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.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)