Jacob 7
Sherem, the anti-Christ, steps onto the scene preaching that there is no Christ. In his arrogance, he confronts Jacob. Jacob cannot be shaken from the faith and Sherem seeks a sign. The consequence for Sherem is death, as the Lord strikes him down. But before he dies, Sherem confesses to the people of his treachery and deceit. It is so important for us to not try to hide our sins from our Father in Heaven. It’s silly to think he doesn’t see our behavior or know our thoughts. We must walk acting no hypocrisy before him.
As Jacob concludes his record, tells us that his life had passed away “as it were unto us a dream.”
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Jacob 6 O be wise; what can I say more?
Jacob 6
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts….O then my beloved brethren, repent ye and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life….O be wise; what more can I say more?”
After giving the complete Allegory of the Olive Tree, Jacob gave a brief explanation and application. I have noted the application above. The explanation is that the alllegory recounts the history of the House of Israel. It provides an internal proof that the Book of Mormon is true, for surely Joseph Smith could never have written it himself.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts….O then my beloved brethren, repent ye and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life….O be wise; what more can I say more?”
After giving the complete Allegory of the Olive Tree, Jacob gave a brief explanation and application. I have noted the application above. The explanation is that the alllegory recounts the history of the House of Israel. It provides an internal proof that the Book of Mormon is true, for surely Joseph Smith could never have written it himself.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Jacob 5 A testimony of our own
Jacob 5
When we lived in Tucson, I taught seminary, for a time, at Santa Rita High. I had a student there named Clint Whetton. Clint was a likeable young man but very distracted and often out-of-turn in his comments and behavior. We endured each other in a friendly but often frustrated way. When Clint was a senior, having struggled to understand the “why” of many of the things we had studied the past 3 years, I showed a video for Jacob 5 regarding the Allegory of the Olive Tree. Somewhere during the movie, Clint had a moment of clarity! He stood up and shouted, “It’s true, this is true, the Church is true! I know it! This could not have been created by Joseph Smith. It’s true! It’s true.” Of all things Clint had felt the Spirit while studying the Allegory of the Olive Tree. I’ve never forgotten his joy. I do remember he was a changed kid. We don’t know the moment or moments when we will have the word of God sink deep into our hearts. When we do, we feel his love. We feel a sense of belonging. Our lives take on new meaning and clarity. We have a testimony of our own.
When we lived in Tucson, I taught seminary, for a time, at Santa Rita High. I had a student there named Clint Whetton. Clint was a likeable young man but very distracted and often out-of-turn in his comments and behavior. We endured each other in a friendly but often frustrated way. When Clint was a senior, having struggled to understand the “why” of many of the things we had studied the past 3 years, I showed a video for Jacob 5 regarding the Allegory of the Olive Tree. Somewhere during the movie, Clint had a moment of clarity! He stood up and shouted, “It’s true, this is true, the Church is true! I know it! This could not have been created by Joseph Smith. It’s true! It’s true.” Of all things Clint had felt the Spirit while studying the Allegory of the Olive Tree. I’ve never forgotten his joy. I do remember he was a changed kid. We don’t know the moment or moments when we will have the word of God sink deep into our hearts. When we do, we feel his love. We feel a sense of belonging. Our lives take on new meaning and clarity. We have a testimony of our own.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Jacob 4 Things as they really are
Jacob 4
Jacob taught that he believed in Christ. He, like all of the prophets before him, prayed to the Father in the name of the Son. He gave us weakness so that we will know that it is by his grace that we are able to do things. Jesus spoke words. By those words the Earth was formed. We should not try to counsel God, but should take counsel from him. The resurrection is real. Christ gives it to all of us as a free gift through the Atonement. The Spirit tells the truth. He tells us things that really are; he also tells us how things will really be. Christ is the stone upon which we must build our life’s foundation. If we build on this stone we will not be shaken.
Jacob taught that he believed in Christ. He, like all of the prophets before him, prayed to the Father in the name of the Son. He gave us weakness so that we will know that it is by his grace that we are able to do things. Jesus spoke words. By those words the Earth was formed. We should not try to counsel God, but should take counsel from him. The resurrection is real. Christ gives it to all of us as a free gift through the Atonement. The Spirit tells the truth. He tells us things that really are; he also tells us how things will really be. Christ is the stone upon which we must build our life’s foundation. If we build on this stone we will not be shaken.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Jacob 3 Pure in Heart: Feast on His Love
Jacob 3
“Oh all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.” And this: “…arouse the faculties of your souls.” When he says “lift up your heads” I think he means to not be ashamed, discouraged, or depressed. Let the love of God sink way down deep inside of you. Take courage, and if you are drifting, wake up and arouse your better nature. Be strong in the faith. Stand a little taller. Replace the frown with a smile.
“Oh all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.” And this: “…arouse the faculties of your souls.” When he says “lift up your heads” I think he means to not be ashamed, discouraged, or depressed. Let the love of God sink way down deep inside of you. Take courage, and if you are drifting, wake up and arouse your better nature. Be strong in the faith. Stand a little taller. Replace the frown with a smile.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Jacob 2 Jacob confronts pride, riches, and immorality
Jacob 2
I think the most important thing in this life for me is to gain and maintain the trust of my wife and children. More than anything else in this life, I want to live a clean and virtuous life so that my wife and children will be proud of me. I don’t want to ever embarrass them because I have lied or cheated or behaved in a shameful way. In this chapter Jacob has to confront the married men who have polluted their hearts. They want for themselves riches and more sexual partners. Both of these desires are blasted by the prophet Jacob who discerns this is what is happening. In a painful sermon both for the giver and the hearer, Jacob tries to wake up these unrighteous men whom he says are worse than the Lamanites who at least love their wives and haven’t broken the hearts of their children.
I think the most important thing in this life for me is to gain and maintain the trust of my wife and children. More than anything else in this life, I want to live a clean and virtuous life so that my wife and children will be proud of me. I don’t want to ever embarrass them because I have lied or cheated or behaved in a shameful way. In this chapter Jacob has to confront the married men who have polluted their hearts. They want for themselves riches and more sexual partners. Both of these desires are blasted by the prophet Jacob who discerns this is what is happening. In a painful sermon both for the giver and the hearer, Jacob tries to wake up these unrighteous men whom he says are worse than the Lamanites who at least love their wives and haven’t broken the hearts of their children.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Jacob 1 Nephi Dies
Jacob 1
Despite their great blessings in being rescued from destruction in Jerusalem, and being led to a promised land, the Nephites became wicked quickly after Nephi died. There were some who remained righteous. Jacob and his younger brother Joseph spent their days inviting their people to come unto Christ. Nephi was the first king, but did not pass that role onto his brothers. He chose another man who would have been a grandson or close relative. Why do we drift when we are so blessed?
Jacob 1
Despite their great blessings in being rescued from destruction in Jerusalem, and being led to a promised land, the Nephites became wicked quickly after Nephi died. There were some who remained righteous. Jacob and his younger brother Joseph spent their days inviting their people to come unto Christ. Nephi was the first king, but did not pass that role onto his brothers. He chose another man who would have been a grandson or close relative. Why do we drift when we are so blessed?
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