Purpose: To encourage class members to partake of the life-giving, healing powers that are available in the temple.
Have you ever been excited while watching a sporting event or some other kind of entertainment? Have you ever been so excited at such an event that you stood and shouted or cheered? There are several sacred events that have been or will be accompanied by enthusiastic expressions of joy and gratitude. Some of these events include:
a. The creation of the earth (Job 38:4–7).
b. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12–16).
c. The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
While the excitement of sporting events or other entertainment is temporary, the joy associated with sacred events is eternal. During the dedication of a temple, the congregation participates in a great expression of joy called the Hosanna Shout. They show their joy and gratitude by standing, shouting, and waving.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT - Study the following scriptures:
**It is helpful to keep in mind what we talked about today, that Ezekiel was called as a prophet to the Jews who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. He served the exiled Jews in captivity for 22 years. When Ezekial was called by the Lord he said, "I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel" (Ezekiel 3:17).
a. Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:6–9, 23. Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple in Jerusalem.
b. Ezekiel 47:1, 6–12. Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple that gives life to the desert and heals the Dead Sea.
c. Ezekiel 47:2–5. Ezekiel measures the river’s depth and discovers that the water gets deeper each time he wades into it.
What do you learn about the temple from Ezekiel 43:1–12 and 44:6–9, 23?
According to Ezekiel’s vision, what changes will take place in the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea, which are east of Jerusalem, because of the river flowing from the temple? (See Ezekiel 47:6–12.) How does the water of life available in the temple heal and give life to marriages? families? our ancestors? the Church?
The TAKE AWAY: The Lord has called the temple “a place of thanksgiving” (D&C 97:13). I am thankful for the blessings that come because of the temple. I hope you will take time this week to reflect on how the temple has impacted your life.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Lesson 43: The Shepherds of Israel
Our lesson this week is so so good! I hope to do this beautiful message justice and pray that you will come prepared to share the spirit. It is a truly remarkable lesson about shepherds. This little video is a nice prelude to our discussion. Watch it!!
PURPOSE: To encourage class members to fulfill their responsibilities as "shepherds of Israel"
Study the following scriptures:
a. Ezekiel 34. The Lord reproves those shepherds who do not feed the flock. He will seek all the lost sheep and be their Shepherd.
b. Ezekiel 18:21–32. Ezekiel teaches that the wicked who repent will be saved and that the righteous who turn to wickedness will be cast out.
c. Ezekiel 37:1–14. Ezekiel sees a vision in which many dry bones are given life.
d. Ezekiel 37:15–28. Ezekiel prophesies that the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph will become one in the Lord’s hand.
In 597 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon carried into captivity many people from the kingdom of Judah. Among these captives was Ezekiel, whom the Lord called as a prophet five years later. Ezekiel ministered to his exiled people until 570 B.C. UAdd a Note
Ezekiel’s writings include rebukes and promises that apply not only to the ancient kingdom of Judah but to all Israel, including Church members today. Although Jerusalem had been destroyed, Ezekiel foresaw a day when Israel would be gathered and restored. UAdd a Note
Who are the “shepherds of Israel” spoken of in Ezekiel 34? In what ways can each of us be considered a shepherd of Israel?
How is the Savior like a shepherd to us? (See Ezekiel 34:11–16; Psalm 23.)
What does it mean to “make … a new heart and a new spirit”? (Ezekiel 18:31). How can we experience this change of heart? (See Alma 5:7–14.)
In the prophecy recorded in Ezekiel 37:15–28, one of the things the stick of Judah represents is the Bible. One of the things the stick of Joseph represents is the Book of Mormon. What blessings have come from having the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible?
PURPOSE: To encourage class members to fulfill their responsibilities as "shepherds of Israel"
Study the following scriptures:
a. Ezekiel 34. The Lord reproves those shepherds who do not feed the flock. He will seek all the lost sheep and be their Shepherd.
b. Ezekiel 18:21–32. Ezekiel teaches that the wicked who repent will be saved and that the righteous who turn to wickedness will be cast out.
c. Ezekiel 37:1–14. Ezekiel sees a vision in which many dry bones are given life.
d. Ezekiel 37:15–28. Ezekiel prophesies that the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph will become one in the Lord’s hand.
In 597 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon carried into captivity many people from the kingdom of Judah. Among these captives was Ezekiel, whom the Lord called as a prophet five years later. Ezekiel ministered to his exiled people until 570 B.C. UAdd a Note
Ezekiel’s writings include rebukes and promises that apply not only to the ancient kingdom of Judah but to all Israel, including Church members today. Although Jerusalem had been destroyed, Ezekiel foresaw a day when Israel would be gathered and restored. UAdd a Note
Who are the “shepherds of Israel” spoken of in Ezekiel 34? In what ways can each of us be considered a shepherd of Israel?
How is the Savior like a shepherd to us? (See Ezekiel 34:11–16; Psalm 23.)
What does it mean to “make … a new heart and a new spirit”? (Ezekiel 18:31). How can we experience this change of heart? (See Alma 5:7–14.)
In the prophecy recorded in Ezekiel 37:15–28, one of the things the stick of Judah represents is the Bible. One of the things the stick of Joseph represents is the Book of Mormon. What blessings have come from having the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible?
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Lesson 42: I Will Write It in Their Hearts
Study Jeremiah 16; 23; 29; 31
Purpose: To encourage class members to participate in God’s great latter-day work and to have his law written in their hearts.
Background: Did you know that Jeremiah was a contemporary of Lehi? He was! You'll remember that Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem in 600 B.C. and journeyed to the promised land of America. After the fall of Jerusalem, the Jews who escaped into Egypt took Jeremiah with them (Jer 43:5-7). In 1 Nephi 1:4, Nephi mentions "many prophets" who prophesied at the time Lehi, his father, was prophesying and preaching.
"Jeremiah was one of the few ancient prophets who prophesied destruction for the people and then saw the fulfillment of his prophecies during his own lifetime. In a way, he was a lot like Mormon in the Book of Mormon, who was called by the Lord to work with a people for whom there was no hope, because of their extreme wickedness." [The Old Testament Made Easier, pg. 216]
The Old Testament Student Manual, describes the conditions under which Jeremiah served as a prophet: "With the exception of Josiah, all of the kings of Judah during Jeremiah's ministry were unworthy men under whom the country suffered severely. Even during the reign of an earlier king, the wicked Manasseh, the Baal cult was restored among the Jews, and there was introduced the worship of the heavenly planets...Jeremiah therefore found idolatry, Hill-worship, and heathen religious practices rampant among his people Heathen idols stood in the temple, children were scarified to Ball-Moloch, and Ball was especially involved as the usual heathen deity. The worship of the 'queen of Heaven' ought also to be mentioned. The corruption of the nation's religious worship was, of course, accompanied by all manner of immorality and unrighteousness against which the prophet had continually to testify. The poor were forgotten. Jeremiah was surrounded on all sides by almost total apostasy. He was surrounded by plenty of professional prophets, who were smooth, easy-going, popular preachers whose words awakened no conscience, and who assured the people that the nation was safe in the protecting care of God. This was a true message in Isaiah's day, but the time was long since past, and Jerusalem was destined for captivity. Thus Jeremiah was doomed to preach an unwelcome message, while the false prophets persuaded the people that he was unpatriotic, uninspired, and pessimistic.
Elder Jean A. Tefan, Area Authority Seventy wrote a nice article titled, "Jeremiah: As Potter's Clay" that I would highly recommend. It is about how the Lord's tender sculpting of the Prophet Jeremiah's life is a reminder that He can shape each of our lives.
Points to Ponder:
Purpose: To encourage class members to participate in God’s great latter-day work and to have his law written in their hearts.
Background: Did you know that Jeremiah was a contemporary of Lehi? He was! You'll remember that Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem in 600 B.C. and journeyed to the promised land of America. After the fall of Jerusalem, the Jews who escaped into Egypt took Jeremiah with them (Jer 43:5-7). In 1 Nephi 1:4, Nephi mentions "many prophets" who prophesied at the time Lehi, his father, was prophesying and preaching.
"Jeremiah was one of the few ancient prophets who prophesied destruction for the people and then saw the fulfillment of his prophecies during his own lifetime. In a way, he was a lot like Mormon in the Book of Mormon, who was called by the Lord to work with a people for whom there was no hope, because of their extreme wickedness." [The Old Testament Made Easier, pg. 216]
The Old Testament Student Manual, describes the conditions under which Jeremiah served as a prophet: "With the exception of Josiah, all of the kings of Judah during Jeremiah's ministry were unworthy men under whom the country suffered severely. Even during the reign of an earlier king, the wicked Manasseh, the Baal cult was restored among the Jews, and there was introduced the worship of the heavenly planets...Jeremiah therefore found idolatry, Hill-worship, and heathen religious practices rampant among his people Heathen idols stood in the temple, children were scarified to Ball-Moloch, and Ball was especially involved as the usual heathen deity. The worship of the 'queen of Heaven' ought also to be mentioned. The corruption of the nation's religious worship was, of course, accompanied by all manner of immorality and unrighteousness against which the prophet had continually to testify. The poor were forgotten. Jeremiah was surrounded on all sides by almost total apostasy. He was surrounded by plenty of professional prophets, who were smooth, easy-going, popular preachers whose words awakened no conscience, and who assured the people that the nation was safe in the protecting care of God. This was a true message in Isaiah's day, but the time was long since past, and Jerusalem was destined for captivity. Thus Jeremiah was doomed to preach an unwelcome message, while the false prophets persuaded the people that he was unpatriotic, uninspired, and pessimistic.
Elder Jean A. Tefan, Area Authority Seventy wrote a nice article titled, "Jeremiah: As Potter's Clay" that I would highly recommend. It is about how the Lord's tender sculpting of the Prophet Jeremiah's life is a reminder that He can shape each of our lives.
Points to Ponder:
- As recorded in Jeremiah 31:31–34, what did the Lord promise to do in the latter days? (See also Ezekiel 11:17–20; 36:24–28; 2 Corinthians 3:2–3.)
- What does it mean to have God’s law written in our hearts? What must we do to have God’s law written in our hearts? How is our behavior affected when we have God’s law written in our hearts?
- According to Jeremiah 29:12–14, what can we do to draw close to God?
Conclusion: We live in a time that Jeremiah and many other prophets have looked forward to with rejoicing. We can participate in the gathering of Israel and have the law of God written in our hearts.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Lesson 39: How Beautiful upon the Mountains
PURPOSE: To strengthen each class member’s testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Study Isaiah 50–53.
• What does Isaiah 53:2–5 tell us about the life of the Savior? Why can he understand our sorrows and our grief? (See Alma 7:11–13; Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:15.) How have you sensed that he understands your sorrows and grief? Why was the Savior willing to suffer the pain of being wounded, bruised, and scourged? (See 1 Nephi 19:9.)
• Isaiah prophesied about a number of events that were connected with the Atonement of the Savior. What do the following verses teach about the Savior’s love and his atoning sacrifice?
Isaiah 50:5–7 (see also Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:8)
Isaiah 51:6 (see also Mosiah 16:9; Alma 34:10)
Isaiah 53:2–4 (see also Alma 7:11–13; Hebrews 2:16–18)
Isaiah 53:8–11 (see also Mosiah 15:10–13)
Conclusion
Review Mosiah 15:18, in which the prophet Abinadi describes the Savior as a messenger whose feet are beautiful upon the mountains. One reason his feet are beautiful is that they bear the prints of the nails, the tokens of his atoning love. The teachings of Isaiah have strengthened my love for the Savior and my desire to be worthy of the blessings of his atoning sacrifice. How has your testimony been strengthened?
Study Isaiah 50–53.
• What does Isaiah 53:2–5 tell us about the life of the Savior? Why can he understand our sorrows and our grief? (See Alma 7:11–13; Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:15.) How have you sensed that he understands your sorrows and grief? Why was the Savior willing to suffer the pain of being wounded, bruised, and scourged? (See 1 Nephi 19:9.)
• Isaiah prophesied about a number of events that were connected with the Atonement of the Savior. What do the following verses teach about the Savior’s love and his atoning sacrifice?
Isaiah 50:5–7 (see also Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:8)
Isaiah 51:6 (see also Mosiah 16:9; Alma 34:10)
Isaiah 53:2–4 (see also Alma 7:11–13; Hebrews 2:16–18)
Isaiah 53:8–11 (see also Mosiah 15:10–13)
Conclusion
Review Mosiah 15:18, in which the prophet Abinadi describes the Savior as a messenger whose feet are beautiful upon the mountains. One reason his feet are beautiful is that they bear the prints of the nails, the tokens of his atoning love. The teachings of Isaiah have strengthened my love for the Savior and my desire to be worthy of the blessings of his atoning sacrifice. How has your testimony been strengthened?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Lesson 38: Beside Me There Is No Saviour
Purpose: To help class members understand that Jesus Christ is incomparable in his devotion to his people and that he has a great work for them to do.
Study Isaiah 40–49
• Review Isaiah 40:28–31; 42:16; 43:1–4; 44:21–23; and 49:14–16. As you read each passage, look for answers to the following questions: Which attribute of the Savior is mentioned in this passage? How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?
• Babylon is often used in the scriptures as a symbol for the wickedness of the world. What are the results of seeking after the ways of the world? (See Isaiah 47:1, 5, 7–11.) What has the Lord promised to those who seek him rather than the world? (See Isaiah 48:17–18.)
• Many of the prophecies in Isaiah 49 apply both to the work of the Savior and to the work of his servants. What does Isaiah 49:1–6 teach about our responsibilities in the latter days?
**Isaiah’s writings can help us develop greater love for the Savior and greater understanding of the work he wants us to do.
Study Isaiah 40–49
• Review Isaiah 40:28–31; 42:16; 43:1–4; 44:21–23; and 49:14–16. As you read each passage, look for answers to the following questions: Which attribute of the Savior is mentioned in this passage? How does knowing of this attribute help increase our faith in the Savior?
• Babylon is often used in the scriptures as a symbol for the wickedness of the world. What are the results of seeking after the ways of the world? (See Isaiah 47:1, 5, 7–11.) What has the Lord promised to those who seek him rather than the world? (See Isaiah 48:17–18.)
• Many of the prophecies in Isaiah 49 apply both to the work of the Savior and to the work of his servants. What does Isaiah 49:1–6 teach about our responsibilities in the latter days?
**Isaiah’s writings can help us develop greater love for the Savior and greater understanding of the work he wants us to do.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lesson 37: “Thou Hast Done Wonderful Things”
PURPOSE: To help class members come unto Christ through recognizing some of the wonderful things he has done.
Study the following scriptures & take note of the things that the Savior has done for us, it is remarkable:
a. Isaiah 22:22. The Savior opens the door to Heavenly Father’s presence.
b. Isaiah 24:21–22. The Savior shows mercy for those in spirit prison.
c. Isaiah 25:1–4; 32:1–2. The Savior is a strength and a refuge.
d. Isaiah 25:6–9. The Savior will prepare a feast and destroy the “vail.”
e. Isaiah 25:8. The Savior wipes away our tears.
f. Isaiah 26:19. The Savior will bring the Resurrection.
g. Isaiah 28:16. The Savior is our sure foundation.
h. Isaiah 29:4, 9–14, 18, 24. The Savior will restore the gospel to the earth.
i. Isaiah 30:19–21. The Savior knows our trials and directs our paths.
• How does the Savior “wipe away [our] tears”? (Isaiah 25:8).
• Isaiah prophesied that when the Messiah would come, he would die and be resurrected (Isaiah 25:8). Who else will be resurrected? (See Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; Alma 11:43–44.) What does Isaiah 26:19 suggest about how we will feel when we are resurrected? (See also D&C 138:12–16, 50.)
Compare the following verses in Isaiah 29 with the corresponding passages to see how some of Isaiah’s prophecies have been fulfilled:
Isaiah 29:4 compare to Moroni 10:27
Isaiah 29:9–10, 13 compare to Joseph Smith—History 1:18–19
Isaiah 29:11–12 compare to Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65
Isaiah 29:14 compare to Doctrine and Covenants 4:1; 6:1
• Isaiah told of people drawing near to the Lord with their mouths while their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). How can we make sure that we are close to the Lord in our thoughts and actions as well as in our words?
Study the following scriptures & take note of the things that the Savior has done for us, it is remarkable:
a. Isaiah 22:22. The Savior opens the door to Heavenly Father’s presence.
b. Isaiah 24:21–22. The Savior shows mercy for those in spirit prison.
c. Isaiah 25:1–4; 32:1–2. The Savior is a strength and a refuge.
d. Isaiah 25:6–9. The Savior will prepare a feast and destroy the “vail.”
e. Isaiah 25:8. The Savior wipes away our tears.
f. Isaiah 26:19. The Savior will bring the Resurrection.
g. Isaiah 28:16. The Savior is our sure foundation.
h. Isaiah 29:4, 9–14, 18, 24. The Savior will restore the gospel to the earth.
i. Isaiah 30:19–21. The Savior knows our trials and directs our paths.
• How does the Savior “wipe away [our] tears”? (Isaiah 25:8).
• Isaiah prophesied that when the Messiah would come, he would die and be resurrected (Isaiah 25:8). Who else will be resurrected? (See Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; Alma 11:43–44.) What does Isaiah 26:19 suggest about how we will feel when we are resurrected? (See also D&C 138:12–16, 50.)
Compare the following verses in Isaiah 29 with the corresponding passages to see how some of Isaiah’s prophecies have been fulfilled:
Isaiah 29:4 compare to Moroni 10:27
Isaiah 29:9–10, 13 compare to Joseph Smith—History 1:18–19
Isaiah 29:11–12 compare to Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65
Isaiah 29:14 compare to Doctrine and Covenants 4:1; 6:1
• Isaiah told of people drawing near to the Lord with their mouths while their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). How can we make sure that we are close to the Lord in our thoughts and actions as well as in our words?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lesson 36: The Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense
PURPOSE: To encourage class members to avoid the evils of the world by standing in holy places and to help them draw strength from Isaiah’s willingness to serve.
BACKGROUND: For the background I am turning a resource that I have really enjoyed titled "The Old Testament Made Easier" by David Ridges pg. 22-23.
The Savior quoted Isaiah more often than He quoted any other prophet in the Old Testament. This fact alone testifies of the importance of the writings and teachings of Isaiah. During the Savior's ministry to the Nephites on the American continent, He quoted Isaiah and then said (3 Nephi 23:1), "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah."
There are obviously many reasons that the teachings of Isaiah are vital to us. We will quote again from the Book of Mormon to see two major reasons to study Isaiah, according to Nephi. We will use bold to point out Nephi's reasons for quoting Isaiah to his people, including his wayward brothers Laman and Lemuel.
1 Nephi 19:23-24
23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.
24 Wherefore I spake unto them saying: Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from who ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written.
Thus we are taught that Isaiah's teachings can greatly strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, and provide wonderful hope and assurance in our hearts that we can be found among those who are saved. ("The Old Testament Made Easier" by David Ridges pg. 22-23)
STUDY: Isaiah 1–6.
Isaiah prophesied many things about the earthly mission of the Savior, about the destruction that would follow Israel’s wickedness, and about the mission and destiny of latter-day Israel.
• Many of Isaiah’s warnings and prophecies apply both to his time, which was a time of great wickedness, and to our time. How are the conditions described in Isaiah 1–5 evident in the world today?
• What three holy places mentioned in Isaiah 4:5–6 offer safety from evil? What expressions are used in these verses to describe how these holy places will protect us?
BACKGROUND: For the background I am turning a resource that I have really enjoyed titled "The Old Testament Made Easier" by David Ridges pg. 22-23.
The Savior quoted Isaiah more often than He quoted any other prophet in the Old Testament. This fact alone testifies of the importance of the writings and teachings of Isaiah. During the Savior's ministry to the Nephites on the American continent, He quoted Isaiah and then said (3 Nephi 23:1), "And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah."
There are obviously many reasons that the teachings of Isaiah are vital to us. We will quote again from the Book of Mormon to see two major reasons to study Isaiah, according to Nephi. We will use bold to point out Nephi's reasons for quoting Isaiah to his people, including his wayward brothers Laman and Lemuel.
1 Nephi 19:23-24
23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.
24 Wherefore I spake unto them saying: Hear ye the words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have hope as well as your brethren from who ye have been broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written.
Thus we are taught that Isaiah's teachings can greatly strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, and provide wonderful hope and assurance in our hearts that we can be found among those who are saved. ("The Old Testament Made Easier" by David Ridges pg. 22-23)
STUDY: Isaiah 1–6.
Isaiah prophesied many things about the earthly mission of the Savior, about the destruction that would follow Israel’s wickedness, and about the mission and destiny of latter-day Israel.
• Many of Isaiah’s warnings and prophecies apply both to his time, which was a time of great wickedness, and to our time. How are the conditions described in Isaiah 1–5 evident in the world today?
• What three holy places mentioned in Isaiah 4:5–6 offer safety from evil? What expressions are used in these verses to describe how these holy places will protect us?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
I'm BACK!
I am thrilled to have been called to teach gospel doctrine in the College Park Ward. I will be teaching every other week, rotating with Sister Mills. Our lesson next week is Lesson 35: God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets. Please look HERE (the post from a couple of weeks ago) or just scroll down to the post on September 21, to prepare for our discussion next Sunday.
Even if you don't have much time to read the scriptural passages included in the lesson, think about the promise made to Amos that "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but [until] he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This promise is the title of our lesson, which I think is so amazing! We just had General Conference a week ago...what did the Prophet and the Lord's servants reveal? If our Father in Heaven has an important and timely message to share, General Conference is a likely, but not exclusive, setting for that message to be revealed. I want to be in the know; part of the inner-circle if you will.
I genuinely look forward to our discussion on Sunday and appreciate the opportunity to learn from you and with you next week!
** Be sure to watch the clip of talks from the April General Conference! It is really good!
Even if you don't have much time to read the scriptural passages included in the lesson, think about the promise made to Amos that "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but [until] he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This promise is the title of our lesson, which I think is so amazing! We just had General Conference a week ago...what did the Prophet and the Lord's servants reveal? If our Father in Heaven has an important and timely message to share, General Conference is a likely, but not exclusive, setting for that message to be revealed. I want to be in the know; part of the inner-circle if you will.
I genuinely look forward to our discussion on Sunday and appreciate the opportunity to learn from you and with you next week!
** Be sure to watch the clip of talks from the April General Conference! It is really good!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Release...
I did not expect our ward to be dissolved today, but it was. We were all released.
I am sad to say farewell to the Sunday School blog. I am more sad to say farewell to my call to teach gospel doctrine. Oh how I love to teach. I've said it before and I'll say it again, teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is magical. It fills my soul in a deeply unique and powerful way. Perhaps the time will come to revisit this blog...perhaps I will get lucky enough to be called to teach gospel doctrine in our new ward. That would be great. For now, au revoir.
I am sad to say farewell to the Sunday School blog. I am more sad to say farewell to my call to teach gospel doctrine. Oh how I love to teach. I've said it before and I'll say it again, teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is magical. It fills my soul in a deeply unique and powerful way. Perhaps the time will come to revisit this blog...perhaps I will get lucky enough to be called to teach gospel doctrine in our new ward. That would be great. For now, au revoir.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Lesson 35: God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets
Our lesson this week is about listening to the Prophet. Janette Hales Beckham shared the following experience:
“When I was a young wife and mother, my husband spent two years in the air force. We lived in military housing on Long Island, New York. While tending our young children, I often visited with neighbors who had come from all over the country. One day as a neighbor and I were talking about our beliefs, she became curious about what was different about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I told her briefly about the Restoration, and I explained that the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a living prophet today. This really seemed to pique her interest, and she wanted to know what the prophet had said. As I started to tell her about the Doctrine and Covenants and modern revelation, she said, ‘But what has he said lately?’ I told her about general conference and that the Church had a monthly publication with a message from the prophet. Then she got really interested. I was so embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t read the current message. She concluded our conversation by saying, ‘You mean you have a living prophet and you don’t know what he said?’(“Sustaining the Living Prophets,” Ensign, May 1996, 84):
***If someone asked you what the living prophet has recently said, would you be able to answer the question?
I found this clip highlighting some of the messages at the180th LDS General Conference held April 3-4, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Speakers included President Thomas S. Monson, his two counsellors Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Pres. Henry B. Eyring, the Twelve Apostles, and other invited General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think you'll enjoy it too!
Amos 3; 7–9; Joel 2–3
Study the following scriptures:
a. Amos 3:6–7. Amos teaches that the Lord reveals his secrets to the prophets.
b. Amos 7:10–17; 8:11–13; 9:8–15. Amos is called of God to be a prophet (7:10–15). He prophesies of the captivity and scattering of Israel (7:16–17; 9:8–10). He prophesies that there will be a famine of hearing the word of the Lord (8:11–13). He prophesies that in the last days Israel will be a great and prosperous people (9:11–15).
c. Joel 2; 3:16–17. Joel prophesies of the wars and calamities of the last days (2:1–11). He calls on the people to repent (2:12–14; note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verses 13 and 14 explains that the people, not the Lord, were to repent). Joel prophesies that God will bless his people in the latter days and pour out his Spirit upon them (2:15–32; 3:16–17).
Amos ministered to the people of the kingdom of Israel from about 800 to 750 b.c. Most of these people were in apostasy. As Amos confronted the people with their sins, he prophesied dire penalties. Nevertheless, he emphasized that God was eager to cleanse anyone who would repent. Amos also prophesied about the latter days.
Joel ministered to the people of the kingdom of Judah. Many of Joel’s prophecies were about the latter days.
• What did the prophet Amos teach about the importance of prophets? (See Amos 3:7.) What does Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38 teach about the respect we should have for the messages of the prophets?
• What did Amos prophesy would be the result if Israel rejected or ignored prophets’ messages? (See 8:11–13.) In what ways can the absence of the word of the Lord be compared to a famine? How can having the blessings of the restored gospel be compared to a feast?
• Review Joel 2:12–32 and 3:16–17 and look for answers to the following questions: What invitations has the Lord given to those living in the latter days? What blessings has the Lord promised to those who follow him in the latter days?
“When I was a young wife and mother, my husband spent two years in the air force. We lived in military housing on Long Island, New York. While tending our young children, I often visited with neighbors who had come from all over the country. One day as a neighbor and I were talking about our beliefs, she became curious about what was different about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I told her briefly about the Restoration, and I explained that the restored Church of Jesus Christ has a living prophet today. This really seemed to pique her interest, and she wanted to know what the prophet had said. As I started to tell her about the Doctrine and Covenants and modern revelation, she said, ‘But what has he said lately?’ I told her about general conference and that the Church had a monthly publication with a message from the prophet. Then she got really interested. I was so embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t read the current message. She concluded our conversation by saying, ‘You mean you have a living prophet and you don’t know what he said?’(“Sustaining the Living Prophets,” Ensign, May 1996, 84):
***If someone asked you what the living prophet has recently said, would you be able to answer the question?
I found this clip highlighting some of the messages at the180th LDS General Conference held April 3-4, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Speakers included President Thomas S. Monson, his two counsellors Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Pres. Henry B. Eyring, the Twelve Apostles, and other invited General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think you'll enjoy it too!
Amos 3; 7–9; Joel 2–3
Study the following scriptures:
a. Amos 3:6–7. Amos teaches that the Lord reveals his secrets to the prophets.
b. Amos 7:10–17; 8:11–13; 9:8–15. Amos is called of God to be a prophet (7:10–15). He prophesies of the captivity and scattering of Israel (7:16–17; 9:8–10). He prophesies that there will be a famine of hearing the word of the Lord (8:11–13). He prophesies that in the last days Israel will be a great and prosperous people (9:11–15).
c. Joel 2; 3:16–17. Joel prophesies of the wars and calamities of the last days (2:1–11). He calls on the people to repent (2:12–14; note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verses 13 and 14 explains that the people, not the Lord, were to repent). Joel prophesies that God will bless his people in the latter days and pour out his Spirit upon them (2:15–32; 3:16–17).
Amos ministered to the people of the kingdom of Israel from about 800 to 750 b.c. Most of these people were in apostasy. As Amos confronted the people with their sins, he prophesied dire penalties. Nevertheless, he emphasized that God was eager to cleanse anyone who would repent. Amos also prophesied about the latter days.
Joel ministered to the people of the kingdom of Judah. Many of Joel’s prophecies were about the latter days.
• What did the prophet Amos teach about the importance of prophets? (See Amos 3:7.) What does Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38 teach about the respect we should have for the messages of the prophets?
• What did Amos prophesy would be the result if Israel rejected or ignored prophets’ messages? (See 8:11–13.) In what ways can the absence of the word of the Lord be compared to a famine? How can having the blessings of the restored gospel be compared to a feast?
• Review Joel 2:12–32 and 3:16–17 and look for answers to the following questions: What invitations has the Lord given to those living in the latter days? What blessings has the Lord promised to those who follow him in the latter days?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lesson 31: “Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom”
Purpose: To inspire class members to be more Christlike by applying the wise counsel in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Proverbs are generally short sayings that give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some believe Solomon to be its author.
• The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of wisdom. What differences are there between being learned and being wise? (See Proverbs 1:7; 9:9–10; 2 Nephi 9:28–29.)
• What counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5–7? What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
• Why is the Lord concerned with the words we speak? (See Proverbs 16:27–28; 18:8; 25:18; Matthew 12:36–37.) How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
• Proverbs 13:10 and 16:18 teach that pride leads to contention and destruction. How can pride do this? How does pride affect our families?
• Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” What should parents do to follow this counsel? (See D&C 68:25–28.) How can parents more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel?
• Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? (See Proverbs 15:13; 17:22.) What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Proverbs are generally short sayings that give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some believe Solomon to be its author.
• The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of wisdom. What differences are there between being learned and being wise? (See Proverbs 1:7; 9:9–10; 2 Nephi 9:28–29.)
• What counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5–7? What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
• Why is the Lord concerned with the words we speak? (See Proverbs 16:27–28; 18:8; 25:18; Matthew 12:36–37.) How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
• Proverbs 13:10 and 16:18 teach that pride leads to contention and destruction. How can pride do this? How does pride affect our families?
• Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” What should parents do to follow this counsel? (See D&C 68:25–28.) How can parents more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel?
• Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? (See Proverbs 15:13; 17:22.) What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Lesson 30: “Come to the House of the Lord”
Purpose: To inspire each class member to receive the promised blessings that come from temple work and scripture study.
Scriptural Background: Hezekiah became king of Judah at age 25. His teen years were filled with impressions from the lifestyle of his wicked and idolatrous father, King Ahaz. Yet Hezekiah rose above that influence to become a zealous religious and political reformer. "He trusted in the Lord God of Israel...[and] kept his commandments. ...And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth". (Hezekiah's Tunnel Vision, by Charles A. Muldowney. Ensign, September 2002)
To help defend Jerusalem against attacks by the Assyrians, King Hezekiah diverted the water of the spring of Gihon to the pool of Siloam, inside the city walls (2 Chronicles 32:2–4, 30; Bible Dictionary, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel,” 702). This was done by digging a conduit (tunnel) for the water through about 1770 feet of limestone rock. Hezekiah then ordered that the fountains outside the city be covered to deny the Assyrians easy access to the water. Without this water inside the walls of the city, the people of Jerusalem would not have survived the siege by the Assyrians.
Just as the water from the spring of Gihon was vital for the physical survival of Hezekiah’s people during their battles with the Assyrians, living water is essential for our spiritual survival during our battles with Satan.
Study the following scriptures (2 Chronicles 29–30; 32; 34):
a. 2 Chronicles 29–30. Hezekiah, king of Judah, opens the doors of the temple and instructs the priests and Levites to cleanse and sanctify it for worship (29:1–19). When the temple is cleansed, Hezekiah and his people worship together and praise the Lord (29:20–36). Hezekiah invites all Israel to come to the temple in Jerusalem (30:1–9). Some laugh at the invitation, but the faithful of Israel worship the Lord in Jerusalem (30:10–27).
b. 2 Chronicles 32:1–23. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah and speaks against the Lord (32:1–19). Isaiah and Hezekiah pray for help, and an angel of the Lord destroys much of the Assyrian army (32:20–23).
c. 2 Chronicles 34. After Hezekiah’s son and grandson rule in wickedness, Hezekiah’s great-grandson Josiah becomes king of Judah. Josiah destroys the idols in the kingdom and repairs the temple (34:1–13). The book of the law is found in the temple and read to Josiah, who weeps when he learns how far the people have strayed from the law (34:14–21). Huldah the prophetess tells of the forthcoming desolation of Judah but prophesies that Josiah will not have to witness it (34:22–28). Josiah and his people covenant to serve the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:29–33).
Questions to Consider (we'll talk about these in class...I would LOVE your insight!):
• What can we learn from Hezekiah about the proper relationship between trusting in our own efforts and trusting in the Lord? (See 2 Chronicles 32:7–8.)
• While Josiah and his people were at the temple, what did they covenant to do? (See 2 Chronicles 34:31–33.) How can we prepare to make the sacred temple covenants? Once we have made these covenants, why is it important that we return to the temple as often as possible?
Scriptural Background: Hezekiah became king of Judah at age 25. His teen years were filled with impressions from the lifestyle of his wicked and idolatrous father, King Ahaz. Yet Hezekiah rose above that influence to become a zealous religious and political reformer. "He trusted in the Lord God of Israel...[and] kept his commandments. ...And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth". (Hezekiah's Tunnel Vision, by Charles A. Muldowney. Ensign, September 2002)
To help defend Jerusalem against attacks by the Assyrians, King Hezekiah diverted the water of the spring of Gihon to the pool of Siloam, inside the city walls (2 Chronicles 32:2–4, 30; Bible Dictionary, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel,” 702). This was done by digging a conduit (tunnel) for the water through about 1770 feet of limestone rock. Hezekiah then ordered that the fountains outside the city be covered to deny the Assyrians easy access to the water. Without this water inside the walls of the city, the people of Jerusalem would not have survived the siege by the Assyrians.
Just as the water from the spring of Gihon was vital for the physical survival of Hezekiah’s people during their battles with the Assyrians, living water is essential for our spiritual survival during our battles with Satan.
Study the following scriptures (2 Chronicles 29–30; 32; 34):
a. 2 Chronicles 29–30. Hezekiah, king of Judah, opens the doors of the temple and instructs the priests and Levites to cleanse and sanctify it for worship (29:1–19). When the temple is cleansed, Hezekiah and his people worship together and praise the Lord (29:20–36). Hezekiah invites all Israel to come to the temple in Jerusalem (30:1–9). Some laugh at the invitation, but the faithful of Israel worship the Lord in Jerusalem (30:10–27).
b. 2 Chronicles 32:1–23. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah and speaks against the Lord (32:1–19). Isaiah and Hezekiah pray for help, and an angel of the Lord destroys much of the Assyrian army (32:20–23).
c. 2 Chronicles 34. After Hezekiah’s son and grandson rule in wickedness, Hezekiah’s great-grandson Josiah becomes king of Judah. Josiah destroys the idols in the kingdom and repairs the temple (34:1–13). The book of the law is found in the temple and read to Josiah, who weeps when he learns how far the people have strayed from the law (34:14–21). Huldah the prophetess tells of the forthcoming desolation of Judah but prophesies that Josiah will not have to witness it (34:22–28). Josiah and his people covenant to serve the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:29–33).
Questions to Consider (we'll talk about these in class...I would LOVE your insight!):
• What can we learn from Hezekiah about the proper relationship between trusting in our own efforts and trusting in the Lord? (See 2 Chronicles 32:7–8.)
• While Josiah and his people were at the temple, what did they covenant to do? (See 2 Chronicles 34:31–33.) How can we prepare to make the sacred temple covenants? Once we have made these covenants, why is it important that we return to the temple as often as possible?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Lesson 28: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah”
The PURPOSE of our lesson this week is to help class members understand how authority passes from one prophet to another, to encourage them to obey the words of the prophets, and to assure them that the power of God is greater than any other power.
In an Ensign article titled, “The Mantle of Elijah,” Bruce L. Andreason, referenced the story of the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha. It reads as follows:
The prophet Elisha and an Old Testament group known as “the sons of the prophets” (see Bible Dictionary, “Schools of the Prophets,” 770) experienced a similar situation. The story of how the mantle of prophetic authority was passed from Elijah to Elisha offers helpful counsel when the Lord releases one Church leader and calls a new one.
A New Leader Is Prepared
No danger or duty was too severe to shake the confidence of the prophet Elijah. “His recorded words are few but forceful, and his deeds are explicit evidences of his strength of will, force of character, and personal courage” (Bible Dictionary, “Elijah,” 664). Perhaps you have known a bishop, stake president, or other Church leader much like Elijah.
Some six or seven years before the end of Elijah’s mortal ministry, the Lord revealed to him that Elisha would be his successor (see 1 Kgs. 19:16). So Elijah went to meet him and found Elisha plowing a field. Elijah approached him and threw his mantle (cloak) over Elisha’s shoulders, signifying Elisha’s call to be his attendant and disciple. Elisha then kissed his parents good-bye, gave away all he owned, and “arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” (see 1 Kgs. 19:19–21).
Elisha served and matured spiritually under Elijah’s direction through several major events. First, Elijah confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and reproved them for the murder of Naboth (see 1 Kgs. 21:1–29). Then Elijah twice called down fire from heaven to consume 50 soldiers sent by the king to arrest him (see 2 Kgs. 1:1–12). Finally, Elijah rebuked Ahab’s son King Ahaziah for seeking counsel from false gods, prophesying of Ahaziah’s imminent death (see 2 Kgs. 1:13–17). Elisha was an eyewitness to the power of Elijah’s priesthood keys. In like manner we can be assured that the Lord is preparing mighty leaders today to move His latter-day kingdom forward through their service to the Master, Jesus Christ.
The Mantle Is Passed
Chapter 2 of 2 Kings records the final dramatic events of Elijah’s mortal ministry. Elijah set out on a journey with Elisha from Gilgal to Bethel, then from Bethel to Jericho, and finally from Jericho across the Jordan River (see Bible Map 4). At each place Elijah directed his faithful disciple, “Tarry here, I pray thee” (2 Kgs. 2:2, 4, 6). But each time Elisha refused to leave his master’s side. He was determined to follow his leader until the very end of his ministry.
At each stopping place, Elisha was questioned by the sons of the prophets, “Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day?” (2 Kgs. 2:3, 5). Elisha’s simple reply each time was, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elisha’s loyalty to Elijah and his response to the sons of the prophets reminds us of the importance of sustaining our leaders right up to the time they are formally released, even when we know this may be soon.
As Elijah and Elisha approached the banks of the Jordan River, Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. Then something occurred that hadn’t happened since the days of Joshua over 450 years before: the water “divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground” (2 Kgs. 2:8; see also Josh. 3:14–17). This was witnessed by 50 of the sons of the prophets.
Once across the river, Elijah and Elisha continued their journey. Elijah asked his student-prophet what he would desire of him before his departure. “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me,” Elisha replied (2 Kgs. 2:9). The term double portion refers to Elisha’s desire for the special inheritance that belongs to the worthy firstborn male in a family (see Bible Dictionary, “Firstborn,” 675). Elijah deferred the granting of this request to the will of the Lord, saying, “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” (2 Kgs. 2:10).
They continued to walk and talk, when suddenly a chariot with horses of fire descended from heaven, sweeping Elijah up off the ground toward heaven in a whirlwind. As they parted Elisha cried out, “My father, my father!” Elijah then dropped his well-worn cloak to his faithful follower. When Elijah had disappeared from view, Elisha was overcome with grief, tearing apart his own outer garment (see 2 Kgs. 2:12). The sense of sadness over the release of a leader is often felt deeply by those who have been most affected by the leader’s ministry.
Taking Elijah’s cloak, Elisha began the journey back to Jericho. When he approached the Jordan River, he struck the water as Elijah had and walked through again on dry ground. Witnessing this, the sons of the prophets who had seen the earlier miracle of parting the water exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha,” and paid appropriate respect to their newly chosen leader (see 2 Kgs. 2:15). When we sustain a new leader, it is our privilege to pray and come to know by revelation that those who have been called to lead us have indeed received authority from God.
Elisha’s ministry lasted more than 50 years and presents similarities and differences to that of his master. Elijah’s mission brought word of the Lord’s judgment upon Israel’s wicked kings, while Elisha’s ministry was primarily that of a supportive adviser to well-intentioned kings. Both men were healers; both were men of many mighty miracles, of kindness, and of mercy.
When a newly called leader comes into our lives, we need to recognize that no two leaders or their ministries are the same. Yet they have one thing in common: they each are expected to bring all that they are and have to the altar of God and offer it for the benefit and blessing of those over whom they preside.
Next, we look to the story of Naaman, the Syian as told by Sandra Stallings
As captain of the king’s army, Naaman was an important man in the country of Syria. He was a good and valiant man, but he was a leper.
Naaman’s wife had a little maid from the land of Israel. She told her mistress that if Naaman were with the prophet in Samaria, the prophet would heal him. When the king of Syria heard this, he sent Naaman to the king of Israel with gifts of silver and gold and a letter asking the king of Israel to heal Naaman of his leprosy.
The king of Israel rent his clothes because he knew that he could not make Naaman well. When Elisha the prophet heard about the situation, he sent this message to the king: “Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him [Naaman] come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
So Naaman went with his horses and his chariot and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. The prophet sent a messenger out to tell Naaman that if he washed himself in the Jordan River seven times he would be healed. This message made Naaman angry. He exclaimed, “Behold, I thought, He [Elisha] will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and [heal me].
“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?”
Naaman stomped off in a rage. But his servants followed him and said, “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”
Naaman thought it over, then went to the Jordan River and washed himself seven times as the prophet Elisha had instructed him. When he came out of the river, he was completely healed.
Naaman returned to Elisha’s house, happy and thankful. He told the prophet that he knew that he had been healed by the power of God, and he promised that from then on he would worship only God.
Study the following scriptures: 2 Kings 2; 5–6
a. 2 Kings 2:1–18. Elijah prepares Elisha to become the new prophet (2:1–10). Elijah is taken up into heaven. Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle and becomes the prophet (2:11–15). Fifty men search for Elijah for three days despite Elisha’s counsel (2:16–18).
b. 2 Kings 5. Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy (5:1–14). Naaman praises God and offers Elisha a reward, which Elisha declines (5:15–19).
c. 2 Kings 6:8–18. Elisha guides the king of Israel in a war with Syria (6:8–10). The king of Syria commands his men to capture Elisha, and the army surrounds the city of Dothan (6:11–14). Unafraid, Elisha prays, and the Lord reveals a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, then smites the Syrian army with blindness (6:15–18).
• What can the story of Naaman teach us about following the counsel of the prophet—even when we may not like or understand it or when it may be about small or simple matters? What are some of the small, simple things we have been asked to do by the prophet or other Church leaders? Why are these things sometimes hard to do? How can we increase our willingness to follow the counsel of Church leaders?
• What did Elisha mean when he told his servant, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them”? (2 Kings 6:16). How have you seen that Elisha’s statement is still true today?
In an Ensign article titled, “The Mantle of Elijah,” Bruce L. Andreason, referenced the story of the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha. It reads as follows:
The prophet Elisha and an Old Testament group known as “the sons of the prophets” (see Bible Dictionary, “Schools of the Prophets,” 770) experienced a similar situation. The story of how the mantle of prophetic authority was passed from Elijah to Elisha offers helpful counsel when the Lord releases one Church leader and calls a new one.
A New Leader Is Prepared
No danger or duty was too severe to shake the confidence of the prophet Elijah. “His recorded words are few but forceful, and his deeds are explicit evidences of his strength of will, force of character, and personal courage” (Bible Dictionary, “Elijah,” 664). Perhaps you have known a bishop, stake president, or other Church leader much like Elijah.
Some six or seven years before the end of Elijah’s mortal ministry, the Lord revealed to him that Elisha would be his successor (see 1 Kgs. 19:16). So Elijah went to meet him and found Elisha plowing a field. Elijah approached him and threw his mantle (cloak) over Elisha’s shoulders, signifying Elisha’s call to be his attendant and disciple. Elisha then kissed his parents good-bye, gave away all he owned, and “arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” (see 1 Kgs. 19:19–21).
Elisha served and matured spiritually under Elijah’s direction through several major events. First, Elijah confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and reproved them for the murder of Naboth (see 1 Kgs. 21:1–29). Then Elijah twice called down fire from heaven to consume 50 soldiers sent by the king to arrest him (see 2 Kgs. 1:1–12). Finally, Elijah rebuked Ahab’s son King Ahaziah for seeking counsel from false gods, prophesying of Ahaziah’s imminent death (see 2 Kgs. 1:13–17). Elisha was an eyewitness to the power of Elijah’s priesthood keys. In like manner we can be assured that the Lord is preparing mighty leaders today to move His latter-day kingdom forward through their service to the Master, Jesus Christ.
The Mantle Is Passed
Chapter 2 of 2 Kings records the final dramatic events of Elijah’s mortal ministry. Elijah set out on a journey with Elisha from Gilgal to Bethel, then from Bethel to Jericho, and finally from Jericho across the Jordan River (see Bible Map 4). At each place Elijah directed his faithful disciple, “Tarry here, I pray thee” (2 Kgs. 2:2, 4, 6). But each time Elisha refused to leave his master’s side. He was determined to follow his leader until the very end of his ministry.
At each stopping place, Elisha was questioned by the sons of the prophets, “Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day?” (2 Kgs. 2:3, 5). Elisha’s simple reply each time was, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elisha’s loyalty to Elijah and his response to the sons of the prophets reminds us of the importance of sustaining our leaders right up to the time they are formally released, even when we know this may be soon.
As Elijah and Elisha approached the banks of the Jordan River, Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. Then something occurred that hadn’t happened since the days of Joshua over 450 years before: the water “divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground” (2 Kgs. 2:8; see also Josh. 3:14–17). This was witnessed by 50 of the sons of the prophets.
Once across the river, Elijah and Elisha continued their journey. Elijah asked his student-prophet what he would desire of him before his departure. “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me,” Elisha replied (2 Kgs. 2:9). The term double portion refers to Elisha’s desire for the special inheritance that belongs to the worthy firstborn male in a family (see Bible Dictionary, “Firstborn,” 675). Elijah deferred the granting of this request to the will of the Lord, saying, “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee” (2 Kgs. 2:10).
They continued to walk and talk, when suddenly a chariot with horses of fire descended from heaven, sweeping Elijah up off the ground toward heaven in a whirlwind. As they parted Elisha cried out, “My father, my father!” Elijah then dropped his well-worn cloak to his faithful follower. When Elijah had disappeared from view, Elisha was overcome with grief, tearing apart his own outer garment (see 2 Kgs. 2:12). The sense of sadness over the release of a leader is often felt deeply by those who have been most affected by the leader’s ministry.
Taking Elijah’s cloak, Elisha began the journey back to Jericho. When he approached the Jordan River, he struck the water as Elijah had and walked through again on dry ground. Witnessing this, the sons of the prophets who had seen the earlier miracle of parting the water exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha,” and paid appropriate respect to their newly chosen leader (see 2 Kgs. 2:15). When we sustain a new leader, it is our privilege to pray and come to know by revelation that those who have been called to lead us have indeed received authority from God.
Elisha’s ministry lasted more than 50 years and presents similarities and differences to that of his master. Elijah’s mission brought word of the Lord’s judgment upon Israel’s wicked kings, while Elisha’s ministry was primarily that of a supportive adviser to well-intentioned kings. Both men were healers; both were men of many mighty miracles, of kindness, and of mercy.
When a newly called leader comes into our lives, we need to recognize that no two leaders or their ministries are the same. Yet they have one thing in common: they each are expected to bring all that they are and have to the altar of God and offer it for the benefit and blessing of those over whom they preside.
Next, we look to the story of Naaman, the Syian as told by Sandra Stallings
As captain of the king’s army, Naaman was an important man in the country of Syria. He was a good and valiant man, but he was a leper.
Naaman’s wife had a little maid from the land of Israel. She told her mistress that if Naaman were with the prophet in Samaria, the prophet would heal him. When the king of Syria heard this, he sent Naaman to the king of Israel with gifts of silver and gold and a letter asking the king of Israel to heal Naaman of his leprosy.
The king of Israel rent his clothes because he knew that he could not make Naaman well. When Elisha the prophet heard about the situation, he sent this message to the king: “Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him [Naaman] come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
So Naaman went with his horses and his chariot and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. The prophet sent a messenger out to tell Naaman that if he washed himself in the Jordan River seven times he would be healed. This message made Naaman angry. He exclaimed, “Behold, I thought, He [Elisha] will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and [heal me].
“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?”
Naaman stomped off in a rage. But his servants followed him and said, “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”
Naaman thought it over, then went to the Jordan River and washed himself seven times as the prophet Elisha had instructed him. When he came out of the river, he was completely healed.
Naaman returned to Elisha’s house, happy and thankful. He told the prophet that he knew that he had been healed by the power of God, and he promised that from then on he would worship only God.
Study the following scriptures: 2 Kings 2; 5–6
a. 2 Kings 2:1–18. Elijah prepares Elisha to become the new prophet (2:1–10). Elijah is taken up into heaven. Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle and becomes the prophet (2:11–15). Fifty men search for Elijah for three days despite Elisha’s counsel (2:16–18).
b. 2 Kings 5. Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy (5:1–14). Naaman praises God and offers Elisha a reward, which Elisha declines (5:15–19).
c. 2 Kings 6:8–18. Elisha guides the king of Israel in a war with Syria (6:8–10). The king of Syria commands his men to capture Elisha, and the army surrounds the city of Dothan (6:11–14). Unafraid, Elisha prays, and the Lord reveals a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, then smites the Syrian army with blindness (6:15–18).
• What can the story of Naaman teach us about following the counsel of the prophet—even when we may not like or understand it or when it may be about small or simple matters? What are some of the small, simple things we have been asked to do by the prophet or other Church leaders? Why are these things sometimes hard to do? How can we increase our willingness to follow the counsel of Church leaders?
• What did Elisha mean when he told his servant, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them”? (2 Kings 6:16). How have you seen that Elisha’s statement is still true today?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders
I am so sorry for the delay in posting this. I drafted it earlier this week, but forgot to post it. My bad. SORRY! Hopefully with 1 o'clock church you'll still set aside a little time to review the lesson.
Purpose: To encourage class members to develop good leadership qualities so they can influence others to live righteously.
Last week we talked about King Solomon...Author, David Ridges, said the following:
"As you can imagine, Solomon's lifestyle was expensive. Thus, the tax burden on the citizens of Israel was very heavy. After the death of Solomon, the people approached his son, Rehoboam, the next king, and petitioned him to lighten the tax burden. However, his young friends told him to increase taxes in order to show the people who was boss. He listened to his peers and caused a rebellion and split the kingdom.
A man by the name of Jeroboam led the opposition, and Israel split into the northern ten tribes, hereafter referred to as Israel, and the southern two tribes--Judah and part of Benjamin--hereafter known as Judah. Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam led their people into wickedness and idolatry."
The student manual (included below) provides a good outline of the lesson. Please prepare for our discussion by reading the scriptures listed and thinking about the questions provided.
The main message/purpose of the lesson is to recognize the influence that we can have on others by living righteously. You all know how much I enjoy Mormon Messages; this clip of Elder Christopherson's talk is a good reminder of the important leadership role we have within our own home and family. I feel confident in saying that I think you will enjoy it, too.
Preparation: 1 Kings 12–14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20
a. 1 Kings 12:1–20. Rehoboam succeeds his father, Solomon, as king over the twelve tribes of Israel. He rejects the counsel of wise men to serve his people, seeking instead to impose greater burdens on them (12:1–15). The kingdom is divided as ten tribes revolt (12:16–19; the ten tribes retain the title kingdom of Israel, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam’s rule and are called the kingdom of Judah). The kingdom of Israel selects Jeroboam as king (12:20).
b. 1 Kings 12:25–33; 13:33–34; 14:14–16, 21–24. Jeroboam leads his people into idolatry (12:25–33; 13:33–34). A prophet foretells the destruction of Jeroboam’s family and the scattering of Israel (14:14–16). Rehoboam leads the kingdom of Judah into idolatry (14:21–24).
c. 2 Chronicles 17:1–10; 20:1–30. Jehoshaphat, Rehoboam’s great-grandson, reigns righteously in the kingdom of Judah (17:1–10). As Judah’s enemies come against them, Jehoshaphat and his people fast and pray. The Lord tells them the battle is not theirs, but his. Their attackers war among themselves and destroy each other (20:1–30).
• What counsel did the older men give Rehoboam about ruling successfully? (See 1 Kings 12:6–7; 2 Chronicles 10:7.) How can we apply this counsel at home, at work, at school, and in the Church?
• Jehoshaphat influenced the people of Judah to humble themselves before the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3–4). What examples have you seen of righteous leadership?
Conclusion: Leaders have the power to guide people to wickedness or righteousness. It is our responsibility to lead in our Church callings, in our communities, at work, and at home. May we be good leaders by giving service, trusting and obeying the Lord, having faith in him, teaching from the scriptures, and following the prophets.
Purpose: To encourage class members to develop good leadership qualities so they can influence others to live righteously.
Last week we talked about King Solomon...Author, David Ridges, said the following:
"As you can imagine, Solomon's lifestyle was expensive. Thus, the tax burden on the citizens of Israel was very heavy. After the death of Solomon, the people approached his son, Rehoboam, the next king, and petitioned him to lighten the tax burden. However, his young friends told him to increase taxes in order to show the people who was boss. He listened to his peers and caused a rebellion and split the kingdom.
A man by the name of Jeroboam led the opposition, and Israel split into the northern ten tribes, hereafter referred to as Israel, and the southern two tribes--Judah and part of Benjamin--hereafter known as Judah. Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam led their people into wickedness and idolatry."
The student manual (included below) provides a good outline of the lesson. Please prepare for our discussion by reading the scriptures listed and thinking about the questions provided.
The main message/purpose of the lesson is to recognize the influence that we can have on others by living righteously. You all know how much I enjoy Mormon Messages; this clip of Elder Christopherson's talk is a good reminder of the important leadership role we have within our own home and family. I feel confident in saying that I think you will enjoy it, too.
Preparation: 1 Kings 12–14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20
a. 1 Kings 12:1–20. Rehoboam succeeds his father, Solomon, as king over the twelve tribes of Israel. He rejects the counsel of wise men to serve his people, seeking instead to impose greater burdens on them (12:1–15). The kingdom is divided as ten tribes revolt (12:16–19; the ten tribes retain the title kingdom of Israel, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam’s rule and are called the kingdom of Judah). The kingdom of Israel selects Jeroboam as king (12:20).
b. 1 Kings 12:25–33; 13:33–34; 14:14–16, 21–24. Jeroboam leads his people into idolatry (12:25–33; 13:33–34). A prophet foretells the destruction of Jeroboam’s family and the scattering of Israel (14:14–16). Rehoboam leads the kingdom of Judah into idolatry (14:21–24).
c. 2 Chronicles 17:1–10; 20:1–30. Jehoshaphat, Rehoboam’s great-grandson, reigns righteously in the kingdom of Judah (17:1–10). As Judah’s enemies come against them, Jehoshaphat and his people fast and pray. The Lord tells them the battle is not theirs, but his. Their attackers war among themselves and destroy each other (20:1–30).
• What counsel did the older men give Rehoboam about ruling successfully? (See 1 Kings 12:6–7; 2 Chronicles 10:7.) How can we apply this counsel at home, at work, at school, and in the Church?
• Jehoshaphat influenced the people of Judah to humble themselves before the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3–4). What examples have you seen of righteous leadership?
Conclusion: Leaders have the power to guide people to wickedness or righteousness. It is our responsibility to lead in our Church callings, in our communities, at work, and at home. May we be good leaders by giving service, trusting and obeying the Lord, having faith in him, teaching from the scriptures, and following the prophets.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Lesson 26: King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness
Purpose: To encourage class members to use their blessings wisely and to enter the temple worthily.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks counseled us, “We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).
• What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, (David's son, who succeeded his father), a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously. Let me suggest that each of us look for the incidents that show the gradual decline of Solomon. As we do so, we are not looking for flaws to judge him, but instead we look to learn from his mistakes.
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Kings 3:5–28. Solomon succeeds his father, David, as king, and follows the Lord. The Lord appears to Solomon and blesses him with wisdom, riches, and honor (3:5–15). Two women take a child to Solomon, who wisely determines which woman is the mother of the child (3:16–28).
b. 1 Kings 5–6; 7:1–12. King Solomon directs the construction of a great temple (5–6). He has a palace built for himself (7:1–12).
c. 1 Kings 8:22–66; 9:1–9. Solomon dedicates the temple and asks the Lord to bless the Israelites with spiritual and temporal prosperity (8:22–66). The Lord again appears to Solomon, promising to bless the Israelites if they serve him but to curse them if they turn to other gods (9:1–9).
d. 1 Kings 10–11. Solomon’s fame grows because of his wealth and wisdom (10:1–13, 24–25). He becomes excessively wealthy (10:14–23, 26). He marries many non-Israelite women who persuade him to worship false gods (11:1–10). The Lord stirs up adversaries against Solomon (11:11–25). A prophet foretells that the kingdom of Israel will be divided because of Solomon’s wickedness (11:26–40).
• What does it mean to have an “understanding heart”? (See 1 Kings 3:28; 4:29.) Why did Solomon feel a special need for that blessing? (See 1 Kings 3:7–8.) How would having “the wisdom of God” help us with our responsibilities at home, at work, at school, and in the Church? How can we receive this wisdom?
• What promise did the Lord give Solomon regarding the temple? (See 1 Kings 6:11–13.) What similar promise has the Lord given us today? (See D&C 97:15–17.) What can we do to keep the influence of the temple strong in our lives?
• How did Solomon’s riches and honor increase after the temple was built? (See 1 Kings 10:1–15, 24–25.) How did Solomon misuse these blessings? (See 1 Kings 10:16–23, 26–29.) How should wisdom, riches, and honor be used? (See Jacob 2:18–19.)
Elder Dallin H. Oaks counseled us, “We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).
• What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, (David's son, who succeeded his father), a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously. Let me suggest that each of us look for the incidents that show the gradual decline of Solomon. As we do so, we are not looking for flaws to judge him, but instead we look to learn from his mistakes.
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Kings 3:5–28. Solomon succeeds his father, David, as king, and follows the Lord. The Lord appears to Solomon and blesses him with wisdom, riches, and honor (3:5–15). Two women take a child to Solomon, who wisely determines which woman is the mother of the child (3:16–28).
b. 1 Kings 5–6; 7:1–12. King Solomon directs the construction of a great temple (5–6). He has a palace built for himself (7:1–12).
c. 1 Kings 8:22–66; 9:1–9. Solomon dedicates the temple and asks the Lord to bless the Israelites with spiritual and temporal prosperity (8:22–66). The Lord again appears to Solomon, promising to bless the Israelites if they serve him but to curse them if they turn to other gods (9:1–9).
d. 1 Kings 10–11. Solomon’s fame grows because of his wealth and wisdom (10:1–13, 24–25). He becomes excessively wealthy (10:14–23, 26). He marries many non-Israelite women who persuade him to worship false gods (11:1–10). The Lord stirs up adversaries against Solomon (11:11–25). A prophet foretells that the kingdom of Israel will be divided because of Solomon’s wickedness (11:26–40).
• What does it mean to have an “understanding heart”? (See 1 Kings 3:28; 4:29.) Why did Solomon feel a special need for that blessing? (See 1 Kings 3:7–8.) How would having “the wisdom of God” help us with our responsibilities at home, at work, at school, and in the Church? How can we receive this wisdom?
• What promise did the Lord give Solomon regarding the temple? (See 1 Kings 6:11–13.) What similar promise has the Lord given us today? (See D&C 97:15–17.) What can we do to keep the influence of the temple strong in our lives?
• How did Solomon’s riches and honor increase after the temple was built? (See 1 Kings 10:1–15, 24–25.) How did Solomon misuse these blessings? (See 1 Kings 10:16–23, 26–29.) How should wisdom, riches, and honor be used? (See Jacob 2:18–19.)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Lesson 25: “Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord”
The book of Psalms is a collection of poems originally sung as praises or petitions to God. Many were written by David. This book is like a hymnal from ancient Israel. Many psalms prophesy of Christ’s mission as the Messiah.
The PURPOSE of our lesson this week is to help class members show their gratitude for the Savior and for the many blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us.
I found a Primary Sharing Time lesson in the Friend that I think is worth posting. There is something really beautiful about the simple message prepared to teach our little ones.
Sharing Time Lesson: David was a righteous shepherd boy who fought and killed the giant Goliath. By defeating Goliath, David saved his people, the Israelites, from war. David eventually became the king of Israel.
Besides being a good shepherd, warrior, and king, David was a good musician. His music brought peace to those who heard it. When King Saul was unhappy, he asked David to play his harp. The scriptures say that when David played, he helped bring peace to the king, that King Saul “was refreshed, and was well” (1 Sam. 16:23).
David also sang and played on his harp to bring peace to himself. He wrote his own songs—both words and music. He became famous for his Psalms, which are songs of praise to the Lord. Many of the Old Testament Psalms were composed by David. They are about times when he was happy, when he was discouraged, when he felt thankful, when he needed help, when he wanted to celebrate, or when he needed to feel peace.
In some ways we are like David. We sing certain songs when we are happy, are sad, feel thankful, or want to celebrate. And, like David, we can be blessed with peace when we sing gospel songs.
One reason gospel songs bring us peace is that they speak of spiritual things that have the power to make us happy. You can write a psalm, as David did! (Judy Edwards, “Sharing Time: The Songs of the Gospel Bring Peace,” Friend, Jul 1994, 12)"
The psalms bear powerful witness of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the great blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us. And they suggest ways we can express gratitude for those blessings.
The PURPOSE of our lesson this week is to help class members show their gratitude for the Savior and for the many blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us.
I found a Primary Sharing Time lesson in the Friend that I think is worth posting. There is something really beautiful about the simple message prepared to teach our little ones.
Sharing Time Lesson: David was a righteous shepherd boy who fought and killed the giant Goliath. By defeating Goliath, David saved his people, the Israelites, from war. David eventually became the king of Israel.
Besides being a good shepherd, warrior, and king, David was a good musician. His music brought peace to those who heard it. When King Saul was unhappy, he asked David to play his harp. The scriptures say that when David played, he helped bring peace to the king, that King Saul “was refreshed, and was well” (1 Sam. 16:23).
David also sang and played on his harp to bring peace to himself. He wrote his own songs—both words and music. He became famous for his Psalms, which are songs of praise to the Lord. Many of the Old Testament Psalms were composed by David. They are about times when he was happy, when he was discouraged, when he felt thankful, when he needed help, when he wanted to celebrate, or when he needed to feel peace.
In some ways we are like David. We sing certain songs when we are happy, are sad, feel thankful, or want to celebrate. And, like David, we can be blessed with peace when we sing gospel songs.
One reason gospel songs bring us peace is that they speak of spiritual things that have the power to make us happy. You can write a psalm, as David did! (Judy Edwards, “Sharing Time: The Songs of the Gospel Bring Peace,” Friend, Jul 1994, 12)"
The psalms bear powerful witness of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the great blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us. And they suggest ways we can express gratitude for those blessings.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Lesson 24: “Create in Me a Clean Heart”, Old Testament Class Study Guide, 16
Purpose: To encourage class members to be chaste in thought and action and to repent of their sins.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Of the Seventy gave a talk in which he referenced the scriptures that we are studying this week and the story of David and Bathsheba. He provides a quick synopsis of the story. It is worth posting here. Though I have to admit this story has me shaking my head. It makes me so sad, but it is an important reminder how closely we must safeguard our thoughts and actions. On our own, we are susceptible to foibles that can sink us.
Elder Clayton: "There’s an account in the Old Testament about someone who fell prey to a trap. That man was mighty King David, and what happened is one of the saddest stories in the scriptures.
“And it came to pass … at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they [fought against Ammon]. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
“And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon” (2 Samuel 11:1–2).
David learned the woman’s name was Bathsheba. Her husband, Uriah, a soldier, was away fighting the Ammonites with the rest of the army, where David, their king, should have been. David had Bathsheba brought to the palace. They committed adultery, she became pregnant, and David began to fear that their adultery would be discovered. Hoping to cover his sin, David ordered that Uriah be sent back to Jerusalem. Uriah returned, but refused on principle to go to his home to visit Bathsheba. David then arranged for Uriah to be slain in battle (see 2 Samuel 11:3–17). This series of dreadful decisions brought death to Uriah and misery to David, Bathsheba, and eventually the entire kingdom. With rich understatement, the Bible says, “The thing that David had done displeased the Lord” (2 Samuel 11:27).
Do you see how David got caught in this trap? He was on a rooftop courtyard of his palace, and looking below in a neighboring yard, he saw something he never should have seen. That was the adversary’s bait. Modesty, chastity, and good judgment required that David turn away immediately and not watch, but he didn’t do either thing. Instead, he allowed his mind to turn to forbidden fantasies, those thoughts led to actions, and things quickly spiraled downward from bad to worse to fatal. David was trapped, and for him the consequences were eternal."
(Whitney Clayton, “Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart,” Liahona, Nov 2007, 51–53)
To read the entire article, which I highly recommend, go HERE! For another article with great insight and detail go HERE (Arthur R. Bassett, “The King Called David,” Ensign, Oct 1973, 63).
2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51
Study the following scriptures:
a. 2 Samuel 11. David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah (11:1–5). David fails in his attempt to hide his sin (11:6–13). He arranges the death of Uriah (11:14–17). David marries Bathsheba, and they have a son (11:26–27).
b. 2 Samuel 12:1–23. The prophet Nathan teaches of the severity of David’s sins by telling David a parable (12:1–6). David is told that he will be punished because of his sins (12:7–14; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 13, Nathan states, “The Lord hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die”). The first son of David and Bathsheba dies in infancy (12:15–23).
c. Psalm 51. A repentant David seeks forgiveness.
David succeeded Saul as king and became one of the greatest kings in the history of Israel. He united the tribes into one nation, secured possession of the land that had been promised to his people, and set up a government based on God’s law. However, the last 20 years of his personal life were marred by the consequences of his sinfulness.
• What did David do that led him to commit adultery? (See 2 Samuel 11:2–4.) What might lead people to be tempted to commit sexual sins? What can we do to avoid being tempted to commit sexual sins?
• What more serious sin did David commit in an attempt to hide his immorality? (See 2 Samuel 11:14–17.) From whom do you think David thought he could hide his sin? How do people try to cover up sins today? What happens when we try to cover our sins?
In a psalm to the Lord, David expressed a desire to help others repent, saying, “I [will] teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13). Even though David forfeited his exaltation because he arranged the death of Uriah, we can learn from his repentant attitude as he sought forgiveness for the sin of adultery. His words in Psalm 51 teach many aspects of true repentance. As you study the psalm, look for ways that you can apply David’s repentant example to your life.
No matter how successful or strong we may be, we are not above temptation. We should work now to make any necessary changes in our lives to help us remain chaste in thought and action. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and his Atonement. It is because of the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Of the Seventy gave a talk in which he referenced the scriptures that we are studying this week and the story of David and Bathsheba. He provides a quick synopsis of the story. It is worth posting here. Though I have to admit this story has me shaking my head. It makes me so sad, but it is an important reminder how closely we must safeguard our thoughts and actions. On our own, we are susceptible to foibles that can sink us.
Elder Clayton: "There’s an account in the Old Testament about someone who fell prey to a trap. That man was mighty King David, and what happened is one of the saddest stories in the scriptures.
“And it came to pass … at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they [fought against Ammon]. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
“And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon” (2 Samuel 11:1–2).
David learned the woman’s name was Bathsheba. Her husband, Uriah, a soldier, was away fighting the Ammonites with the rest of the army, where David, their king, should have been. David had Bathsheba brought to the palace. They committed adultery, she became pregnant, and David began to fear that their adultery would be discovered. Hoping to cover his sin, David ordered that Uriah be sent back to Jerusalem. Uriah returned, but refused on principle to go to his home to visit Bathsheba. David then arranged for Uriah to be slain in battle (see 2 Samuel 11:3–17). This series of dreadful decisions brought death to Uriah and misery to David, Bathsheba, and eventually the entire kingdom. With rich understatement, the Bible says, “The thing that David had done displeased the Lord” (2 Samuel 11:27).
Do you see how David got caught in this trap? He was on a rooftop courtyard of his palace, and looking below in a neighboring yard, he saw something he never should have seen. That was the adversary’s bait. Modesty, chastity, and good judgment required that David turn away immediately and not watch, but he didn’t do either thing. Instead, he allowed his mind to turn to forbidden fantasies, those thoughts led to actions, and things quickly spiraled downward from bad to worse to fatal. David was trapped, and for him the consequences were eternal."
(Whitney Clayton, “Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart,” Liahona, Nov 2007, 51–53)
To read the entire article, which I highly recommend, go HERE! For another article with great insight and detail go HERE (Arthur R. Bassett, “The King Called David,” Ensign, Oct 1973, 63).
2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51
Study the following scriptures:
a. 2 Samuel 11. David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah (11:1–5). David fails in his attempt to hide his sin (11:6–13). He arranges the death of Uriah (11:14–17). David marries Bathsheba, and they have a son (11:26–27).
b. 2 Samuel 12:1–23. The prophet Nathan teaches of the severity of David’s sins by telling David a parable (12:1–6). David is told that he will be punished because of his sins (12:7–14; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 13, Nathan states, “The Lord hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die”). The first son of David and Bathsheba dies in infancy (12:15–23).
c. Psalm 51. A repentant David seeks forgiveness.
David succeeded Saul as king and became one of the greatest kings in the history of Israel. He united the tribes into one nation, secured possession of the land that had been promised to his people, and set up a government based on God’s law. However, the last 20 years of his personal life were marred by the consequences of his sinfulness.
• What did David do that led him to commit adultery? (See 2 Samuel 11:2–4.) What might lead people to be tempted to commit sexual sins? What can we do to avoid being tempted to commit sexual sins?
• What more serious sin did David commit in an attempt to hide his immorality? (See 2 Samuel 11:14–17.) From whom do you think David thought he could hide his sin? How do people try to cover up sins today? What happens when we try to cover our sins?
In a psalm to the Lord, David expressed a desire to help others repent, saying, “I [will] teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13). Even though David forfeited his exaltation because he arranged the death of Uriah, we can learn from his repentant attitude as he sought forgiveness for the sin of adultery. His words in Psalm 51 teach many aspects of true repentance. As you study the psalm, look for ways that you can apply David’s repentant example to your life.
No matter how successful or strong we may be, we are not above temptation. We should work now to make any necessary changes in our lives to help us remain chaste in thought and action. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and his Atonement. It is because of the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lesson 23: “The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever”
Purpose: To encourage class members to be true to their friends, as Jonathan and David were, and avoid being consumed by jealousy and hatred, as Saul was.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Real Friendship,” New Era, Jun 1998, 62
David and Jonathan
Aristotle said once that friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. No definition of friendship could better describe the relationship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a valiant soldier in his own right and a worthy young prince in Israel. But when David came onto the scene fresh from his mighty victory over Goliath, having already been anointed by the prophet Samuel, it was he, not Jonathan, who would be successor to the increasingly disobedient Saul.
To a lesser man—or a lesser friend—than Jonathan, David would have been a terrible threat, a natural rival. But he wasn’t. We don’t know that Jonathan expected to succeed his father as king, but he certainly could have foreseen that possibility. What we do know is that “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1). So great was their devotion to one another that they “made a covenant” of loyalty. As a symbolic token of his devotion to the newly anointed king, Jonathan stripped himself of the princely robe he wore “and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle” (1 Sam. 18:4).
When Saul’s transgressions brought hostility between him and young David (“and Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul” the scripture says), Saul privately commanded his officers to kill David (1 Sam. 18:12). But the ever-faithful Jonathan warned his friend, helped him hide out of Saul’s view, and continually spoke to his father of David’s virtues. He was so successful in praising David that Saul repented and made a vow that David’s life would be preserved. “And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past” (1 Sam. 19:7).
But Saul was so overcome by evil at this stage of his life that he could not keep his word and once again tried to kill David. In a daring escape David fled to Jonathan, who again pledged his love and his protection, saying to David, “Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee” (1 Sam. 20:4).
Jonathan’s protection of David, of course, raised Saul’s anger against his own son. In a rage Saul threw a javelin at Jonathan—just as he had done to David earlier. Jonathan escaped, telling David he must flee for his life. Their sorrow over this circumstance was so deep and their love for one another so great that they “wept one with another, … And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever” (1 Sam. 20:41–42).
Although Saul continued to seek David’s life, Jonathan secretly assisted David and gave him encouragement, promising that “the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee” (1 Sam. 23:17). And always they renewed their covenant of friendship and loyalty (see 1 Sam. 23:18).
Unfortunately Jonathan was killed when the Philistines attacked Saul’s forces on Mount Gilboa, but David, who was now king, never forgot the friendship and protection of his beloved friend Jonathan. His lamentation over Jonathan’s death is one of the loveliest psalms in the Old Testament (see 2 Sam. 1:26–27).
1 Samuel 18–20; 23–24
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Samuel 18:1–16. Jonathan and David make a covenant of friendship (18:1–4). David is honored by the Israelites for his success in battle (18:5–7). Saul becomes jealous of David and tries to kill him (18:8–16; note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 10 indicates that the evil spirit that came upon Saul was not from God).
b. 1 Samuel 18:17–30; 19:1–18. David fights the Philistines in exchange for the right to marry Saul’s daughter, unaware that Saul is hoping David will die in battle (18:17–25). David triumphs over the Philistines and marries Saul’s daughter Michal (18:26–28). Jonathan tells David to hide and tries to convince Saul not to kill him (19:1–7). Saul fails in another attempt to kill David (19:9–10). Michal saves David from another of Saul’s attempts on his life (19:11–18).
c. 1 Samuel 20. Jonathan and David renew their covenant of friendship and peace. When Saul again tries to kill David, Jonathan warns David.
d. 1 Samuel 23–24. David continues to fight the Philistines and flee Saul. David finds Saul and spares his life.
• Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him? (1 Samuel 18:1, 3.)
• What prompted Saul to turn against David? (See 1 Samuel 18:6–9.) Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others? How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
• How did faith in God influence the friendship of Jonathan and David? (See 1 Samuel 20:23.) How does our love of God affect our love of others?
• What does David’s example teach us about revenge? (See 1 Samuel 24:6–15.)
Additional reading: 1 Samuel 14:1–16; 2 Samuel 1.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Real Friendship,” New Era, Jun 1998, 62
David and Jonathan
Aristotle said once that friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. No definition of friendship could better describe the relationship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a valiant soldier in his own right and a worthy young prince in Israel. But when David came onto the scene fresh from his mighty victory over Goliath, having already been anointed by the prophet Samuel, it was he, not Jonathan, who would be successor to the increasingly disobedient Saul.
To a lesser man—or a lesser friend—than Jonathan, David would have been a terrible threat, a natural rival. But he wasn’t. We don’t know that Jonathan expected to succeed his father as king, but he certainly could have foreseen that possibility. What we do know is that “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1). So great was their devotion to one another that they “made a covenant” of loyalty. As a symbolic token of his devotion to the newly anointed king, Jonathan stripped himself of the princely robe he wore “and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle” (1 Sam. 18:4).
When Saul’s transgressions brought hostility between him and young David (“and Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul” the scripture says), Saul privately commanded his officers to kill David (1 Sam. 18:12). But the ever-faithful Jonathan warned his friend, helped him hide out of Saul’s view, and continually spoke to his father of David’s virtues. He was so successful in praising David that Saul repented and made a vow that David’s life would be preserved. “And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past” (1 Sam. 19:7).
But Saul was so overcome by evil at this stage of his life that he could not keep his word and once again tried to kill David. In a daring escape David fled to Jonathan, who again pledged his love and his protection, saying to David, “Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee” (1 Sam. 20:4).
Jonathan’s protection of David, of course, raised Saul’s anger against his own son. In a rage Saul threw a javelin at Jonathan—just as he had done to David earlier. Jonathan escaped, telling David he must flee for his life. Their sorrow over this circumstance was so deep and their love for one another so great that they “wept one with another, … And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever” (1 Sam. 20:41–42).
Although Saul continued to seek David’s life, Jonathan secretly assisted David and gave him encouragement, promising that “the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee” (1 Sam. 23:17). And always they renewed their covenant of friendship and loyalty (see 1 Sam. 23:18).
Unfortunately Jonathan was killed when the Philistines attacked Saul’s forces on Mount Gilboa, but David, who was now king, never forgot the friendship and protection of his beloved friend Jonathan. His lamentation over Jonathan’s death is one of the loveliest psalms in the Old Testament (see 2 Sam. 1:26–27).
1 Samuel 18–20; 23–24
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Samuel 18:1–16. Jonathan and David make a covenant of friendship (18:1–4). David is honored by the Israelites for his success in battle (18:5–7). Saul becomes jealous of David and tries to kill him (18:8–16; note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 10 indicates that the evil spirit that came upon Saul was not from God).
b. 1 Samuel 18:17–30; 19:1–18. David fights the Philistines in exchange for the right to marry Saul’s daughter, unaware that Saul is hoping David will die in battle (18:17–25). David triumphs over the Philistines and marries Saul’s daughter Michal (18:26–28). Jonathan tells David to hide and tries to convince Saul not to kill him (19:1–7). Saul fails in another attempt to kill David (19:9–10). Michal saves David from another of Saul’s attempts on his life (19:11–18).
c. 1 Samuel 20. Jonathan and David renew their covenant of friendship and peace. When Saul again tries to kill David, Jonathan warns David.
d. 1 Samuel 23–24. David continues to fight the Philistines and flee Saul. David finds Saul and spares his life.
• Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him? (1 Samuel 18:1, 3.)
• What prompted Saul to turn against David? (See 1 Samuel 18:6–9.) Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others? How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
• How did faith in God influence the friendship of Jonathan and David? (See 1 Samuel 20:23.) How does our love of God affect our love of others?
• What does David’s example teach us about revenge? (See 1 Samuel 24:6–15.)
Additional reading: 1 Samuel 14:1–16; 2 Samuel 1.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Lesson 22: “The Lord Looketh on the Heart
Purpose: To encourage class members to trust in the Lord rather than their own understanding.
The scriptural chapters that we will discuss next week make for another another great lesson! Do you face challenges in your life that are big and scary? Dare I ask if some of the challenges you face seem enormous? I've included a talk given by President Hinckley addressing some of the Goliaths that we face in our lives. I hope you enjoy it.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Overpowering the Goliaths in Our Lives,” Ensign, Jan 2002, 2
As we study the Old Testament this year, we will come to realize that the story of David and Goliath is a wonderful example of what we can learn from the pages of this great book of scripture. I recount only a portion of the story, for I am confident you are already familiar with it. It is the story of David, the son of Jesse. As you recall, the army of Israel under the leadership of King Saul was engaged in a deadly war with the army of the Philistines. One army poised on one hill, the other on an opposite hill, with a valley in between. Now, the Philistines had among their number a great giant of a man named Goliath of Gath. His height was six cubits and a span. If I have figured correctly, that would put him somewhere in the neighborhood of nine feet tall. What a basketball center he might have made!
Clad in his armor, he came down to the valley and called out to the army of Israel: “Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. “If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. “… I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Sam. 17:8–10). When Saul and the army of Israel looked at this giant and heard his chilling challenge, they were frightened because they had no one of their own of such stature.
Now, while all of this was going on, Jesse, David’s father, asked his young son to take some food to his three brothers in the army. When he arrived at the battleground, Goliath came out again, issuing the same challenge, which David heard. There was fear throughout the army of Israel. David, who was no more than a boy, said to the king (and I paraphrase his language): “King, why are you so afraid of this giant? I will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he [is] a man of war [trained] from his youth” (1 Sam. 17:33).
David Armed with Faith
David then persuaded Saul to let him try. He told the king of how he had fought with a lion and a bear to save his father’s sheep and concluded by saying that the Lord would deliver him out of the hand of the Philistine. Saul, possibly thinking that one more life lost would not be serious among the great losses they had already sustained, said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with thee” (1 Sam. 17:37). Saul then placed armor on David until the boy could scarcely walk. David said to the king, “I cannot wear this,” and he took the armor off. He then “took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had … ; and his sling was in his hand” (1 Sam. 17:40). This stripling of a boy, with only a sling and five stones, and without any armor other than the armor of faith, went down into the valley to face Goliath.
Goliath Armed with Sword, Spear, and Shield
“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 Goliath swore at David, saying, “Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.” Then David spoke these great words: “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” (see 1 Sam. 17:42–46). That was brave talk for a boy who stood against a nine-foot giant.
In anger Goliath came at him. Then David, running toward the giant, “put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Sam. 17:49).
Evil Giants in Our Lives
I would like to apply this story to our lives. There are Goliaths all around us, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are people and institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge and weaken and destroy us. Included in these are beer and other liquors and tobacco. Those who market these products would like to enslave you into their use. There are illegal drugs of various kinds which, I am told, are relatively easy to obtain. For those who peddle them this is a multibillion-dollar industry, a giant web of evil. There is pornography, seductive and interesting and inviting. It has become a giant industry, producing magazines, films, and other materials. It is available on the Internet and, if you allow, it will intrude into your home via your television. It is designed to take your money and lead you toward activities that utterly destroy. The giants who are behind these efforts are formidable and skillful. They have gained vast experience in the war they are carrying on. They would like to ensnare you. It is almost impossible to entirely avoid exposure to their products. You see these materials on all sides. But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. When they challenge you, you can hit them “between the eyes,” to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourself to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, “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.” Victory will be yours. There is not a person in this Church who needs to succumb to any of these forces. You are a child of God. You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to call upon God to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant. As the years pass, you will look back with satisfaction upon the battles you have won in your individual lives. When temptation comes your way, name that boastful, deceitful giant “Goliath!” and do with it as David did to the Philistine of Gath. I humbly pray that God will bless each of you.
Guard Your Homes
Let me give you a parable. A man built a beautiful home and furnished it with the very best of carpets, furniture, appliances, all that money could buy. Within its walls he kept his fine automobiles and his expensive jewelry. Then, fearful of intruders who might enter and rob him, he had installed expensive dead-bolt locks so that he had to use a key to get out as well as to get in. He put bars on the windows and doors and was like a prisoner looking out of his own home, as one might do out of a jail. He installed costly electronic surveillance devices to turn on lights and set off sirens should any unwelcome intruder enter. He landscaped largely without trees or shrubbery so there would be no place for a thief to hide. And he smugly said to himself, “Now I am secure.” But what he did not realize is that neither bars nor dead bolts, neither lights nor sirens nor anything of the kind would have the slightest effect on intruders of another variety who could destroy his life and the lives of his family. He found himself to be his own prisoner, locked in a cell of despair and misery. He allowed the Goliaths of his life to overpower him.
I know it is an old subject and one that has been dealt with much. But I repeat it again: Guard your homes. How foolish it seems to install bars and bolts and electronic devices against thieves and molesters while more insidious intruders stealthily enter and despoil. Avoid pornography as you would a plague. I recall an assignment some years back to restore the blessings of a man who had been excommunicated from the Church because of his sin. He came to my office with his wife. I spoke with them individually. I asked him how it all began. He held a responsible position in the Church. He was likewise a professional man with high responsibility in the community. His trouble began, he said, when he picked up a pornographic magazine to read on the plane. It intrigued him. It appealed to him. He found himself buying more of these things. Then he sought out movies which titillated him and excited him. Knowing his wife would be a party to none of this, he went alone. He found occasion to leave town and go to other cities where he could more easily indulge his desires. He then found excuses to stay late at his office and asked his secretary to stay with him. One thing led to another until he succumbed. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he sat across the desk from me and cursed the day he had read that first magazine. He spoke of his love for the wife who had forgiven him and remained true to him. He spoke of his love for his children, who had been shamed and embarrassed by his actions. He told of the hell through which he had walked from the time of his excommunication. He spoke of his love for the Church and his desire to enjoy again its full blessings. In the presence of his wife, I placed my hands upon his head and in the authority of the holy priesthood restored his priesthood, his temple endowment, his temple sealing, and all other blessings which he had formerly held. This strong man sobbed like a baby under my hands while his wife, with her hand in his, wept like a child. At the conclusion of that blessing, they embraced one another and he asked her to forgive him. She said she had forgiven him and that she loved him and always would. They were happy when they left, happier than they had been in years. And I was happy too. But I thought of the terrible price he had paid and of the price he had exacted of his family through his foolishness and transgression.
Guard Against Your Goliaths
Unfortunately, there is not always that kind of happy ending. In many cases there is divorce with bitterness and rancor. What was once love has turned to hate. Children’s lives are blighted. Hopes become as ashes. So often there is only misery and loneliness and regret. Brethren and sisters, keep your affections within marriage. Regard as your most precious possession in time or eternity the person with whom you joined hands over the altar in the house of the Lord and to whom you pledged your love and loyalty and affection for time and all eternity. Your companion, your children, and you yourself will then know and feel a security far greater than any that can be bought with hardware and gadgetry. God bless you, that the watch-care of the Lord may be over you, that you may stay close to Him and be deserving of His preserving hand, that you may overpower the Goliaths in your lives.
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Samuel 9–11. Saul seeks guidance from Samuel (9:1–14, 18–24). The Lord reveals to Samuel that Saul is to be king (9:15–17). Samuel counsels Saul and anoints him as Israel’s first king (9:25–27; 10:1–8). Saul is spiritually reborn, and he prophesies (10:9–13). Samuel presents Saul to the people (10:17–27). Saul leads Israel to victory in a battle (11:1–11). He refuses to punish the men who had doubted his ability to lead the people (11:12–15).
b. 1 Samuel 13:1–14. Saul offers a burnt offering without the proper authority.
c. 1 Samuel 15. Saul is commanded to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but he saves some of their animals for a sacrifice (15:1–9). The Lord rejects Saul as king, and Samuel tells Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice (15:10–35).
d. 1 Samuel 16. The Lord chooses David to succeed Saul as king (16:1–13). The Holy Spirit departs from Saul, and an evil spirit takes possession of him (16:14–16; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation these verses show that the evil spirit was not from God). Saul chooses David to play the harp for him and to be his armor bearer (16:17–23).
e. 1 Samuel 17. David slays Goliath in the strength of the Lord.
• How did Samuel respond to Saul’s explanation for saving the Amalekites’ animals? (See 1 Samuel 15:22.) How can Samuel’s words apply to us?
• What did Samuel learn while he tried to determine which of Jesse’s sons should succeed Saul as king? (See 1 Samuel 16:6–7.) What does 1 Samuel 16:7 teach about how the Lord evaluates us? What does the Lord look for in our hearts? How can we improve our ability and commitment to see beyond the outward appearance of others and look on the heart?
• How did David get the courage to fight Goliath? (See 1 Samuel 17:32–37, 45–47.) How has the Lord helped you overcome “Goliaths” that you have encountered?
The scriptural chapters that we will discuss next week make for another another great lesson! Do you face challenges in your life that are big and scary? Dare I ask if some of the challenges you face seem enormous? I've included a talk given by President Hinckley addressing some of the Goliaths that we face in our lives. I hope you enjoy it.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Overpowering the Goliaths in Our Lives,” Ensign, Jan 2002, 2
As we study the Old Testament this year, we will come to realize that the story of David and Goliath is a wonderful example of what we can learn from the pages of this great book of scripture. I recount only a portion of the story, for I am confident you are already familiar with it. It is the story of David, the son of Jesse. As you recall, the army of Israel under the leadership of King Saul was engaged in a deadly war with the army of the Philistines. One army poised on one hill, the other on an opposite hill, with a valley in between. Now, the Philistines had among their number a great giant of a man named Goliath of Gath. His height was six cubits and a span. If I have figured correctly, that would put him somewhere in the neighborhood of nine feet tall. What a basketball center he might have made!
Clad in his armor, he came down to the valley and called out to the army of Israel: “Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. “If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. “… I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Sam. 17:8–10). When Saul and the army of Israel looked at this giant and heard his chilling challenge, they were frightened because they had no one of their own of such stature.
Now, while all of this was going on, Jesse, David’s father, asked his young son to take some food to his three brothers in the army. When he arrived at the battleground, Goliath came out again, issuing the same challenge, which David heard. There was fear throughout the army of Israel. David, who was no more than a boy, said to the king (and I paraphrase his language): “King, why are you so afraid of this giant? I will go and fight him.” Saul replied, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he [is] a man of war [trained] from his youth” (1 Sam. 17:33).
David Armed with Faith
David then persuaded Saul to let him try. He told the king of how he had fought with a lion and a bear to save his father’s sheep and concluded by saying that the Lord would deliver him out of the hand of the Philistine. Saul, possibly thinking that one more life lost would not be serious among the great losses they had already sustained, said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with thee” (1 Sam. 17:37). Saul then placed armor on David until the boy could scarcely walk. David said to the king, “I cannot wear this,” and he took the armor off. He then “took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had … ; and his sling was in his hand” (1 Sam. 17:40). This stripling of a boy, with only a sling and five stones, and without any armor other than the armor of faith, went down into the valley to face Goliath.
Goliath Armed with Sword, Spear, and Shield
“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 Goliath swore at David, saying, “Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.” Then David spoke these great words: “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” (see 1 Sam. 17:42–46). That was brave talk for a boy who stood against a nine-foot giant.
In anger Goliath came at him. Then David, running toward the giant, “put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth” (1 Sam. 17:49).
Evil Giants in Our Lives
I would like to apply this story to our lives. There are Goliaths all around us, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are people and institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge and weaken and destroy us. Included in these are beer and other liquors and tobacco. Those who market these products would like to enslave you into their use. There are illegal drugs of various kinds which, I am told, are relatively easy to obtain. For those who peddle them this is a multibillion-dollar industry, a giant web of evil. There is pornography, seductive and interesting and inviting. It has become a giant industry, producing magazines, films, and other materials. It is available on the Internet and, if you allow, it will intrude into your home via your television. It is designed to take your money and lead you toward activities that utterly destroy. The giants who are behind these efforts are formidable and skillful. They have gained vast experience in the war they are carrying on. They would like to ensnare you. It is almost impossible to entirely avoid exposure to their products. You see these materials on all sides. But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. When they challenge you, you can hit them “between the eyes,” to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourself to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, “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.” Victory will be yours. There is not a person in this Church who needs to succumb to any of these forces. You are a child of God. You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to call upon God to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant. As the years pass, you will look back with satisfaction upon the battles you have won in your individual lives. When temptation comes your way, name that boastful, deceitful giant “Goliath!” and do with it as David did to the Philistine of Gath. I humbly pray that God will bless each of you.
Guard Your Homes
Let me give you a parable. A man built a beautiful home and furnished it with the very best of carpets, furniture, appliances, all that money could buy. Within its walls he kept his fine automobiles and his expensive jewelry. Then, fearful of intruders who might enter and rob him, he had installed expensive dead-bolt locks so that he had to use a key to get out as well as to get in. He put bars on the windows and doors and was like a prisoner looking out of his own home, as one might do out of a jail. He installed costly electronic surveillance devices to turn on lights and set off sirens should any unwelcome intruder enter. He landscaped largely without trees or shrubbery so there would be no place for a thief to hide. And he smugly said to himself, “Now I am secure.” But what he did not realize is that neither bars nor dead bolts, neither lights nor sirens nor anything of the kind would have the slightest effect on intruders of another variety who could destroy his life and the lives of his family. He found himself to be his own prisoner, locked in a cell of despair and misery. He allowed the Goliaths of his life to overpower him.
I know it is an old subject and one that has been dealt with much. But I repeat it again: Guard your homes. How foolish it seems to install bars and bolts and electronic devices against thieves and molesters while more insidious intruders stealthily enter and despoil. Avoid pornography as you would a plague. I recall an assignment some years back to restore the blessings of a man who had been excommunicated from the Church because of his sin. He came to my office with his wife. I spoke with them individually. I asked him how it all began. He held a responsible position in the Church. He was likewise a professional man with high responsibility in the community. His trouble began, he said, when he picked up a pornographic magazine to read on the plane. It intrigued him. It appealed to him. He found himself buying more of these things. Then he sought out movies which titillated him and excited him. Knowing his wife would be a party to none of this, he went alone. He found occasion to leave town and go to other cities where he could more easily indulge his desires. He then found excuses to stay late at his office and asked his secretary to stay with him. One thing led to another until he succumbed. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he sat across the desk from me and cursed the day he had read that first magazine. He spoke of his love for the wife who had forgiven him and remained true to him. He spoke of his love for his children, who had been shamed and embarrassed by his actions. He told of the hell through which he had walked from the time of his excommunication. He spoke of his love for the Church and his desire to enjoy again its full blessings. In the presence of his wife, I placed my hands upon his head and in the authority of the holy priesthood restored his priesthood, his temple endowment, his temple sealing, and all other blessings which he had formerly held. This strong man sobbed like a baby under my hands while his wife, with her hand in his, wept like a child. At the conclusion of that blessing, they embraced one another and he asked her to forgive him. She said she had forgiven him and that she loved him and always would. They were happy when they left, happier than they had been in years. And I was happy too. But I thought of the terrible price he had paid and of the price he had exacted of his family through his foolishness and transgression.
Guard Against Your Goliaths
Unfortunately, there is not always that kind of happy ending. In many cases there is divorce with bitterness and rancor. What was once love has turned to hate. Children’s lives are blighted. Hopes become as ashes. So often there is only misery and loneliness and regret. Brethren and sisters, keep your affections within marriage. Regard as your most precious possession in time or eternity the person with whom you joined hands over the altar in the house of the Lord and to whom you pledged your love and loyalty and affection for time and all eternity. Your companion, your children, and you yourself will then know and feel a security far greater than any that can be bought with hardware and gadgetry. God bless you, that the watch-care of the Lord may be over you, that you may stay close to Him and be deserving of His preserving hand, that you may overpower the Goliaths in your lives.
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Samuel 9–11. Saul seeks guidance from Samuel (9:1–14, 18–24). The Lord reveals to Samuel that Saul is to be king (9:15–17). Samuel counsels Saul and anoints him as Israel’s first king (9:25–27; 10:1–8). Saul is spiritually reborn, and he prophesies (10:9–13). Samuel presents Saul to the people (10:17–27). Saul leads Israel to victory in a battle (11:1–11). He refuses to punish the men who had doubted his ability to lead the people (11:12–15).
b. 1 Samuel 13:1–14. Saul offers a burnt offering without the proper authority.
c. 1 Samuel 15. Saul is commanded to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but he saves some of their animals for a sacrifice (15:1–9). The Lord rejects Saul as king, and Samuel tells Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice (15:10–35).
d. 1 Samuel 16. The Lord chooses David to succeed Saul as king (16:1–13). The Holy Spirit departs from Saul, and an evil spirit takes possession of him (16:14–16; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation these verses show that the evil spirit was not from God). Saul chooses David to play the harp for him and to be his armor bearer (16:17–23).
e. 1 Samuel 17. David slays Goliath in the strength of the Lord.
• How did Samuel respond to Saul’s explanation for saving the Amalekites’ animals? (See 1 Samuel 15:22.) How can Samuel’s words apply to us?
• What did Samuel learn while he tried to determine which of Jesse’s sons should succeed Saul as king? (See 1 Samuel 16:6–7.) What does 1 Samuel 16:7 teach about how the Lord evaluates us? What does the Lord look for in our hearts? How can we improve our ability and commitment to see beyond the outward appearance of others and look on the heart?
• How did David get the courage to fight Goliath? (See 1 Samuel 17:32–37, 45–47.) How has the Lord helped you overcome “Goliaths” that you have encountered?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A little TRIBUTE, because I can...
I am the sole administrator of this blog. That means that I get to post whatever I want. I am taking the liberty to post a little tribute, because I can. This Sunday is Father's Day! It is one of my very favorite days, EVER. I just love it.
I can honestly tell you that I am who I am because of my parents, and because of my Dad. Without hesitation I can tell you that my testimony of our Father in Heaven is solid and strong in part (large part) because of the relationship that I share with my Dad. His confidence has sustained me through some of the best times and through some of the most challenging times in my life.
I also have to acknowledge and pay tribute to my love, Jon. He is the father of our Little Miss, Madeline! They are a tight pair, these two. I am a lucky lady indeed!
So, with that
I can honestly tell you that I am who I am because of my parents, and because of my Dad. Without hesitation I can tell you that my testimony of our Father in Heaven is solid and strong in part (large part) because of the relationship that I share with my Dad. His confidence has sustained me through some of the best times and through some of the most challenging times in my life.
I also have to acknowledge and pay tribute to my love, Jon. He is the father of our Little Miss, Madeline! They are a tight pair, these two. I am a lucky lady indeed!
So, with that
Happy Father's Day!
This little video is super. It made my heart and eyes overflow with gratitude for the
simple perfection that lies in the ordinary of every day.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lesson 21: God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 14
I came across this article on lds.org. While it is long, I think that it is worth posting here as it provides good background on the chapters we are studying this week. The purpose of our lesson this week is: To help class members understand the blessing of honoring and pleasing the Lord above themselves, others, or the world. The article by Paulo Grahl addresses the responsiblity of being a parent.
Paulo R. Grahl, “Eli and His Sons,” Ensign, Jun 2002, 18
Tragedy resulted when this priest and judge of Israel honored his children more than the Lord.
Should parents be responsible for the unrighteous acts of their children? The Lord has said that parents have a duty and are accountable before Him to “bring up [their] children in light and truth” and “to set in order” their families (see D&C 93:40–43). The story of this Old Testament family reminds us that no matter how well we may perform our duties in the Church, sorrow will come if we neglect to correct our children in righteousness.
Of the House of Aaron
Throughout most of the approximately 450-year period of leadership by judges over Israel (between Joshua and Saul), the descendants of Eleazar, Aaron’s oldest son, presided as high priests at the tabernacle and represented Israel before the Lord. With the ordination of Eli, however, the Lord passed the office of high priest to a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth and youngest son of Aaron (see Num. 3:2). Eli was a devoted high priest who served 40 years as judge of Israel, the first of priestly descent also to regulate the affairs of the people (see 1 Sam. 4:18; Bible Dictionary, “Eli,” 663).
Eli was a good man who gave kind consideration to Hannah in her hour of great agony (see 1 Sam. 1:1–18; 1 Sam. 2:20–21) and paid careful attention to the upbringing and spiritual training of Hannah’s son Samuel (see 1 Sam. 1:24–28; 1 Sam. 2:18, 26; 1 Sam. 3:1–19).
Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Together the three of them labored as priests at Shiloh in the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant was housed (see 1 Sam. 1:3). In keeping with the requirements of the law of Moses, all Israelite males were required to appear before the Lord yearly on each of the great national festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Tabernacles (see Bible Dictionary, “Feasts,” 672–74). At Shiloh, Eli also officiated in the judgment seat (see 1 Sam. 1:9). Hophni and Phinehas’s role as priests was to function as mediators between God and His people in their worship and offering of sacrifices (see Bible Dictionary, “Priests,” 753–54).
Sons of Belial
“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:12). The term Belial means “worthless” or “wicked” (see Bible Dictionary, “Belial,” 620). They were men of greed and lust. They used their authority as priests to extort from the people the best of the meat brought before them for sacrifice (see 1 Sam. 2:13–16). In essence they were taking their portion before giving a portion to God! They were also committing immoral acts with the women who gathered at the tabernacle (see 1 Sam. 2:22). Eli knew what they were doing, and when the people saw that the priesthood at Shiloh was corrupt, they “abhorred the offering of the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:17). What was a father to do?
Eli confronted his sons, “Why do ye such things? … Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress” (1 Sam. 2:23–24). Hophni and Phinehas ignored the pleading words of their father. They continued in their evil ways; Eli’s warning was too late, and Eli did nothing to remove them from office.
The Lord Warns Eli
A man of God soon visited Eli at Shiloh and delivered a stern rebuke from the Lord: “Why kick ye at [treat with scorn] my sacrifice? … Honourest thy sons above me? … Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. … And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, … in one day they shall die both of them” (1 Sam. 2:29–34). The Lord had spoken plainly to Eli: restrain or remove your sons or they will die. So did Eli act? No. He continued to allow his sons to work at the tabernacle (see 1 Sam. 4:1–5).
Samuel, who was being reared by Eli to serve in the tabernacle, soon became a young man and Eli grew old. The Lord called to Samuel in the night, directing him to deliver another warning to Eli. It was a sacred moment for Samuel who “did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him” (1 Sam. 3:7). Samuel was to tell Eli the Lord was profoundly dissatisfied with the vile acts of Hophni and Phinehas, and since Eli had failed to use his parental and judicial authority to curb them, the Lord would remove them (see 1 Sam. 3:11–14).
The following morning Samuel was apprehensive and “feared to shew Eli the vision” (1 Sam. 3:15). At Eli’s insistence, Samuel told him everything. Eli assured and calmed Samuel, saying, “It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good” (1 Sam. 3:18). There is a sense of resignation and submission to God in these words. Eli knew he had sinned and that the fate of his sons was certain. Eli also now knew the Lord had chosen Samuel, not one of his sons, as the new prophet for Israel (see 1 Sam. 3:19–21).
Death Visits the House of Eli
The army of the Israelites soon went out to war against the Philistines. In the first battle Israel was severely beaten, losing “about four thousand men” (1 Sam. 4:2). The elders of the people, apparently including Eli, supposed that the presence of the ark of the covenant on the field of battle would save them. The ark was brought to the battlefront by its caretakers, Hophni and Phinehas, from Shiloh, a distance of about 20 miles, 1 and “all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again” (1 Sam. 4:5). A new and tenacious battle ensued. Israel fled in defeat, suffering the death of 30,000 footmen and the capture of the ark. Hophni and Phinehas were also killed (see 1 Sam. 4:10–11).
A messenger was sent to Shiloh with the terrible news. From his chair by the gate of the tabernacle, Eli heard an uproar in the distance and feared for the safety of the ark, for there was great risk in removing the ark from the tabernacle except when directed by the Lord (see Ex. 26:34; Josh. 18:1). “What is there done, my son?” Eli asked the messenger. “Thy two sons … are dead,” the messenger replied. Then when Eli heard that the ark had been lost, “he fell from off the seat backward,” breaking his neck, and died (see 1 Sam. 4:16–18).
Parental Accountability
The unhappy events that befell Eli and his sons can be instructive to parents today. It is a case of parental negligence by one who had the sacred and nontransferable responsibility to teach, encourage, correct, and restrain his children in righteousness. Eli gave Hophni and Phinehas the freedom to commit serious sins without the necessary corrective action. The results of this omission were disastrous for him, his sons, and the nation.
The Lord has placed on the shoulders of fathers and mothers the primary responsibility to rear their children. King Benjamin taught the parents of his day: “Ye will not suffer your children … that they transgress the laws of God … and serve the devil. … But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness” (Mosiah 4:14–15).
Some fundamental ways to make parental teaching effective are (1) constant and caring communication between parents and children, with parents being aware day by day of what their children do and learn; (2) regular and well-prepared family meetings, such as family home evening, councils, prayer, and scripture study; (3) frequent family activities; (4) careful supervision and vigilance concerning the contents of movies, television programs, the Internet, books, magazines, music, and other materials so that children can be alerted and guided past the ambushes and dangers found in the media.
A colleague from work told me that not long ago he was driving his car along a busy avenue when he heard another driver behind him honking his horn and flashing his lights. Thinking it was just another impatient driver, he continued down the road. Soon the other driver pulled up beside him and, shouting, asked him to pull over because he had something important to tell him. When they had both stopped, the stranger pointed to the bumper sticker in the back window of my friend’s car and said, “I know that that is true!” The bumper sticker read, “No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home.” 2 In tears this man proceeded to tell my friend how he had compromised his values, neglected his family, and lost what he now knew was the most precious blessing in his life.
Help for Parents
Like the ancient children of Israel who journeyed to Shiloh to worship and find spiritual strength and renewal, we may also turn to the Savior, our “Shiloh” (see Bible Dictionary, “Shiloh,” 773), for mercy, patience, and long-suffering in our imperfections as parents. By diligently seeking to know Him through scripture study, prayer, pondering, Church meetings, and temple attendance, our knowledge and wisdom as parents will be expanded. Our desire to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (D&C 84:44) will enable us to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives and the model for all our choices, actions, and reactions as parents. Just as the ark of the covenant was a symbol for the presence of the Lord among the Israelites of old, the Holy Ghost will be with us as an evidence that God is near, that He is attentive to and interested in our happiness, and that He will help us succeed with our children.
1 Samuel 2–3; 8
Study the following scriptures:
a. 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25. The sons of Eli commit transgressions and are counseled by their father.
b. 1 Samuel 2:27–36; 3:12–14. A man of God warns Eli about the consequences of the wickedness in his family.
c. 1 Samuel 3. The Lord calls Samuel, and Samuel responds.
d. 1 Samuel 8. The Israelites want a king so they can be “like all the nations.” Samuel warns them about the dangers of such a choice.
• What did the actions of Eli’s sons suggest about whom they chose to honor? (See 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25.) In what areas of our lives do we sometimes honor and please ourselves rather than the Lord?
• A man of God came and chastised Eli, saying that Eli honored his sons more than God (1 Samuel 2:27–29). In what way had Eli honored his sons more than God? How do we sometimes honor other people more than God?
• How did Samuel honor the Lord? How did the Lord honor him? (See 1 Samuel 3:19; see also 1 Samuel 2:30.) How do you think the Lord will honor us if we honor Him?
Paulo R. Grahl, “Eli and His Sons,” Ensign, Jun 2002, 18
Tragedy resulted when this priest and judge of Israel honored his children more than the Lord.
Should parents be responsible for the unrighteous acts of their children? The Lord has said that parents have a duty and are accountable before Him to “bring up [their] children in light and truth” and “to set in order” their families (see D&C 93:40–43). The story of this Old Testament family reminds us that no matter how well we may perform our duties in the Church, sorrow will come if we neglect to correct our children in righteousness.
Of the House of Aaron
Throughout most of the approximately 450-year period of leadership by judges over Israel (between Joshua and Saul), the descendants of Eleazar, Aaron’s oldest son, presided as high priests at the tabernacle and represented Israel before the Lord. With the ordination of Eli, however, the Lord passed the office of high priest to a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth and youngest son of Aaron (see Num. 3:2). Eli was a devoted high priest who served 40 years as judge of Israel, the first of priestly descent also to regulate the affairs of the people (see 1 Sam. 4:18; Bible Dictionary, “Eli,” 663).
Eli was a good man who gave kind consideration to Hannah in her hour of great agony (see 1 Sam. 1:1–18; 1 Sam. 2:20–21) and paid careful attention to the upbringing and spiritual training of Hannah’s son Samuel (see 1 Sam. 1:24–28; 1 Sam. 2:18, 26; 1 Sam. 3:1–19).
Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Together the three of them labored as priests at Shiloh in the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant was housed (see 1 Sam. 1:3). In keeping with the requirements of the law of Moses, all Israelite males were required to appear before the Lord yearly on each of the great national festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Tabernacles (see Bible Dictionary, “Feasts,” 672–74). At Shiloh, Eli also officiated in the judgment seat (see 1 Sam. 1:9). Hophni and Phinehas’s role as priests was to function as mediators between God and His people in their worship and offering of sacrifices (see Bible Dictionary, “Priests,” 753–54).
Sons of Belial
“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:12). The term Belial means “worthless” or “wicked” (see Bible Dictionary, “Belial,” 620). They were men of greed and lust. They used their authority as priests to extort from the people the best of the meat brought before them for sacrifice (see 1 Sam. 2:13–16). In essence they were taking their portion before giving a portion to God! They were also committing immoral acts with the women who gathered at the tabernacle (see 1 Sam. 2:22). Eli knew what they were doing, and when the people saw that the priesthood at Shiloh was corrupt, they “abhorred the offering of the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:17). What was a father to do?
Eli confronted his sons, “Why do ye such things? … Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress” (1 Sam. 2:23–24). Hophni and Phinehas ignored the pleading words of their father. They continued in their evil ways; Eli’s warning was too late, and Eli did nothing to remove them from office.
The Lord Warns Eli
A man of God soon visited Eli at Shiloh and delivered a stern rebuke from the Lord: “Why kick ye at [treat with scorn] my sacrifice? … Honourest thy sons above me? … Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. … And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, … in one day they shall die both of them” (1 Sam. 2:29–34). The Lord had spoken plainly to Eli: restrain or remove your sons or they will die. So did Eli act? No. He continued to allow his sons to work at the tabernacle (see 1 Sam. 4:1–5).
Samuel, who was being reared by Eli to serve in the tabernacle, soon became a young man and Eli grew old. The Lord called to Samuel in the night, directing him to deliver another warning to Eli. It was a sacred moment for Samuel who “did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him” (1 Sam. 3:7). Samuel was to tell Eli the Lord was profoundly dissatisfied with the vile acts of Hophni and Phinehas, and since Eli had failed to use his parental and judicial authority to curb them, the Lord would remove them (see 1 Sam. 3:11–14).
The following morning Samuel was apprehensive and “feared to shew Eli the vision” (1 Sam. 3:15). At Eli’s insistence, Samuel told him everything. Eli assured and calmed Samuel, saying, “It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good” (1 Sam. 3:18). There is a sense of resignation and submission to God in these words. Eli knew he had sinned and that the fate of his sons was certain. Eli also now knew the Lord had chosen Samuel, not one of his sons, as the new prophet for Israel (see 1 Sam. 3:19–21).
Death Visits the House of Eli
The army of the Israelites soon went out to war against the Philistines. In the first battle Israel was severely beaten, losing “about four thousand men” (1 Sam. 4:2). The elders of the people, apparently including Eli, supposed that the presence of the ark of the covenant on the field of battle would save them. The ark was brought to the battlefront by its caretakers, Hophni and Phinehas, from Shiloh, a distance of about 20 miles, 1 and “all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again” (1 Sam. 4:5). A new and tenacious battle ensued. Israel fled in defeat, suffering the death of 30,000 footmen and the capture of the ark. Hophni and Phinehas were also killed (see 1 Sam. 4:10–11).
A messenger was sent to Shiloh with the terrible news. From his chair by the gate of the tabernacle, Eli heard an uproar in the distance and feared for the safety of the ark, for there was great risk in removing the ark from the tabernacle except when directed by the Lord (see Ex. 26:34; Josh. 18:1). “What is there done, my son?” Eli asked the messenger. “Thy two sons … are dead,” the messenger replied. Then when Eli heard that the ark had been lost, “he fell from off the seat backward,” breaking his neck, and died (see 1 Sam. 4:16–18).
Parental Accountability
The unhappy events that befell Eli and his sons can be instructive to parents today. It is a case of parental negligence by one who had the sacred and nontransferable responsibility to teach, encourage, correct, and restrain his children in righteousness. Eli gave Hophni and Phinehas the freedom to commit serious sins without the necessary corrective action. The results of this omission were disastrous for him, his sons, and the nation.
The Lord has placed on the shoulders of fathers and mothers the primary responsibility to rear their children. King Benjamin taught the parents of his day: “Ye will not suffer your children … that they transgress the laws of God … and serve the devil. … But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness” (Mosiah 4:14–15).
Some fundamental ways to make parental teaching effective are (1) constant and caring communication between parents and children, with parents being aware day by day of what their children do and learn; (2) regular and well-prepared family meetings, such as family home evening, councils, prayer, and scripture study; (3) frequent family activities; (4) careful supervision and vigilance concerning the contents of movies, television programs, the Internet, books, magazines, music, and other materials so that children can be alerted and guided past the ambushes and dangers found in the media.
A colleague from work told me that not long ago he was driving his car along a busy avenue when he heard another driver behind him honking his horn and flashing his lights. Thinking it was just another impatient driver, he continued down the road. Soon the other driver pulled up beside him and, shouting, asked him to pull over because he had something important to tell him. When they had both stopped, the stranger pointed to the bumper sticker in the back window of my friend’s car and said, “I know that that is true!” The bumper sticker read, “No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home.” 2 In tears this man proceeded to tell my friend how he had compromised his values, neglected his family, and lost what he now knew was the most precious blessing in his life.
Help for Parents
Like the ancient children of Israel who journeyed to Shiloh to worship and find spiritual strength and renewal, we may also turn to the Savior, our “Shiloh” (see Bible Dictionary, “Shiloh,” 773), for mercy, patience, and long-suffering in our imperfections as parents. By diligently seeking to know Him through scripture study, prayer, pondering, Church meetings, and temple attendance, our knowledge and wisdom as parents will be expanded. Our desire to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (D&C 84:44) will enable us to make Jesus Christ the center of our lives and the model for all our choices, actions, and reactions as parents. Just as the ark of the covenant was a symbol for the presence of the Lord among the Israelites of old, the Holy Ghost will be with us as an evidence that God is near, that He is attentive to and interested in our happiness, and that He will help us succeed with our children.
1 Samuel 2–3; 8
Study the following scriptures:a. 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25. The sons of Eli commit transgressions and are counseled by their father.
b. 1 Samuel 2:27–36; 3:12–14. A man of God warns Eli about the consequences of the wickedness in his family.
c. 1 Samuel 3. The Lord calls Samuel, and Samuel responds.
d. 1 Samuel 8. The Israelites want a king so they can be “like all the nations.” Samuel warns them about the dangers of such a choice.
• What did the actions of Eli’s sons suggest about whom they chose to honor? (See 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25.) In what areas of our lives do we sometimes honor and please ourselves rather than the Lord?
• A man of God came and chastised Eli, saying that Eli honored his sons more than God (1 Samuel 2:27–29). In what way had Eli honored his sons more than God? How do we sometimes honor other people more than God?
• How did Samuel honor the Lord? How did the Lord honor him? (See 1 Samuel 3:19; see also 1 Samuel 2:30.) How do you think the Lord will honor us if we honor Him?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lesson 20: All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman
The Purpose of our lesson this week is to encourage class members to emulate the righteous qualities of Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk titled, "Real Friendship" in 1988. He spoke of "A sweet friendship outlined in the Old Testament is that of Naomi, the Israelite, and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law.
In the days of famine Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons had left Bethlehem in the land of Judea and had gone into the gentile country of Moab for a period of 10 years, obtaining food and refuge in that place. When her husband and sons had died, Naomi determined to return to Judea, hearing that the Lord had lifted the famine there and blessed the people with food.
To her two Moabite daughters-in-law, she said, “Go, return each to [your] mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead [their husbands], and with me” (Ruth 1:8).
Weeping at the thought of leaving these daughters-in-law behind, Naomi kissed them and bid them farewell. When the girls protested, asking to go with her, Naomi encouraged them to stay with their own parents and relatives in Moab in the only home land they had ever known. Perhaps here they would marry again, have children, and once more be happy.
One daughter-in-law, Orpah, wept, kissed Naomi good-bye, and returned to her Moabite family.
But Ruth refused to go—she “clave unto” her mother-in-law. Naomi tried earnestly to get her to follow Orpah, “Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law” (Ruth 1:15).
But Ruth said with equal urgency, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
“Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16–17).
When Naomi sensed the true depth of Ruth’s love and loyalty, she consented and the two made their way back to Bethlehem. There, through the mediating role of Naomi, Ruth met Boaz, “a mighty man of wealth” (Ruth 2:1), and they married. From this union came a son named Obed, who fathered a son named Jesse, who fathered a son named David, the greatest king in Israel’s history. Thus Ruth’s love for and loyalty to Naomi not only brought gospel blessings to Ruth, but ultimately blessed the entire Israelite nation."
Hannah
Elkanah lived in Israel during the time of the judges. Hannah, one of Elkanah’s wives, did not have any children. Each year when Elkanah took his family to the tabernacle, Hannah prayed and asked God to bless her with a child. Finally, Hannah promised the Lord that if he would bless her with a son, she would give that son back to serve the Lord all his life.
The next year, Hannah had a son and named him Samuel. When Samuel was a young child, Hannah took him to the tabernacle and had him stay there and live with the high priest Eli. Samuel grew up in the tabernacle.
One night, as Samuel was going to sleep, he heard a voice call his name.
He thought that it was Eli. He jumped out of bed and ran to see what Eli wanted. Eli told Samuel that he had not called him and told him to go back to bed. This happened three times. Finally Eli realized that it was the Lord that was calling Samuel. He told Samuel that the next time the voice called he should say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel did so. It was then, in his youth, that Samuel received the first of many revelations he received throughout his life. Samuel became a great Old Testament prophet.
Study the following scriptures:
a. Ruth 1–2. After her husband dies, Ruth goes to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields of Boaz, who treats her kindly.
b. Ruth 3–4. Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz, and he promises to marry her. They marry and have a child.
c. 1 Samuel 1; 2:1–2, 20–21. Hannah is blessed with a son, whom she lends to the Lord as she promised. She is later blessed with more children.
• What did Ruth give up by going to Bethlehem with Naomi? What did Ruth gain by going with Naomi? (The gospel of Jesus Christ; see Ruth 1:16.) What can we learn from Ruth about making sacrifices for the gospel?
• How do you think Hannah felt about giving Samuel to the service of the Lord? What does the Lord ask us to give him? What should our attitude be about giving to him?
• What righteous qualities did Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah exemplify?
We can emulate the righteous qualities demonstrated by Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah. By developing these qualities we will undoubtedly draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ and will have greater peace and happiness.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk titled, "Real Friendship" in 1988. He spoke of "A sweet friendship outlined in the Old Testament is that of Naomi, the Israelite, and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law.
In the days of famine Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons had left Bethlehem in the land of Judea and had gone into the gentile country of Moab for a period of 10 years, obtaining food and refuge in that place. When her husband and sons had died, Naomi determined to return to Judea, hearing that the Lord had lifted the famine there and blessed the people with food.
To her two Moabite daughters-in-law, she said, “Go, return each to [your] mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead [their husbands], and with me” (Ruth 1:8).Weeping at the thought of leaving these daughters-in-law behind, Naomi kissed them and bid them farewell. When the girls protested, asking to go with her, Naomi encouraged them to stay with their own parents and relatives in Moab in the only home land they had ever known. Perhaps here they would marry again, have children, and once more be happy.
One daughter-in-law, Orpah, wept, kissed Naomi good-bye, and returned to her Moabite family.
But Ruth refused to go—she “clave unto” her mother-in-law. Naomi tried earnestly to get her to follow Orpah, “Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law” (Ruth 1:15).
But Ruth said with equal urgency, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
“Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16–17).
When Naomi sensed the true depth of Ruth’s love and loyalty, she consented and the two made their way back to Bethlehem. There, through the mediating role of Naomi, Ruth met Boaz, “a mighty man of wealth” (Ruth 2:1), and they married. From this union came a son named Obed, who fathered a son named Jesse, who fathered a son named David, the greatest king in Israel’s history. Thus Ruth’s love for and loyalty to Naomi not only brought gospel blessings to Ruth, but ultimately blessed the entire Israelite nation."
Hannah
Elkanah lived in Israel during the time of the judges. Hannah, one of Elkanah’s wives, did not have any children. Each year when Elkanah took his family to the tabernacle, Hannah prayed and asked God to bless her with a child. Finally, Hannah promised the Lord that if he would bless her with a son, she would give that son back to serve the Lord all his life.
The next year, Hannah had a son and named him Samuel. When Samuel was a young child, Hannah took him to the tabernacle and had him stay there and live with the high priest Eli. Samuel grew up in the tabernacle.
One night, as Samuel was going to sleep, he heard a voice call his name.
He thought that it was Eli. He jumped out of bed and ran to see what Eli wanted. Eli told Samuel that he had not called him and told him to go back to bed. This happened three times. Finally Eli realized that it was the Lord that was calling Samuel. He told Samuel that the next time the voice called he should say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel did so. It was then, in his youth, that Samuel received the first of many revelations he received throughout his life. Samuel became a great Old Testament prophet.Study the following scriptures:
a. Ruth 1–2. After her husband dies, Ruth goes to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields of Boaz, who treats her kindly.
b. Ruth 3–4. Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz, and he promises to marry her. They marry and have a child.
c. 1 Samuel 1; 2:1–2, 20–21. Hannah is blessed with a son, whom she lends to the Lord as she promised. She is later blessed with more children.
• What did Ruth give up by going to Bethlehem with Naomi? What did Ruth gain by going with Naomi? (The gospel of Jesus Christ; see Ruth 1:16.) What can we learn from Ruth about making sacrifices for the gospel?
• How do you think Hannah felt about giving Samuel to the service of the Lord? What does the Lord ask us to give him? What should our attitude be about giving to him?
• What righteous qualities did Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah exemplify?
We can emulate the righteous qualities demonstrated by Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah. By developing these qualities we will undoubtedly draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ and will have greater peace and happiness.
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