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?

My Favorite LDS General Conference Talk

I loved General Conference this past weekend. I think that if I had to pick a favorite talk it would be from the Sunday afternoon session given by Elder David A. Bednar. I can’t wait to get the written copy of it so that I can study it further. Until then, enjoy this talk by him as well.

Perhaps it is because of the affinity I feel for Elder Bednar, but I really don’t think so... his talk just really did it for me.

What did it for you this conference?

The Armor of God- Doctrine and Covenants Section 27

The third portion of Section 27 in the Doctrine and Covenants is the direction given to prepare those who desire to be present at the “last great Sacrament meeting”. It is familiarly known as the instruction to “put on the armor of God.”

What can qualify one to be there?

The instructive verse in Section 27 that states, “And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world”, is given as a qualifier for attendance in addition to those who hold specific keys.

I refer to John as he records the Intercessory prayer once again:

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

This verse is in reference to His twelve apostles, but he further adds:

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Not only the “keyholders” that are given to Him will be eligible to attend, but also those who believe in Him through their words are eligible, if they are prepared. To become prepared they must have put on the “Armor of God.”

May I suggest an incredible talk called, The Whole Armor of God by Rex C. Reeve which was given as a fireside address at Brigham Young University in 1982. Elder Reeve expounds on the significance of the pieces of armor and what they might represent in our preparation to remain worthy and eligible to stand the day.

If you missed my previous post on The Temple Garment: “An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment”, go back and read that as well.

We must be not only dressed in the “Armor of God”, but we must be adorned in the “Robes of Righteousness” too. To be properly dressed for the occasion is of necessity.

Matthew 22: 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 ¶ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Be one who chooses to be chosen.

Don’t forget another good way to prepare......

The Last Great Sacrament Meeting- Doctrine and Covenants Section 27

Yesterday I posted my thoughts about the first part of Section 27, The Purpose of the Sacrament, so today I will continue on with the second part, The Last Great Sacrament Meeting.

Prior to the suffering of the Savior in Gethsemane, and His death upon the cross He met with His twelve disciples to instruct them regarding the ordinance of the Sacrament. In Matthew 26 we read:

JST Matthew 26:26 ¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, band blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall come and drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

In verse 29 the Savior references a future time when He will once again partake of the Sacrament with them, but it will not be until He “shall come and drink it new” in His Father’s kingdom. This reference, though seemingly rather cryptic to those He was with, can be better understood today because of continued revelation.

Look for what is meant by “His Father’s Kingdom.”

D&C 27: 4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made anew among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.

5 Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, ...

This “kingdom” Christ refers to is literally that, it is the Kingdom of God, a pure Theocratic form of government which will be upon the earth when Christ returns as “king of kings.” The ordinance of the Sacrament will be shared once again with those who will be a part of this kingdom. I can visualize this last great Sacrament meeting, as a political convention, as well as, a church event. It will be the ultimate combination of “church and state.” It will be one in which Christ will take the helm as both “King and Priest.” This great event will take place at the Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, which is located in Daviess County, Missouri.

Some back ground on this location can be found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:

D&C 107:53 Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.

54 And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel.

55 And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever.

56 And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation; and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation.

This event, in which Adam introduced his posterity back into the presence of the Lord, was also one where Adam assigned keys to those who would carry forth the work. One might picture this as a very formal Priesthood Executive Committee meeting, where everyone received their assignment to do the work. The Last Great Sacrament Meeting will be the bookend of this meeting, or the return and report meeting. It is here that all “keyholders” will return their keys to Adam, who will then return them back to Jesus Christ showing their support and allegiance to Him as both their political and religious leader.

Who will be there and why?

• Moroni- Key holder to the record of the stick of Ephraim
• Elias- (which this time is Noah or Gabriel)- Keys to the restoration of all things
• John the Baptist- Keys to the Aaronic Priesthood
• Elijah- Keys to the sealing power
• Joseph, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham- Representatives of the Abrahamic Covenant or Patriarchal line
• Adam- Father of all, Prince of all
• Peter, James, and John- Apostolic Keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

AND

27:14 And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world.

Will you be there?

The Purpose of the Sacrament- Doctrine and Covenants Section 27 (1)

Section 27 in the Doctrine and Covenants is all about the Sacrament.

Historically, Emma Smith and a few others had been baptized about two months previous to this revelation. The baptism was cut short because of mob violence and they had not, however, been privileged to receive the Holy Ghost or partake of the “emblems of the Sacrament.” Joseph had been arrested and spent some time in jail and did not have another opportunity until this point to confirm these individuals, including Emma, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As the saints went about to procure some wine to participate in the ordinance of the Sacrament, the Lord revealed some beautiful doctrine regarding the Sacrament itself, and some information about the “last great Sacrament meeting” to come.

Section 27 could be divided into three main parts or principles:

• The purpose of the Sacrament.
• The last great Sacrament meeting.
• How you can be there.

The purpose of the Sacrament.

Verses 1-4

Look for the most important thing you can do when you partake of the Sacrament.

1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful.

2 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.

3 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies;

4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made anew among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.

What do you think “His Glory” is referring to?

The apostle John recorded the Saviors words as He uttered the beautiful Intercessory Prayer just prior to His experience in Gethsemane. It is here that He speaks at length on “glory”.

John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

How can you make sure when you partake of the Sacrament you are doing so with an “eye single to His glory”?

The Savior wanted His saints to understand that what the Sacrament emblems consisted of was of less importance than the condition of the heart of the partaker. (For example, in war torn Germany they used potato skins instead of bread because of the shortage of bread.) The importance of the Sacrament is clearly felt by the individual’s preparation, not what he actually eats and drinks.

If one could visualize the Sacrament table as the altar, with the Priests of Aaron officiating there, the offering or sacrifice, is the one you bring to the altar. It is an offering of “a broken heart and contrite spirit” with an “eye single to His glory”. Humility, repentance, and gratitude are just a few of the conditions that are necessary to partake of the Sacrament properly. Only then is your offering truly an offering in righteousness.

The Sacramental offering you bring to the Altar is similar to the offering the Priest made on the Day of Atonement. It was a double offering, consisting of a “goat” and a “scape goat”. The Children of Israel placed their hands on one of the goats, symbolic of the transference of sin onto the animal, and that goat was allowed to go free. The other goat was the one offered upon the altar for the actual remission of their sins. You bring your offering, which is not a “perfect” offering so it is allowed to be set free, that is replaced with the perfect offering of Jesus Christ, or the emblems of his Atonement. The Sacrament is a beautiful illustration of both justice and mercy.

The actual substance that you take into your body is not as important as what you purge out. What you take into your body is the Atonement of Jesus Christ which is the most important aspect of understanding the Sacrament. For it is “His work and His glory to bring to pass the immortality and Eternal life of man.”

Do you really think about what you are bringing to the altar each time you partake?

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?

Sarah, A Woman of Sacrifice

We are reminded all the time of the sacrifice of Abraham and his willingness to be obedient to the Lord, but in remembering him we must remember his wife Sarah also. Sarah's life is one of sacrifice; it was filled with continual tests or trials, which as she proved faithful and obedient, resulted in blessings without number.

The first sacrifice Sarah faced required her to leave her home and family and “cleave” unto her husband, as they both left the familiar surroundings of Ur, to travel by faith to an unknown land. Arriving in the land of Canaan during a time of great famine, they were then required to journey onward still into Egypt for sustenance. Before they were to enter into the area of Egypt, Sarah was instructed that it would be safer for Abraham if she relinquished her title as wife, and become a sister to him to save him from death.

Sarah’s willingness to sacrifice even her precious virtue to Pharaoh if need be, so that Abraham could live, served as an example of consecration in marriage in the fullest sense. She was blessed for her obedience as she was allowed to leave Egypt with her husband with her virtue unscathed. In fact, she and Abraham left Egypt with far more substance than they had when they arrived; they received riches, through the Lord, in abundance from Pharaoh himself.

The Lord had covenanted with Abraham and promised him that through his lineage would continue a “royal priesthood”, and that his posterity would be “as numerous as the sands of the seashore.” Yet, after 24 years of marriage, Abraham still had no seed by Sarah. At the age of seventy-five, knowing that the years of her child bearing possibilities had passed, Sarah learned another great lesson of sacrifice. Putting her heart on the altar she submitted her will in offering her handmaid Hagar as another in her stead, to fulfill the promise of an heir to Abraham, made by the Lord. Because of her willingness to consecrate her all, this time to the Lord, she was blessed with the miracle birth of Isaac.

It is evident that Sarah became a great “mother of nations” as we come to know the character of Isaac himself, more fully through the experience he has with Abraham and his willingness to become the sacrifice to the Lord. Isaac’s unquestioning submission to the will of both his earthly father, and his Heavenly Father, confirms the fact that Sarah had taught him the ways of the Lord. He knew and understood the importance of the law of sacrifice, which Sarah had a firm testimony of herself. That testimony of sacrifice entitled her to the same blessings as Abraham in the eternities to come.

The fullness of glory is given to Sarah as Abraham becomes “a covering of the eyes” or a veil for her. This beautiful honor of a veiled faced showed that Sarah was given a place in the kingdom, not only of the earth but of heaven too. Abraham's blessing of priesthood, posterity, and a land inheritance was to be shared equally with this beautiful woman, Sarah.