture by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. After a lengthy pursuit with great obstacles, they mask their escape by floating away with the garbage of a Star Destroyer, and then make their way to Cloud City. The worst case scenario is clearly shown to be getting caught by Darth Vader. Then, the worst happens: it is revealed that Vader was there the whole time, and that they are completely powerless against him... even to the point that Han Solo is frozen and hauled away by a bounty hunter. Luke's efforts to save his friends fail, and the resolution of the story is ultimately left to the subsequent film, Return of the Jedi.
Some films portray this idea multiple times. Consider the risk that is taken by Indiana Jones to go back to Berlin and obtain the rest of his father's grail diary. Knowing the risk, Jones disguises himself as a German officer and obtains the diary from Doctor Elsa Schneider. Then, the worst imaginable thing occurs: he bumps into Adolf Hitler himself, who notices the diary clutched in Jones's hand. The dictator takes the book, and then, to the surprise of Jones (and the audience) he signs his name and returns it to him.
There are many other instances of this idea in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but one that is particularly outstanding is when the perils of the trials that protect the grail are demonstrated. After witnessing a terrifying beheading, Jones, his father, Marcus Brody, and Sallah are discovered and captured by the Nazis. If it were not bad enough to know that Indiana would likely be forced to go through these dangerous trials, the Nazis make the situation even more desperate by putting a time limit on the task: they shoot Indiana's father in the gut. The worst possible situation is resolved in dramatic fashion as the divine power of the grail heals Henry's grievous injury.
The examples of this idea are not limited to action or adventure films. They are found in books, TV shows, manga, and numerous other types of media. More than its entertainment value, perhaps it is important for its thematic message... what if the worst should happen? Many worry about the future, and many are justified in their anxiety.
The reality of anxiety about the future is perhaps what makes actual events that describe these situations even more compelling. There is no situation that better exemplifies this idea than that of the Apostles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
They believed that Jesus was not just a great prophet, and not just a worker of miracles... but that he was the literal Son of God... the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) It was not a new thing for Jesus to be in danger... he had been threatened many times, but he always seemed to have power to escape. (Luke 4:29-30, John 10:39)
The question, what if the worst should happen? was something for which Peter seemed prepared. Even after Jesus prophesied that he would deny him, he protested: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35)
In the end, the machinations of the chief priests and scribes seemed to work. They had bought Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver to prevent him from escaping again, and had a large number of men with swords and staves to take him from Gethsemane. Peter tried to keep to his word, and struck out at one of them, but Jesus forbade him, and even healed the ear of Malchus, the man who had been wounded. (Luke 22:51)
At the command of the Son of God, his disciples fled. There was no blending in with a crowd and escaping. He was taken before the Sanhedrin, and condemned by his enemies. They brought him to Pontius Pilate, but in spite of his desire to free Jesus, he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob who demanded his crucifixion.
Some of his disciples were there as they lifted him up on the cross. Perhaps there was still a bit of hope left as they watched.. after all... he was the Son of God. Perhaps they offered prayers and begged God to preserve his son... Perhaps they begged him not to let the worst happen... but it did.
How it must have broken their spirits to hear their Messiah cry out "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" It must have been clear to his mother when he asked John to look after her, that the worst was about to happen. Finally, he cried with a loud voice, and died.
I can only imagine the pain and doubt that must have come to the disciples. Their champion had been taken, their master had been defeated, their King had been betrayed, their Messiah had been slain. The worst had happened.
What do you do when the basis of your faith is gone? What should you think when everything for which you have dedicated your life is taken away? As inspiring as Jesus had been, all that was left of him was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Though he had raised Lazarus from the dead, there was no one left to raise him.
Of course, the story did not end there. The women came to his tomb to honor him and anoint his body, but they found instead two angels. They stated, as though they should have known better, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen..." (Luke 24:5-6)
Peter and John rushed to the tomb, and found that it was empty, but they did not yet understand.
At last, their slain master appeared to them, alive and well. He had a physical body; he was not just a spiritual manifestation. (Luke 24:39-43) While he had died, not even death was enough to defeat the Son of God. His enemies had mocked him, saying that he could not save himself... but he did save himself.
Nothing was ever the same after. There is much that could be said about the resurrection, and the power of Christ to deliver. The bold faith and leadership of the Apostles was completely renewed, and the world was changed as the teachings of Christ were spread throughout the world. But perhaps one of the most important elements of the story is the answer to the question what if the worst should happen? The answer is that nothing is beyond his power. Nothing is too hard for him to make right.
If the worst should happen,
Christ will heal every wound,
Christ will mend every broken heart,
Christ will purge every wrong,
Christ will revoke even death...
He will save us all.
Han Solo went to tremendous lengths to evade capture by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. After a lengthy pursuit with great obstacles, they mask their escape by floating away with the garbage of a Star Destroyer, and then make their way to Cloud City. The worst case scenario is clearly shown to be getting caught by Darth Vader. Then, the worst happens: it is revealed that Vader was there the whole time, and that they are completely powerless against him... even to the point that Han Solo is frozen and hauled away by a bounty hunter. Luke's efforts to save his friends fail, and the resolution of the story is ultimately left to the subsequent film, Return of the Jedi.
Some films portray this idea multiple times. Consider the risk that is taken by Indiana Jones to go back to Berlin and obtain the rest of his father's grail diary. Knowing the risk, Jones disguises himself as a German officer and obtains the diary from Doctor Elsa Schneider. Then, the worst imaginable thing occurs: he bumps into Adolf Hitler himself, who notices the diary clutched in Jones's hand. The dictator takes the book, and then, to the surprise of Jones (and the audience) he signs his name and returns it to him.
There are many other instances of this idea in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but one that is particularly outstanding is when the perils of the trials that protect the grail are demonstrated. After witnessing a terrifying beheading, Jones, his father, Marcus Brody, and Sallah are discovered and captured by the Nazis. If it were not bad enough to know that Indiana would likely be forced to go through these dangerous trials, the Nazis make the situation even more desperate by putting a time limit on the task: they shoot Indiana's father in the gut. The worst possible situation is resolved in dramatic fashion as the divine power of the grail heals Henry's grievous injury.
The examples of this idea are not limited to action or adventure films. They are found in books, TV shows, manga, and numerous other types of media. More than its entertainment value, perhaps it is important for its thematic message... what if the worst should happen? Many worry about the future, and many are justified in their anxiety.
The reality of anxiety about the future is perhaps what makes actual events that describe these situations even more compelling. There is no situation that better exemplifies this idea than that of the Apostles at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
They believed that Jesus was not just a great prophet, and not just a worker of miracles... but that he was the literal Son of God... the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) It was not a new thing for Jesus to be in danger... he had been threatened many times, but he always seemed to have power to escape. (Luke 4:29-30, John 10:39)
The question, what if the worst should happen? was something for which Peter seemed prepared. Even after Jesus prophesied that he would deny him, he protested: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:35)
In the end, the machinations of the chief priests and scribes seemed to work. They had bought Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver to prevent him from escaping again, and had a large number of men with swords and staves to take him from Gethsemane. Peter tried to keep to his word, and struck out at one of them, but Jesus forbade him, and even healed the ear of Malchus, the man who had been wounded. (Luke 22:51)
At the command of the Son of God, his disciples fled. There was no blending in with a crowd and escaping. He was taken before the Sanhedrin, and condemned by his enemies. They brought him to Pontius Pilate, but in spite of his desire to free Jesus, he gave in to the bloodthirsty mob who demanded his crucifixion.
Some of his disciples were there as they lifted him up on the cross. Perhaps there was still a bit of hope left as they watched.. after all... he was the Son of God. Perhaps they offered prayers and begged God to preserve his son... Perhaps they begged him not to let the worst happen... but it did.
How it must have broken their spirits to hear their Messiah cry out "My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?" It must have been clear to his mother when he asked John to look after her, that the worst was about to happen. Finally, he cried with a loud voice, and died.
I can only imagine the pain and doubt that must have come to the disciples. Their champion had been taken, their master had been defeated, their King had been betrayed, their Messiah had been slain. The worst had happened.
What do you do when the basis of your faith is gone? What should you think when everything for which you have dedicated your life is taken away? As inspiring as Jesus had been, all that was left of him was in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Though he had raised Lazarus from the dead, there was no one left to raise him.
Of course, the story did not end there. The women came to his tomb to honor him and anoint his body, but they found instead two angels. They stated, as though they should have known better, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen..." (Luke 24:5-6)
Peter and John rushed to the tomb, and found that it was empty, but they did not yet understand.
At last, their slain master appeared to them, alive and well. He had a physical body; he was not just a spiritual manifestation. (Luke 24:39-43) While he had died, not even death was enough to defeat the Son of God. His enemies had mocked him, saying that he could not save himself... but he did save himself.
Nothing was ever the same after. There is much that could be said about the resurrection, and the power of Christ to deliver. The bold faith and leadership of the Apostles was completely renewed, and the world was changed as the teachings of Christ were spread throughout the world. But perhaps one of the most important elements of the story is the answer to the question what if the worst should happen? The answer is that nothing is beyond his power. Nothing is too hard for him to make right.
If the worst should happen,
Christ will heal every wound,
Christ will mend every broken heart,
Christ will purge every wrong,
Christ will revoke even death...
He will save us all.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Courage and Common Sense
One of the most famous stories of courage is when young David, son of Jesse, stood against the titanic Goliath of Gath. David had no armor, and no large weapons, and his very appearance was taken by the giant as an insult.
"And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel 17:42-44)
David had confidence that the strength and experience of this massive man of war was no match for the power of the Lord... and he did not cower away at the giant's threats:
"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
The scriptures indicate that David then ran toward the giant. Using his sling, he knocked Goliath down, and then finished the job with the Philistine's own sword.
Perhaps one of the reasons this story is so popular is because it shows that there is no problem too big for the Lord to solve. The righteous have no need to fear, because God will protect them, and even if he doesn't, he will make things right in the end. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson said:
"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."
A story that is far less famous from the life of David came later, as he fled from the wrath of jealous King Saul:
"And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?" (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
Instead of boldly announcing that the Lord would overcome the Philistines in Gath, he pretended insanity to be ignored by them. Where was the courage of his youth?
Of course, here was a situation in which common sense was required. With no safe refuge in his home, he needed to be able to go unnoticed in the land of the Philistines.
Perhaps the contrasting circumstances led the preacher to conclude this:
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3 1-8)
Being able to know what God wants by hearing his voice (Matthew 16:17) or by recognizing his servants (Matthew 10:41) is critical in knowing what is right. When the will of God is being discovered, God expects his children to use common sense (1 Kings 19:11). When a man learns what God would have him do, let that man's heart be filled with confidence and courage (1 Nephi 3:7).
"And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel 17:42-44)
David had confidence that the strength and experience of this massive man of war was no match for the power of the Lord... and he did not cower away at the giant's threats:
"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
The scriptures indicate that David then ran toward the giant. Using his sling, he knocked Goliath down, and then finished the job with the Philistine's own sword.
Perhaps one of the reasons this story is so popular is because it shows that there is no problem too big for the Lord to solve. The righteous have no need to fear, because God will protect them, and even if he doesn't, he will make things right in the end. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson said:
"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."
A story that is far less famous from the life of David came later, as he fled from the wrath of jealous King Saul:
"And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?" (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
Instead of boldly announcing that the Lord would overcome the Philistines in Gath, he pretended insanity to be ignored by them. Where was the courage of his youth?
Of course, here was a situation in which common sense was required. With no safe refuge in his home, he needed to be able to go unnoticed in the land of the Philistines.
Perhaps the contrasting circumstances led the preacher to conclude this:
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3 1-8)
Being able to know what God wants by hearing his voice (Matthew 16:17) or by recognizing his servants (Matthew 10:41) is critical in knowing what is right. When the will of God is being discovered, God expects his children to use common sense (1 Kings 19:11). When a man learns what God would have him do, let that man's heart be filled with confidence and courage (1 Nephi 3:7).
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Humility and Confidence
Jesus was an enemy of pride. He was frequently approached by scribes and Pharisees who wanted to assert their superiority by trying to point out flaws in Jesus or his disciples. They were concerned about unwashed hands (Matthew 15:2) and Sabbath day rules adherence (Matthew 12:10), but only because they sought to elevate themselves above the followers of Christ. Jesus warned about this behavior by giving this parable:
"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, emphasis added)
Their are numerous examples of people who believed that they were better than they were being put down. Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, believed that he was entitled to the service of the Hebrew children, even after enduring great plagues. Only his complete defeat in the depths of the Red Sea stopped him. (Exodus 14) Saul believed he did not need to wait for Samuel to administer in priestly ordinances. (1 Samuel 13) Haman believed that the king wanted to bestow honors upon him rather than Mordecai, and ultimately found himself hanging on the gallows he had prepared for the man he hated. (Esther 6-7)
As much as God despises a proud heart (Proverbs 6:16-17), he is not desirous that his children be depressed or that they hate themselves or that they fail to believe they can be successful. Consider the story of Jonah. His disbelief that he could succeed in preaching the word of the Lord to the people of Nineveh led him to try to escape from God by boarding a ship to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3) Even after being humbled in the belly of a big fish for three days, he did not believe that his preaching would be successful, and when they repented, he became angry. (Jonah 4:1-3) Though he had been humbled to the point that he recognized the power of God, he prayed for his own death. His self-loathing was answered by God with a lesson. The Lord explained that he had never wanted to destroy Nineveh, but that the people there were valuable to him.
Here is the dilemma with which many people struggle. On the one hand, people are reminded that they are nothing next to God. Consider the teachings of King Benjamin:
"And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." (Mosiah 2:25)
On the other hand, people are reminded that they are loved and valued by God. Consider the teaching of Paul:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
In one case, we are asked not to glory in ourselves, and in the other case, we are reminded that we are the work and glory of God. It can seem as though God is simultaneously saying "you're worthless" and "you're priceless."
Is it possible to be humble, and to be confident? Is it possible to show faith and courage without developing pride?
One of the best examples of this very thing can be found in Gideon. He was called by God a "mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12), but he described himself as being poor, and the least of his father's house. Notwithstanding his reservations, he acted with courage as the Lord directed him to destroy the altar of Baal. Though there were some who sought his life, the Lord protected him.
Gideon did not presume to think that he was infallible, even after being called by God, he wanted to ensure that he was doing the will of God. He prayed and asked the Lord to confirm that he was doing his will by two signs involving fleece and morning dew. One night, the fleece of wool was soaked with moisture and the land was dry, and the next night, the fleece was dry and the land was wet, just as he asked.
While seeking signs is typically a sign of wickedness and faithlessness (Matthew 12:39), Gideon was not demanding that God prove himself, he was seeking to know that he was following God. This is the type of request to which James referred when he said "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)
Humility can be demonstrated by seeking God's guidance through prayer. A humble person is one who recognizes the value of omniscience above their own wisdom.
Ultimately, Gideon's most famous victory came when he whittled his army down to 300 men, sending home any who were afraid, and then those who did not lap water as they drank like animals. (Judges 7:4-7) These three hundred men spread themselves in the camp of the Midianites, and then cried out "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:19-23) The enemies of Israel slew one another in the confusion, and Gideon prevailed.
Sneaking into an enemy camp is certainly not a plan for the faint of heart. Had they been discovered too soon, the Midianites would have slaughtered them. Even executing the plan correctly, they ran the risk that the Midianites would be disciplined enough to recognize friend from foe. The most important element of these 300 men was their faith that God would deliver them.
Humility can be demonstrated by faithful obedience to his counsel. This does not mean cowering or doubting, but rather, it means acting with confidence that God is able to protect and aid those who follow him.
There are certainly times in which good people are not protected. Innocents are hurt. Prophets have been mocked and thrown out. Jesus Christ himself was betrayed and murdered. In the end though, God will prevail.
This truth does not mean it is a good idea to go to others and assert superiority to them. It does not mean that one person's struggles make them inferior to those who seem not to have struggles. The idea is that everyone needs God. In spite of the miraculous victory of Gideon, after his death, the people returned to idolatry, and the protection of the Lord was withdrawn, and many died in a power struggle. (Judges 9) Those who set themselves up above others were put down.
Confidence is not the same as pride. It is possible to have confidence in the Lord, and in the words of his prophets and apostles without asserting superiority over others. Just as it was with Gideon, strength does not come from comparing oneself with others, it comes from ensuring that a person is doing the will of God, and then being confident that God will make everything right. That is the "sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!"... it is that those who exalt themselves shall be abased, and those who humble themselves shall be exalted.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets...
In the Book of Numbers, two men named Eldad and Medad prophesied in the camp of the Israelites. Certainly usurping authority was a serious offense, and Joshua was concerned about these men prophesying. Moses replied saying:
"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29)
The response is profound considering some of the things that also occurred during Moses's leadership. Korah seemed to use this same idea to justify his own usurpation:
"Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?" (Numbers 16:3)
The result of Korah's desire to assert his authority was the earth opening up and swallowing him and his followers. (Numbers 16:31-33)
Additionally, Moses's sister Miriam used a similar idea to reprove Moses:
"Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" (Numbers 12:2)
The result of this reprimand was that Miriam became leprous for seven days and had to wait outside the camp.
These events seem to portray a discrepancy. In one case, the ability of others to prophesy and that they had the ability to receive counsel and instruction directly from the Lord was affirmed. In the others, the ability of individuals to receive counsel directly from the Lord was met with swift and severe punishment.
A similar discrepancy is seen in the New Testament as well. In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." In Luke 9:49-50, it reads "And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."
On the one hand, God desires people to communicate with him directly. On the other hand, people who claim that God communicates them may be severely punished. In one case, if we are not with Christ, we are against him. In another case, those that are not against Christ are for him. What is right?
Ultimately, God does seek to communicate with individuals. As James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) Jesus also affirmed that "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:8-11)
On the other hand, a person ought not believe that the ability to communicate with God negates the need for prophetic guidance. Moses was given an assignment of leadership by God, and no ability to prophesy or to communicate with heaven negated the importance of what God gave to Moses. He said this to Miriam and Aaron after they reprimanded Moses:
"If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Numbers 12:6-8)
In New Testament times, God gave similar leadership assignments to his Apostles, and he expected people within his kingdom to give them respect in their office. Jesus gave this instruction to his apostles:
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matthew 10:14-15)
Additionally, when people attempted to deceive them under the guise of well doing, it ended no better for them than those who had fought against Moses in the Old Testament. Consider the story of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)
The lesson is clear. Seeking individual communication with the Lord is good. He seeks to bless and help his children. He does not intend for people to take their personal feelings or motivations and go separate paths however. One of the most important communications that a person can obtain from God is to recognize his authorized servants. Jesus said to his chosen Apostles:
"He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:40-41)
Perhaps this was the unspoken sentiment of Moses when he answered Joshua the son of Nun:
"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29)
Making all the people prophets does not remove the authority or assignments that God gives to his messengers... it helps people able to recognize them. Prophecy is the ability to see the truth of things as they were, as they are, and as they are to come. In this sense, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
Would God that all people had the power to see the Apostles and Prophets for who they are... servants of the living Christ.
"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29)
The response is profound considering some of the things that also occurred during Moses's leadership. Korah seemed to use this same idea to justify his own usurpation:
"Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?" (Numbers 16:3)
The result of Korah's desire to assert his authority was the earth opening up and swallowing him and his followers. (Numbers 16:31-33)
Additionally, Moses's sister Miriam used a similar idea to reprove Moses:
"Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" (Numbers 12:2)
The result of this reprimand was that Miriam became leprous for seven days and had to wait outside the camp.
These events seem to portray a discrepancy. In one case, the ability of others to prophesy and that they had the ability to receive counsel and instruction directly from the Lord was affirmed. In the others, the ability of individuals to receive counsel directly from the Lord was met with swift and severe punishment.
A similar discrepancy is seen in the New Testament as well. In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." In Luke 9:49-50, it reads "And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."
On the one hand, God desires people to communicate with him directly. On the other hand, people who claim that God communicates them may be severely punished. In one case, if we are not with Christ, we are against him. In another case, those that are not against Christ are for him. What is right?
Ultimately, God does seek to communicate with individuals. As James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) Jesus also affirmed that "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:8-11)
On the other hand, a person ought not believe that the ability to communicate with God negates the need for prophetic guidance. Moses was given an assignment of leadership by God, and no ability to prophesy or to communicate with heaven negated the importance of what God gave to Moses. He said this to Miriam and Aaron after they reprimanded Moses:
"If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Numbers 12:6-8)
In New Testament times, God gave similar leadership assignments to his Apostles, and he expected people within his kingdom to give them respect in their office. Jesus gave this instruction to his apostles:
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matthew 10:14-15)
Additionally, when people attempted to deceive them under the guise of well doing, it ended no better for them than those who had fought against Moses in the Old Testament. Consider the story of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)
The lesson is clear. Seeking individual communication with the Lord is good. He seeks to bless and help his children. He does not intend for people to take their personal feelings or motivations and go separate paths however. One of the most important communications that a person can obtain from God is to recognize his authorized servants. Jesus said to his chosen Apostles:
"He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:40-41)
Perhaps this was the unspoken sentiment of Moses when he answered Joshua the son of Nun:
"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:29)
Making all the people prophets does not remove the authority or assignments that God gives to his messengers... it helps people able to recognize them. Prophecy is the ability to see the truth of things as they were, as they are, and as they are to come. In this sense, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
Would God that all people had the power to see the Apostles and Prophets for who they are... servants of the living Christ.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy
When Moses ascended mount Horeb and spoke with God, he received many instructions, but the most famous guidance was in the form of the ten commandments. (Exodus 20)
The ten commandments have been honored as a basis for western law and morality for centuries, however, in more recent years, there have been a number of conflicts regarding their value. Litigation from organizations such as the ACLU has forced some communities to remove monuments, plaques, or other depictions of this. Of course, even the most secular individuals typically do not take issue with sentiments about avoiding murder and theft. The issues are mainly with the commandments that direct people to worship God.
One of these commandments that is frequently used to show that the ten commandments are no longer used as a basis for western society... that is the fourth commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
Certainly there is some merit to this argument. I recall hearing a saying with some truth: "our grandfathers called it the Holy Sabbath... our fathers called it the Sabbath... our parents called it Sunday... we call it the weekend." (unknown)
Even in the most religious counties in Utah, the state where church attendance is reported to be highest, the parking lots of shopping centers and stores are filled with vehicles. Of course, there is an understanding for the need of police, fire, and medical emergency services to be available on Sundays, and there are occasions when it is necessary to travel and use other services, much of the activity that is performed on Sunday could be handled on other days, but is not. This provides strong evidence that at least some of the Ten Commandments no longer provide the foundation for American ethics... and if people can pick and choose which commandments are applicable, then they are not really commandments at all... As Barbosa said in Pirates of the Caribbean, "the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."
What benefit is there from spending a day "resting" or avoiding productivity every single week anyway?
God frequently offered as explanation for this commandment the events surrounding the creation of the world: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:11)
This idea is certainly something that modern society seems to have mostly abandoned. Because of evidence including carbon dating, fossils, and sediment analysis, the idea that God created the earth in six days is not discussed nearly as often as it used to be, even among religious individuals. The consequence of this (intended or not) is that the seventh day (after the creation) is also frequently ignored.
The lack of this discussion is unfortunate. Because God has all power, and cannot become exhausted or wearied from his works, the idea of him taking rest is significant. Why would an all-powerful being rest?
He had all knowledge, and was not waiting to observe something unexpected. He had the ability to travel to any place, and was not exploring something new. He certainly had the power to move on to other tasks. Why not do so?
Perhaps the answer lies back in the account in Genesis. After each day of creation, God took note that the things he directed were "so" and in many cases that they were "good." At the end of the creation, he noted that it was all "very good." These observances did not bring new information to him, he knew exactly what would happen. Still, he paused to observe and appreciate these creations.
The key here is that God found value in observing and appreciating what was there. This act surely brought value to him, or else he would not have done it. Perhaps this is a key to understanding the commandment to remember the Sabbath Day.
There is value is stopping and simply appreciating what is there. Taking time to reflect on whether our productivity is "very good" or whether it needs improvement is also worthwhile. Additionally, God is asking us to do things as he did them... the Sabbath Day is in a general sense, an invitation to be like he is (Matthew 5:48).
Voices in society who would ignore the importance of this observation dismiss an opportunity to be more divine. No wonder God gave this counsel to Moses on Horeb: "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
As a final though, Dennis Prager offered additional (and worthwhile) insights on the Sabbath Day, and the dignity that it gives to people. I highly recommend watching his short video here.
The ten commandments have been honored as a basis for western law and morality for centuries, however, in more recent years, there have been a number of conflicts regarding their value. Litigation from organizations such as the ACLU has forced some communities to remove monuments, plaques, or other depictions of this. Of course, even the most secular individuals typically do not take issue with sentiments about avoiding murder and theft. The issues are mainly with the commandments that direct people to worship God.
One of these commandments that is frequently used to show that the ten commandments are no longer used as a basis for western society... that is the fourth commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
Certainly there is some merit to this argument. I recall hearing a saying with some truth: "our grandfathers called it the Holy Sabbath... our fathers called it the Sabbath... our parents called it Sunday... we call it the weekend." (unknown)
Even in the most religious counties in Utah, the state where church attendance is reported to be highest, the parking lots of shopping centers and stores are filled with vehicles. Of course, there is an understanding for the need of police, fire, and medical emergency services to be available on Sundays, and there are occasions when it is necessary to travel and use other services, much of the activity that is performed on Sunday could be handled on other days, but is not. This provides strong evidence that at least some of the Ten Commandments no longer provide the foundation for American ethics... and if people can pick and choose which commandments are applicable, then they are not really commandments at all... As Barbosa said in Pirates of the Caribbean, "the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."
What benefit is there from spending a day "resting" or avoiding productivity every single week anyway?
God frequently offered as explanation for this commandment the events surrounding the creation of the world: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:11)
This idea is certainly something that modern society seems to have mostly abandoned. Because of evidence including carbon dating, fossils, and sediment analysis, the idea that God created the earth in six days is not discussed nearly as often as it used to be, even among religious individuals. The consequence of this (intended or not) is that the seventh day (after the creation) is also frequently ignored.
The lack of this discussion is unfortunate. Because God has all power, and cannot become exhausted or wearied from his works, the idea of him taking rest is significant. Why would an all-powerful being rest?
He had all knowledge, and was not waiting to observe something unexpected. He had the ability to travel to any place, and was not exploring something new. He certainly had the power to move on to other tasks. Why not do so?
Perhaps the answer lies back in the account in Genesis. After each day of creation, God took note that the things he directed were "so" and in many cases that they were "good." At the end of the creation, he noted that it was all "very good." These observances did not bring new information to him, he knew exactly what would happen. Still, he paused to observe and appreciate these creations.
The key here is that God found value in observing and appreciating what was there. This act surely brought value to him, or else he would not have done it. Perhaps this is a key to understanding the commandment to remember the Sabbath Day.
There is value is stopping and simply appreciating what is there. Taking time to reflect on whether our productivity is "very good" or whether it needs improvement is also worthwhile. Additionally, God is asking us to do things as he did them... the Sabbath Day is in a general sense, an invitation to be like he is (Matthew 5:48).
Voices in society who would ignore the importance of this observation dismiss an opportunity to be more divine. No wonder God gave this counsel to Moses on Horeb: "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
As a final though, Dennis Prager offered additional (and worthwhile) insights on the Sabbath Day, and the dignity that it gives to people. I highly recommend watching his short video here.
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