Under His Feet Was A Paved Work of Pure Gold

Continuing in the theme of the glorious visions that occurred in the Kirtland Temple, I again add another post today on the first of the four visions.

By retiring to the pulpit of the temple, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had separated themselves from the “world” and had allowed the “veil to be taken from their minds”. This transfiguring moment led to the magnificent experience of seeing the Lord himself, as he accepted the offering the Saints had made by building the Temple. They described what they saw as follows:

Doctrine and Covenants 110:2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun;

John the Revelator described what he saw when he had a similar experience with these words:

Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;

In the Sacred Grove, Joseph Smith had also described the Lord the first time he had seen him, in what we as LDS refer to as the First Vision, with the explanation that “his brightness and glory defy all description”.

In contemplating all the various accounts given by those who have seen the Savior, the one word that comes to my mind that is similar in all of them is light. This light is so pure and complete it has the power to dispel all darkness. Not only is the light perfectly bright it is full of energy, with power enough to drown out even the memory of darkness, or in other words an energy with the power to cleanse. I believe the process of what these witnesses had experienced is best explained by the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 50: 24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

In this Kirtland Temple experience, not only did Joseph and Oliver see the Lord, He spoke to them as well. They described his voice as “the sound of the rushing of the great waters.” It is interesting to me to analyze some of the things he said, and the order he said them in.

First of all the Lord introduced himself, or as I like to call it, he gave them his credentials.

110:4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

In this brief introduction we learn so much about Jesus Christ. We learn that he is not only the creator, being the first, but he is our Savior and Redeemer, being the last. Because he lives, he proves that he holds the keys for power over death, or the ordinance of resurrection. These keys have been turned on our behalf so that we too may live beyond this life. Because he was slain, he answered the demands of justice from the law which was broken because of the fall. Basically, he has been obedient to the full extent of the law, which in turn allows him all blessings predicated upon that law. One of the blessings attached to that law is us. He paid the price to have the job as our advocate with the Father. He is the great mediator. This job as advocate allows him to not only speak to the Father on our behalf, but also allows him to speak to us for the Father.

Why did Jesus Christ need to explain all this to Joseph and Oliver, and to us? I believe it is because it gives assurance, or makes his word sure, for what he then says next.

110: 5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.

His statement of authority or credentials allows us to have faith that he can do what he says he can do. In this case it proves he has the authority from the Father to actually forgive sins, and he exercises that authority. It shows that he has permission to accept the Temple for the Father, and place his name there. It explains that he can extend mercy to us and show himself to those who keep his commandments. It shows that he is the answer to the prayers that have been given concerning the Temple.

His words of farewell are ones of prophecy and instruction.

110:9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.

10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen.

He has told us that because of faithfulness, we can be endowed with power from on high. It started with Kirtland in this dispensation, and continues today in each of the LDS Temples around the world. We can believe this, we can experience it for ourselves, and we know it to be true because his word is sure. His credentials prove it.

He is the light that dispels all darkness and sin.

I Thought Christ Would Be Our Judge?

I had an experience I want to remember, which dealt with the power of personal revelation.

One Sunday evening I was discussing some principles contained in the Book of Mormon with a young friend. She had several concerns and wanted to discuss them with me. Her questions were both in depth and well thought out.

In 1 Nephi, chapter 12, Nephi relates what he sees in vision regarding the Twelve Apostles:

12: 8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the Twelve Disciples of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed.

9 And he said unto me: Thou rememberest the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel.

10 And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And, behold, they are righteous forever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood.

Her question was, “I thought Jesus Christ would be our judge?”

Mormon 3: 20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;

Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Instantly it was revealed to my mind and heart, with perfect clarity, how both could be possible. I used the analogy of a High Council.

In a High Council there are twelve High Councilmen who sit in judgment to “settle important difficulties which might arise in the church”. Although the twelve members are there to act both in behalf of the accused, and in behalf of the Church, to “prevent insult and injustice”, ultimately the judgment call, or decision on the outcome of this proceeding is made by the President alone. At once I better understood how the councils on earth were patterned after the councils in Heaven.

In application to this example, if the House of Israel was to be considered as a whole or individual body, they would be judged by the Twelve “Councilors” but the ultimate decision would rest with the President, or Jesus Christ. Both would play a part in this “courtroom” scene of judgment.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:12 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

The very next day after our conversation, I went to look at the topic I would be discussing in my upcoming Institute class ... it was Section 102...or what might be known as the “Constitution of a High Council”.

FYI I think the best information to be found, in one place, on the history of the High Council can be found at this link.

I know... Don’t judge!

Believe Versus Know

While listening to a recent speaker in our Young Adult Sacrament Meeting I was touched by the spirit to understand more fully the process of “knowing” truth. I had read the passage the speaker referred to many times before, but for some reason this time the clarity of the meaning simply rang loudly in my mind, and my heart became enlarged.

The discourse given in the Book of Mormon by the prophet Alma which compares faith to a seed is one that most are probably familiar with. The scripture that jumped out at me that day is contained in that lesson in Alma 32.

33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.

The words that caught my attention were “beginneth” and “ye must needs know”. I guess for some reason I always thought you had to SEE the whole plant to really know, but the process of feeling that enlargement of your heart is simply enough.

FOR EXAMPLE:

In the process of creation a “seed is planted” ... if it connects with the cultivated soil, or the egg... then it begins to grow. As I mother I can testify, that when you feel that swelling of the “seed” in your stomach, you KNOW it is a baby. You can know without seeing. When the baby is finally born...you then have a FULNESS of knowledge or PERFECT knowledge, but before that process is revealed, you can still KNOW it is a baby.

It may sound simple, but for me... I can know without seeing, that Jesus is the Christ.

And I do...

The First Sheaf Offering

When the Children of Israel finally entered into the Promised Land they were instructed to perform another ritual offering, known as the offering of the first sheaf of the winter grown grains, or barley crop. This was to be done when the crops were ready to be harvested at Passover time.

Leviticus 23:10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

This offering was to be lifted up on the morning following the Israelite Sabbath, which would be the Sunday following the Saturday Sabbath. As the sun set at Passover time, the first sheaf of the harvest would have been cut and, because it would have been the eve of the Israelite Sabbath, or the Seventh Day Sabbath, the priests would have placed it in the Temple to wait to offer it on the morning after the Sabbath. This offering would come to have incredible significance.

Lenet Hadley Read explained in her book, “The Lords Holy Days, Powerful Witnesses of Truth”:

“Just as the sun set at Passover, a group of men cut down the first sheaf of the harvest. Because of the timing of the Sabbath, this would have occurred during Christ’s removal from the cross.

Thus the first sheaf of barley lay in the temple while Jesus’ body lay in the tomb.

On the morning after the Sabbath, the priests lifted up that first sheaf of the harvest as an offering to the Lord. It had always born witness, and its witness was that day fulfilled. For that very same morning Christ was lifted up in resurrection, the very first fruit of the harvest of the dead.”

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Jesus Christ was literally "the firstfruit" symbolically taught to us by the first sheaf offering.

The Lamb of God

To the people of the covenant, the Lord was very specific about how they were to offer sacrifices and celebrate His Holy Days. The reason they were commanded to be so precise in their worship was because all that they did pointed them in the direction of Jesus Christ. During the first Passover Feast the Children of Israel were saved from the last plague, pronounced by Pharaoh himself, of the death of the firstborn. This salvation came only because of the blood of the lamb, which was offered as a sacrifice.

Exodus 12: 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

By this token of blood, the Children of Israel would remember the power by which they were saved.

There was also very specific instruction about the lamb that was to be used in the Passover feast.

According to Exodus 12:

• It was to be male.
• It had to be a firstborn sheep.
• The lamb was to be without blemish.
• It had to be slain on a specific day at a specific time.
• It had to be roasted with fire.
• It was to be killed without one broken bone.
• It was to be eaten with bitter herbs.
• It had to be totally consumed or burned, leaving nothing.

The lamb that was to be offered was a type and a shadow for the Lamb of God that would become the last and great sacrifice. In all ways the Children of Israel were taught of Jesus Christ and his ability to save because of the blood he would shed for them.

In what way do you think these specifications pointed to Jesus Christ?

Consider The Lilies

Luke 12: 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 ¶ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Thank you Mormon Soprano for this beautiful video!

The Atonement: The Very Root of Christian Doctrine

As Easter is approaching I am drawn to one of my favorite talks given by Thomas B. Griffith at a BYU Devotional in March 2006. It is called “The Very Root of Christian Doctrine.”

Introducing his topic, Brother Griffith quoted Elder Boyd K. Packer from a General Conference address titled “The Mediator.” In that address Elder Packer said:

“The Atonement of Christ is the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them.”

Brother Griffith then confessed that he had taught many lessons that were, “although interesting and motivational, according to Elder Packer’s guide had ‘no life nor substance nor redemption in them’ because they weren’t directly linked to the Atonement of Christ.” Because of this revelatory insight, as a member of a newly called stake presidency, a rule was given to their stake that every Sacrament meeting talk and every lesson in Sunday School, Relief Society, and Priesthood meetings must be related to the Atonement of Christ in a direct and express way.

I pondered this counsel and wondered if I had thought to tie all lessons back to this “root” of the Atonement that Elder Packer described. I believe that I too may have fallen short of this instruction and have decided to conscientiously try to take this challenge.

I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest love story ever. Because of this great gift of love I have been given the possibility to return to live with my Father in Heaven. I am grateful for my Savior and Redeemer and understand that application of this gift is my choice. It is the root from which my Eternal Family Tree will be fed with the living waters of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that He lived, He died, and He lives again.

Join me in taking the challenge extended by Brother Griffith, make sure you are teaching the very root of Christian Doctrine, the Atonement of Jesus Christ in all you do.

Becoming Yoked

I regularly read an insightful BLOG called Unending Luck. The BLOG is written as if each post was a carving, meaning a lasting impression. The subject that is addressed is that of “runes”. “A rune is a ‘letter’ in the old ‘alphabet’ of the Teutonic languages (Old English, Old Norse, and so forth). Each rune has its own sound and name.” By exploring the original meaning of these letters one may have a greater understand of “the Word.” You might want to go over to this link and check out some of these insights, but start from the beginning.

On one of the “carvings” or posts, the author explored the meaning of the word “yoke”, which reminded me of some insights I had gained while listening to a speaker during Sacrament meeting.

When I think of a yoke, I think of two beasts connected together by the yoke itself, trying to become one as they progress forward in their path or work.

Many times the scripture reference from Matthew 11 is considered when the term yoke is used.

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I have heard many individuals use the analogy that the load is lighter because the Savior is in the yoke with us. Although this is a great thought, I felt the impression that when Jesus instructs us to “take his yoke” upon us, that He is the owner of the yoke, not the beast of burden who is along side of us.

Along this train of thought, most of the other scripture references that are given, using the analogy of the yoke, are ones in which the individual is referred to as under the "yoke of captivity". This oppressive picture is because of the choices they have either made as a nation or as an individual. The individual is continually trying to “break free” from this yoke because of the burden it brings. The yoke of sin is one example of an oppressive situation.

When we take upon us the yoke of Christ it is the act of submitting ourselves into His service. His work is neither oppressive nor constraining, but is rewarding allowing us the freedom to progress.

So you may wonder… who are the two individuals in the yoke itself? I believe it is a beautiful illustration of the concept of the duality of man. It is the process of becoming one heart and one mind with that of the owner of the yoke. The natural man and the saint working side by side until they can, by submission, finally move forward without tugging at each other.

Sometimes, even when we think we are wearing the proper yoke, we might find ourselves going in circles. I believe it is because we have not learned that being a divided individual thwarts our progress and the work of the Lord too. This molding of our “self” into the beautiful Zion individual that we must become can be a painful and strenuous process, but is always made easier if we submit to the will of the owner of the yoke.

When our body and our spirit learn to work together we find ourselves going forward in a straight direction. We learn that we can neither turn to the right hand nor to the left, but by submitting to the will of the owner of the yoke and pressing forward in faith, we can stay on the straight and narrow way. That way is back to the presence of the Father, where we find rest to our souls.

What are the impressions you get when you think about a yoke?

What Was So Great About King David Anyway?

I have often pondered why King David of the Old Testament was considered one of the greatest kings in Israel. Although he did many obedient things during his lifetime, he also did some not so hot things too. While studying in 2 Samuel this past week I believe I have found a reason why David was so special.

Saul, who started out strong as the king of Israel and the Lord’s anointed, simply went down hill fast. He became obsessed with David and jealous of David’s popularity with the people, and with the Lord himself. Pride and disobedience soon became the downfall of Saul, and the Lord withdrew from him. Most of Saul’s life was spent in pursuit of David, resulting in many attempts at David’s life. One amazing thing about David was his respect for the Lord’s anointed even when he didn't deserve it really, but I don’t think this is the true reason he was considered great.

After the death of Saul, Ishbosheth, who was the son of Saul, became ruler over the kingdom the Israel but David ruled Judah.

2 Samuel 2:8 ¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

10 Ish-bosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.

11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

These two rulers created a division in the kingdom, or in the Children of Israel. The division lasted seven years and six months. Upon the death of Ishbosheth, the tribes of Israel then came to David, and in his mercy and grace, he united the kingdom which was divided for the first time.

2 Samuel 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.

4 ¶ David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

This unification of the Children of Israel has never occurred again since. It was a great accomplishment and will only be repeated by Jesus Christ himself. In this way David is truly an Elias for Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings.

I believe that is what made David so great. What do you think?

Ceremonial Clothing and Temple Worship

The Lord has always used clothing as an avenue for teaching symbolism. As early as in the book of Genesis we learn that the “garment” or coat of skin was a symbol of that which would cover. Unlike the fig leaves, or fake covering, the coat of skin taught of the sacrificial covering, pointing to Jesus Christ and the Atonement as the full covering of nakedness, or sin.

Ceremonial clothing has always been a part of Temple worship as well. In the book of Exodus the Lord gave detailed instructions to the Children of Israel regarding the clothing that was to be worn by the Priests who were called to officiate in the Tabernacle. This process of washing, or becoming clean, and changing of their clothes was an outward expression of the inward change that was to take place to be worthy to participate in the sacred ordinances.

Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

5 And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.

8 And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.

9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest’s office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.

These garments of “glory and beauty” symbolized the change that was to take place of one nature to another or the act of “putting off the natural man.”

On one day of the year, known as the Day of Atonement, the High Priest of the Aaronic priesthood was instructed to make another clothing change.

Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

This Day of Atonement offering required that the priest enter into another level of sacredness, or the Holy of Holies, in the Tabernacle. This offering took place inside the inner vail, as the priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrificial bullock on the mercy seat itself. This most sacred offering required the priest to change into white linen garments, which symbolized the absence of sin and his worthiness to make this vicarious offering on behalf of all the house of Israel. It was a very visual way to instruct the people about the sinless state of Jesus Christ, and the upcoming sacrifice he would make on their behalf.

Leviticus 16:11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:

13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:

14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.

15 ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.

17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

The changing of clothing is symbolic of the progression one must make to enter into the presence of the Lord. It represents ones willingness to leave this world behind and seek for that of a better one. It is a beautiful way to learn about the application of the Atonement and the ability one has to “change”. It can be seen as easy as a simple “change of clothes.”

Fig Trees and Priesthood

The scriptures use symbolic language and teachings. One of the symbols that I have been fascinated with is that of the fig tree. I have noticed that each time a reference is given in regard to the fig tree one might also be able to substitute it with “priesthood” and find some interesting comparisons.

The fig tree has long been known as the symbol of abundance, fertility and sweetness. The fruit of the fig tree has a tough peel, often cracking upon ripeness and exposing the pulp beneath. The interior is white with a seed mass bound in jelly-like flesh. It is very sweet to the taste. The common fig bears two crops of fruits. The first crop is the “breba” crop, which appears in the spring relying on the last season’s growth. The second crop is borne in the fall on the new growth and is known as the main crop, or the crop of actual value.

Some further information might be interesting as well; this was taken from an old Bible Dictionary that was published in the mid 1800’s.

Fig- three kinds are cultivated: 1. The early fig, ripe in June, green in color. 2. The summer fig, ripe in August, is sweet and the best, purple in color: and 3. the green fig, which remains on the tree all winter. It is one of the few plants which grow wild all over the country. The fig-tree puts forth its earliest fruit-buds before its leaves and the foliage forms a very dense shade. It grows best near a fountain or stream. The sycamore fig grows to a large size in Palestine and Egypt, sometimes 50 feet in circumference, and is evergreen. The fruit is purple, smaller than the other kinds, sweetish, and not so valuable. They ripen from November to June. The wood is used for many purposes, as it is almost the only large tree in Egypt.

As I believe that the fig tree and fruit thereon represent the priesthood organization and the fruits of the priesthood, I have found some interesting symbolism when considering this application in the teachings of the scriptures.

In the account in Matthew 21 the Savior teaches a wonderful lesson using the fig tree. It is interesting to note that in this account, the story of the fig tree is nestled between the cleansing of the Temple, and the Priests inquiring about what authority Christ had to teach. Both are very instructive as to the type of Priesthood holders who were abundant during this time period.

The cursing of the fig tree seems to serve as a lesson concerning the priesthood.

Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

I believe that a statement was being made as to the condition of those who professed to have the priesthood at that time period because there were only showy leaves upon the branches but there was no fruit. The priests who officiated in the Temple at the time were all show, but could produce no fruit. The cursing of the tree, in that it soon died, in my opinion, was an illustration of the soon to be apostasy that would occur because of the unrighteous priesthood leaders.

Another illustration of the unrighteous use of the priesthood during the time of the ministry of Christ is illustrated in Luke. On a side note, the Savior’s ministry was a little over three years. I believe He was allowing the priesthood holders to have a “change of heart” before He took that responsibility away from them completely.

Luke 13:6 ¶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Again in Luke also we can find another description of the type of priesthood that was being practiced by the priests in the Temple.

Luke 6: 43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Fig leaves were used in another illustration of priesthood authority. When Adam and Eve found they were naked, they tried to cover their nakedness, but did so with “false” priesthood. This priesthood, represented by fig leaves, would not be good enough to save them without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which was represented in the coat of skins. The fig leaves are now on the tree and as we are performing sacred acts in the temple dressed in white, WE have become the beautiful fruit. Yes, the beautiful fruit is now on the tree.

Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

What other correlations can you find if you thought of the fig tree as an illustration of priesthood authority?

The Art Collector

As a follow up to yesterdays post on Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, I remembered an old story that I had on file that illustrates an aspect of the Atonement in a different way. Please be warned, it may seem a little cheesy, and may have been sent to me in what I would term "Internet Spam", but it has a wonderful message. I would give credit to the author, but unfortunately I do not know who that is. Feel free to share that information with me if you know and I will gladly give credit to them.

Being warned....here it is:

THE ART COLLECTOR

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed elderly man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As one particular winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram informing him that the young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness.

On Christmas morning, the depressed old man was awakened by a knock on the door. Upon opening it, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. The soldier said, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." Inside, as the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had often told everyone of his father's love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, he saw a portrait of his son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings, the old man hung the newly acquired portrait where promised. The rest of the day the man sat in his chair gazing at the gift he had been given.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man learned that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the works of the masters.

The following spring, the old man became ill and eventually passed away. With no surviving relatives to inherit his collection, it was announced that the paintings would be sold at an auction. In fact, according to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day.

When the long anticipated day arrived, eager art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on these most spectacular paintings. However, the auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. When the auctioneer asked for an opening bid, the room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed, but no one spoke.

"It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff, " someone yelled out. More voices echoed in agreement.

"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?"

Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it."

"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!"

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son What about all of these paintings? They're worth millions of dollars! I demand that you explain what's going on here!"

The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son...gets it all."

The message is still the same for us today. Because of a Father's love for His Son who went away and gave his life rescuing others, whoever takes the Son gets it all.

Savior and Redeemer

Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer?

When I think of Jesus Christ and the many roles that he plays for us, understanding His role as Savior and His role as Redeemer, and what effect they have on our lives, are among the most important to understand.

At first glance these two roles may sound synonymous, but I believe they are significantly different as well.

Before one can discuss the merits of the Atonement, a full understanding of the consequences of the Fall must be understood. The Fall brought about three types of deaths. For more information on the Fall, a previous post called “The Fall Brought About Death” might be of interest.

According to the dictionary definitions of the two terms, the term Savior means simply “one who had saved them” whereas the term Redeemer is “one who had bought them”.

The Old Oxford English Dictionary adds further meaning to the term Redeemer as “to buy back (a thing formerly possessed); to make payment for (a thing held or claimed by another).”

So without the Atonement, what would lay claim to us?

2 Nephi 9: 8 O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

9 And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.

10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.

11 And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave.

12 And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel.

Jesus Christ is our Savior because he saved us from the effects of the fall and placed us back in our rightful place of innocence, allowing us to “choose for ourselves”. This is the salvation that is promised to all men. He also is our Redeemer because he paid the price to redeem us from our sins, this redemption takes place as we choose to realize the full power of repentance because of the Atonement. This makes His sacrifice total and complete to satisfy the demands of justice because of the broken law.

Why did Jesus Christ do it?

In Section 19 of the Doctrine and Covenants The Savior gives us a few of His reasons:

19: 2 I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself—

3 Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.

We can see from the information given that He has complete submission to the will of the Father. The Father loves His children and desires that they return to Him, thus if Christ’s will is in complete line with the Fathers, we can conclude that He loves us and desires for us to return to the Father as well. Therefore it is evident that He lives the law of Obedience and Sacrifice, and all laws culminating in complete Consecration of His self in an attempt to persuade us to return to the Father as well. We can see the example He set for us, as one to follow in order to return. He loves the Father, and therefore He loves us as well.

When Christ explains another reason as one that He “might subdue all things unto myself”, we might wonder what He needs to actually subdue. The duality of man comes into play with this reason as well. The spirit being lineally perfect must subdue the “unredeemed” earth or physical body, this process is our progression through this life. It is a task that alone, we could not meet. Christ literally subdues the earth, every particle of it (that means our body as well), by “overcoming the world” through the Atonement. He brings every living thing into subjection, which allows him to control by choice. The choice is still ours to make. Satan was in complete opposition to this beautiful plan which was initiated by the Father.

Because of this complete control over the earth, He has the ability to “retain all power”. What does that mean for you and I? He retains power to judge because of this infinite act. His complete submission to the Father allows Him to subdue His Earth, cast out Satan, and retain the power to judge all who would be allowed to reside on His Earth.

Can you think of anyone else who could be a better judge than Christ who is completely motivated by Love?

He has only one request of us and that is to repent.

D&C 19:6 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

Ultimately the choice is always up to us.

O, Divine Redeemer- Neal A Maxwell

"No member of this Church must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer, who gave his life that all men might live- the agony of Gethsemane, the bitter mockery of His trial, the vicious crown of thorns tearing at His flesh, the blood cry of the mob before Pilate, the lonely burden of His heavy walk along the way to Calvary, the terrifying pain as great nails pierced His hands and feet...

We cannot for that. We must never forget it, for here our Savior, our Redeemer, the Son of God, gave Himself, a vicarious sacrifice for each of us."
Gordon B. Hinckley

"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."
Joseph Smith

Doctrine and Covenants Section 1- Instructions on How to Gain Eternal Life

Eternal Life is something that we as Latter Day Saints are taught to prepare for now.

The Lord is very specific when He teaches exactly how that will be achieved. He answered that question Himself in the preface of the Doctrine and Covenants, or Section 1.

A "preface" typically outlines what the rest of the book is about, and in His perfect way the Lord does exactly that. He outlines beautifully who the book is for, what is contained in the book itself, and the reason that He is giving the information in the book to His people.

Who is the book for?

"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated."

Clearly the book is for all people everywhere. It is for everyone.

What is the reason for the book?
Furthermore, it is explained that there are several reasons why the book is to be compiled.
Among them is simply that of preparation, for He is coming again.
"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;"

Part of that preparation comes about by listening to His appointed servants, mainly His prophets and apostles. This may be one of the first and most important steps in living the kind of life that is needed to prepare for "eternal life."

Another reason the Lord needed to reiterate His instructions to His people is related by this verses:
15 For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;
16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.

I personally think that this is precisely the description of the world we live in today or modern day Babylon, don't you?

Now for the exact reason he decided to give us the blessing of this added book of scripture...
"Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;"

Calamities are surrounding us, but the biggest one would be that of forgetting the first commandment, to love the Lord thy God and to remember the covenants He has made with His children.

The biggest reason for this added scripture is so that weak things will break down the mighty and strong, faith will increase, every man might speak in His name, his "everlasting covenant" might be established, and the "fulness of his gospel" might be exclaimed.

So what exactly is His "everlasting covenant?"
It is, simply stated, "I will be your God, and you will be my people".

This is what it will take to have eternal life...this is the main condition set by the Lord himself. But what does this really mean though?

It means that you will do everything he says, be everything he requires and love Him unconditionally.

How can you do that?

By listening to His appointed servants, mainly His prophets and apostles. It is really one Eternal Round!

Now what is the second part all about, the "fulness of His Gospel"?
It is referring to the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ as preached to the earth from the beginning of time.

It involves the restoration of His "ordinances" that are required for admittance into His presence.

The Doctrine and Covenants is an instruction book of these required ordinances, the first one being Baptism and receiving the Gift of The Holy Ghost. He instructs that repentance and living His commandments (one of them being baptism), will give one the light from the Spirit which is available to "all flesh". Upon reception of the Holy Ghost, he will instruct you by his spirit all things which you must do.
Finally, he gives added instruction and testimony:
37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

In perfect fairness, the same thing is required of all men everywhere, and he "excuses even not himself" from this path or way to return back to be in the presence of the Father. The path is perfect, fixed, set, and immovable.

So if you think that by "grace" you may be the exception to the rule, perhaps a study of law must be further discussed.
The Doctrine and Covenants outlines beautifully what is required to return to our Father in Heaven. Now all we have to do is "learn and do" or "search and apply" that which is written.