"Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23).
The Hebrew word for bosom cheyq includes the arms as well as the breast and suggests an embrace. The Hebrew root means to enclose. The beloved disciple receives an embrace from the Savior. John does not name himself here as is often the case. That's because this is not meant to be an experience unique to John. Rather it's something we all may someday experience through gospel ordinances.
Remember, the Lord has just washed the feet of His disciples. He then poses the question: "Know ye what I have done to you?" I strongly feel this is much more than merely setting an example of serving one another (although it's a good start). These ordinances of the gospel allow us to feel the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Through gospel ordinances "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15).
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
John 7: "Out of His Belly"
The Savior takes advantage of the two biggest ceremonies of The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): the water libation on the altar creating a river of water running down the steps of the temple and the golden candelabra lighting the streets of Jerusalem.
He stands and declares, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). The Greek word for belly here is koilia and is the same word used in John 3 for womb. Lost in the translation is the fact that the pronoun his is reflexive and refers to the previous pronoun me. Thus, it's likely the Savior's belly (or womb) and not the believer spoken of.
This image of watery Spirit clarified in the next verse, running out of the Savior's belly, or womb, is a clear representation of spiritual rebirth, or being born of the Spirit. The detailed explanation can be found in the Book of Mormon:
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you" (Mosiah 5:7).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: A Christ-centered life will allow each of us to become a spiritually begotten son or daughter of God.
He stands and declares, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). The Greek word for belly here is koilia and is the same word used in John 3 for womb. Lost in the translation is the fact that the pronoun his is reflexive and refers to the previous pronoun me. Thus, it's likely the Savior's belly (or womb) and not the believer spoken of.
This image of watery Spirit clarified in the next verse, running out of the Savior's belly, or womb, is a clear representation of spiritual rebirth, or being born of the Spirit. The detailed explanation can be found in the Book of Mormon:
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you" (Mosiah 5:7).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: A Christ-centered life will allow each of us to become a spiritually begotten son or daughter of God.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
John 5: Fun With Equations
The Pool of Bethesda story in John 5 is loaded with symbols. I'll let you do the math. You can read the story and plug in the equations. Here are some equations.
1. Bethesda equals "house of mercy."
2. The number five (as in five porches) also equals mercy. Remember when Joseph meets his brothers in Egypt, Benjamin's meal is five times greater than the others and he gets five changes of raiment (Gen. 43:34, 45:22).
3. The "moving of the water" equals Jehovah creating the world as “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2).
4. Miracles in John always equal the Greek word “semeion” meaning a sign or token. They are signs of who the Savior really is.
5. Thirty eight years (as in the length of the man's infirmity who is lying by the pool) equals the duration of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness (see Deuteronomy 2:14). This number usually gets rounded to 40 but accurate math will help in solving this equation. 38 years also equals the span of the Prophet Joseph Smith's mortal life.
6. Wandering in the wilderness equals wandering in mortal life. You can visit Alma 37:42-45 for an example of this. You can get lost in either place.
7. Your chances of beating your neighbor to the healing waters DOES NOT equate to mercy. Rather, it's more like Survivor with the fastest and most athletic team winning the prize.
8. Acts violating the Sabbath (like taking up your bed and carrying it) equal the death penalty. Yes, the Savior asks this man to commit a capital offense. (See Exodus 35:2).
After solving the equation you may ask yourself the following questions:
Really, who is it lying by the pool?
Where does my faith lie? (Or who do I trust?).
Do I courageously accept His invitation to "Come follow me?"
Do I follow promptings from the Spirit even when it doesn't seem to make sense.
Where would I be without my Savior?
1. Bethesda equals "house of mercy."
2. The number five (as in five porches) also equals mercy. Remember when Joseph meets his brothers in Egypt, Benjamin's meal is five times greater than the others and he gets five changes of raiment (Gen. 43:34, 45:22).
3. The "moving of the water" equals Jehovah creating the world as “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2).
4. Miracles in John always equal the Greek word “semeion” meaning a sign or token. They are signs of who the Savior really is.
5. Thirty eight years (as in the length of the man's infirmity who is lying by the pool) equals the duration of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness (see Deuteronomy 2:14). This number usually gets rounded to 40 but accurate math will help in solving this equation. 38 years also equals the span of the Prophet Joseph Smith's mortal life.
6. Wandering in the wilderness equals wandering in mortal life. You can visit Alma 37:42-45 for an example of this. You can get lost in either place.
7. Your chances of beating your neighbor to the healing waters DOES NOT equate to mercy. Rather, it's more like Survivor with the fastest and most athletic team winning the prize.
8. Acts violating the Sabbath (like taking up your bed and carrying it) equal the death penalty. Yes, the Savior asks this man to commit a capital offense. (See Exodus 35:2).
After solving the equation you may ask yourself the following questions:
Really, who is it lying by the pool?
Where does my faith lie? (Or who do I trust?).
Do I courageously accept His invitation to "Come follow me?"
Do I follow promptings from the Spirit even when it doesn't seem to make sense.
Where would I be without my Savior?
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
The Samaritan Story: His Grace and Second Coming
"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee" (Luke 10:35).
The Savior promises He will come again, and then gives the host a blank check, showing His Atonement transcends and covers all costs. It's infinite! When He comes again He will well compensate those who choose to follow Him for "His reward is with Him (Isaiah 40:10).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: His grace is always sufficient.
The Savior promises He will come again, and then gives the host a blank check, showing His Atonement transcends and covers all costs. It's infinite! When He comes again He will well compensate those who choose to follow Him for "His reward is with Him (Isaiah 40:10).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: His grace is always sufficient.
Monday, March 25, 2019
The Samaritan Story: The Atonement
"And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him" (Luke 10:34).
We recognize Him as our Savior from the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah: "He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:1). The healing balm is oil, pressed from the great oil press of Gethsemane--a name originating from two Hebrew words, gath (meaning a press) and shemen (meaning oil). The wine is a sacramental offering of His blood.
And He set him on "his own beast," representing His mortal body in Gethsemane and on the cross. I believe that one by one, each of us entered through the veil of His flesh (see Hebrews 10:20) as He "carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4).
Then He brought the man to an inn, His Church, where he would get needed care.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: My Savior Jesus Christ knows the weakness of my flesh. As a recovering alcoholic and addict, His grace has carried me through rough times and with His help I can overcome all things.
We recognize Him as our Savior from the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah: "He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:1). The healing balm is oil, pressed from the great oil press of Gethsemane--a name originating from two Hebrew words, gath (meaning a press) and shemen (meaning oil). The wine is a sacramental offering of His blood.
And He set him on "his own beast," representing His mortal body in Gethsemane and on the cross. I believe that one by one, each of us entered through the veil of His flesh (see Hebrews 10:20) as He "carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4).
Then He brought the man to an inn, His Church, where he would get needed care.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: My Savior Jesus Christ knows the weakness of my flesh. As a recovering alcoholic and addict, His grace has carried me through rough times and with His help I can overcome all things.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:33
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him" (Luke 10:33).
We can know as we make our journey in life that Jesus can come to our aid. The "certain" Samaritan is a type of Jesus Christ. The Samaritans were part Israelite and part Gentile. In Old Testament times the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and other places and repopulated Samaria (see 2 Kings 17:24). But not all of the original Samaritans left the area and those who stayed behind intermarried with these outsiders, so the Samaritans became a mixture.
Jesus was also of mixed lineage in a unique way. His father was God the Father and His mother was Mary. He inherited mortality from His mother and immortality from His Father. The Jews despised the Samaritans and Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11).
The Samaritan in the parable comes right to the place where the man lay and had compassion on him. The Greek word for compassion (splagchnizomai) means to be torn in the gut. Indeed, His bowels are filled with mercy (see Alma 7:12).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: I never have to be alone.
We can know as we make our journey in life that Jesus can come to our aid. The "certain" Samaritan is a type of Jesus Christ. The Samaritans were part Israelite and part Gentile. In Old Testament times the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and other places and repopulated Samaria (see 2 Kings 17:24). But not all of the original Samaritans left the area and those who stayed behind intermarried with these outsiders, so the Samaritans became a mixture.
Jesus was also of mixed lineage in a unique way. His father was God the Father and His mother was Mary. He inherited mortality from His mother and immortality from His Father. The Jews despised the Samaritans and Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11).
The Samaritan in the parable comes right to the place where the man lay and had compassion on him. The Greek word for compassion (splagchnizomai) means to be torn in the gut. Indeed, His bowels are filled with mercy (see Alma 7:12).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: I never have to be alone.
Monday, March 18, 2019
The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:31-32
"And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
"And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side" (Luke 10:31-32).
This was a certain priest indeed. It would be the high priest of the Aaronic order, and he will come to make his offering annually on Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement. He will enter into the Holy of Holies all alone as a foreshadowing of the Savior's Atonement in Gethsemane (See Leviticus 16:17). And "likewise the Levite, when he was at the place," meaning the holy place or temple. The priest will make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel.
But let's not get too critical of what looks like apathy on the surface. The priest is doing the best he can on this symbolic day. Yet he can only imagine and guess at your infirmities, trials, and pains. He sees your difficulties and mine from the other side of the street, and passes by on the other side.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Even when others don't understand my daily trials, my Savior Jesus Christ knows and understands perfectly.
"And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side" (Luke 10:31-32).
This was a certain priest indeed. It would be the high priest of the Aaronic order, and he will come to make his offering annually on Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement. He will enter into the Holy of Holies all alone as a foreshadowing of the Savior's Atonement in Gethsemane (See Leviticus 16:17). And "likewise the Levite, when he was at the place," meaning the holy place or temple. The priest will make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel.
But let's not get too critical of what looks like apathy on the surface. The priest is doing the best he can on this symbolic day. Yet he can only imagine and guess at your infirmities, trials, and pains. He sees your difficulties and mine from the other side of the street, and passes by on the other side.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Even when others don't understand my daily trials, my Savior Jesus Christ knows and understands perfectly.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:30
"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead" (Luke 10:30).
On one symbolic level, the "certain man" was Adam. His name means man or mankind. Since it's Adam, who is a type for all mankind, it's all of us on this journey from Jerusalem to Jericho, a descent of 3,300 feet.
And in case we didn't see that this was about the Fall, the text reminds us that he "fell" among thieves. The thieves are Satan and his followers. Satan doesn't want our gold, precious goods, or money. He wants to take something else.
The phrase "stripped him of his raiment" is summarized in one Greek word "ekduo," which means to sink out of a garment or be divested of sacred clothing. It's about covenant making. It's the opposite of the Greek word "enduo" where we get the English word endowment. Enduo means to sink into a garment or be invested in sacred clothing. That's what Satan and his followers want to strip you of.
After the Fall and Satan departs, you and I are left in a fallen world and comparatively with our first estate, we are left wounded and "half dead." Yes, we are still physically alive, at least for our mortal existence, but we are spiritually dead by being shut out of the presence of God (see Moses 5:4).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Since I am subject to the Fall I cannot merit anything of myself (see Alma 22:14).
Sunday, March 10, 2019
The Hygienic Cure
This week's study from "Come Follow Me" led me to ponder and view two of the Savior's miracles in a new light. There is a common thread in the healing of the paralytic and the woman with the issue of blood.
He addresses both of them as His children in a sense by calling the paralytic "son" and the woman "daughter" (Matthew 9:2; Mark 5:34). This can only happen in a literal sense as we make and keep covenants and become "spiritually begotten" and "born of Him" (see Mosiah 5:7).
This verse in the Book of Mormon brings up the second aspect of these two miracles as it speaks of a "change of heart" through "faith on His name."
They have to break down the roof in order to get this man in close proximity to the Savior. And certainly this man is a prime candidate for a physical healing. Then Jesus says, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2). In previous readings I always thought this is not what the crowd came for! But through the Spirit, I just wanted this time to be a fly on the wall and listen to the paralytic's prayer that morning. Maybe it went something like, "Please Lord, I can deal with my disability, but this guilt is eating me alive!" We really don't know. The scriptures don't tell us.
We are given better insight into the woman with the issue of blood. She had been battling this problem for 12 years. She thinks if she can just get close enough to touch the border or "wing" of the prayer shawl hanging over His shoulders, then she might be healed. Ironically, the tassels hanging from this piece of apparel would be tied in knots to represent the 613 tenants of the Law of Moses--a list way too long to keep with perfection.
The Savior says, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" (Mark 5:34).
Here we encounter a rather sloppy King James translation. The first "whole" and the second "whole" (no, this isn't golf) are not the same. The first "whole" is the Greek word "sozo" and it means to save. This should be translated as "thy faith hath saved thee." The second "whole" is the Greek word "hygies," where we get the English word "hygiene" or good health. It probably should read, "My daughter, your faith has saved you. Go your way and be of good health."
PERSONAL APPLICATIONS:
1. Are my personal prayers getting through the roof?
2. Is my faith diminished when I don't get what I ask for in my morning laundry list?
3. Am I seeking real salvation and a change of heart or just good hygiene?
He addresses both of them as His children in a sense by calling the paralytic "son" and the woman "daughter" (Matthew 9:2; Mark 5:34). This can only happen in a literal sense as we make and keep covenants and become "spiritually begotten" and "born of Him" (see Mosiah 5:7).
This verse in the Book of Mormon brings up the second aspect of these two miracles as it speaks of a "change of heart" through "faith on His name."
They have to break down the roof in order to get this man in close proximity to the Savior. And certainly this man is a prime candidate for a physical healing. Then Jesus says, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2). In previous readings I always thought this is not what the crowd came for! But through the Spirit, I just wanted this time to be a fly on the wall and listen to the paralytic's prayer that morning. Maybe it went something like, "Please Lord, I can deal with my disability, but this guilt is eating me alive!" We really don't know. The scriptures don't tell us.
We are given better insight into the woman with the issue of blood. She had been battling this problem for 12 years. She thinks if she can just get close enough to touch the border or "wing" of the prayer shawl hanging over His shoulders, then she might be healed. Ironically, the tassels hanging from this piece of apparel would be tied in knots to represent the 613 tenants of the Law of Moses--a list way too long to keep with perfection.
The Savior says, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" (Mark 5:34).
Here we encounter a rather sloppy King James translation. The first "whole" and the second "whole" (no, this isn't golf) are not the same. The first "whole" is the Greek word "sozo" and it means to save. This should be translated as "thy faith hath saved thee." The second "whole" is the Greek word "hygies," where we get the English word "hygiene" or good health. It probably should read, "My daughter, your faith has saved you. Go your way and be of good health."
PERSONAL APPLICATIONS:
1. Are my personal prayers getting through the roof?
2. Is my faith diminished when I don't get what I ask for in my morning laundry list?
3. Am I seeking real salvation and a change of heart or just good hygiene?
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Matthew 6: "Consider the Lilies of the Field"
The Savior speaks of the growth and raiment of "the lilies of the field." The word raiment is translated from "endyma" where we get the word "endowment." Jesus said, "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29).
Could the Lord be speaking of Solomon's Temple and its lily work on the tops of the pillars in the porch of the temple, and the "molten sea" with lilies around the brim? (1 Kings 7:22-26). The symbolism of lilies here seems to be associated with covenant making.
A certain website gives some insight into these beautiful flowers.
"History, mythology, literature, poetry and the world of art are rife with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. Dating back to Biblical lore, the lily is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ told his listeners: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet..... Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
"Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope," lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony. Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress." (https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/lily/lily.html).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: What can I do to more fully honor baptismal and temple covenants so the grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can flow into my life, allowing me to grow?
Could the Lord be speaking of Solomon's Temple and its lily work on the tops of the pillars in the porch of the temple, and the "molten sea" with lilies around the brim? (1 Kings 7:22-26). The symbolism of lilies here seems to be associated with covenant making.
A certain website gives some insight into these beautiful flowers.
"History, mythology, literature, poetry and the world of art are rife with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. Dating back to Biblical lore, the lily is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ told his listeners: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet..... Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
"Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope," lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony. Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress." (https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/lily/lily.html).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: What can I do to more fully honor baptismal and temple covenants so the grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can flow into my life, allowing me to grow?
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Matthew 6: The Robe and the Raiment
Jesus invites His disciples to "take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on" (Matthew 6:25). The Greek word for "put on" is enduo, where we get the English word "endowment." Then He mentions raiment twice in the next few verses, which is translated from the Greek word endyma, also related.
When He likens being clothed to the grass of the field and the white-robed lilies, and then says, "Shall he not much more clothe you?" I think He is being serious. Paul would later observe, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Again, "put on" is enduo, which means to invest with clothing. Endyma is the outer garment, or robe, and becomes a symbol of His righteousness.
His invitation is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The robe becomes a symbol.
In the Book of Mormon, Lehi would say to his son Jacob, "Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer" (2 Nephi 2:3). And Jacob would later speak of "being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness" (2 Nephi 9:14).
Really He has quite a bit invested in you and me! After all, it's His skin on the line (see Hebrews 10:20 and Genesis 3:21. Note "skins" here in the original Hebrew is singular).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Is it my first priority to seek after the righteousness only He can give me? Or am I chasing after my own agenda?
When He likens being clothed to the grass of the field and the white-robed lilies, and then says, "Shall he not much more clothe you?" I think He is being serious. Paul would later observe, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Again, "put on" is enduo, which means to invest with clothing. Endyma is the outer garment, or robe, and becomes a symbol of His righteousness.
His invitation is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The robe becomes a symbol.
In the Book of Mormon, Lehi would say to his son Jacob, "Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer" (2 Nephi 2:3). And Jacob would later speak of "being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness" (2 Nephi 9:14).
Really He has quite a bit invested in you and me! After all, it's His skin on the line (see Hebrews 10:20 and Genesis 3:21. Note "skins" here in the original Hebrew is singular).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Is it my first priority to seek after the righteousness only He can give me? Or am I chasing after my own agenda?
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Am I Playing For Second Place?
As I read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, it's time again for one of those heart checkups. Good thing we have a living prophet who also doubles as a heart surgeon! But as I ponder the Beatitudes and all the "Blessed are's," I must admit that being hungry, thirsty, persecuted, poor, and sometimes even meek, were never on my bucket list. Then the Savior approaches His teaching from another angle in Luke 6: "But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." Ouch!! That WAS on my bucket list.
Last time I watched the NCAA Basketball Tournament (which I have to admit has been a few years), the consolation game was NOT what the athletes were playing for.
Another verse might be helpful here:
"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" (Revelation 3:16-18).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: While in my comfort zone of mediocrity I never see my lack. But when I see that spiritually I am poor, wretched, miserable, and blind, I can see my need for my Savior Jesus Christ, allowing His grace to come into my life.
Last time I watched the NCAA Basketball Tournament (which I have to admit has been a few years), the consolation game was NOT what the athletes were playing for.
Another verse might be helpful here:
"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" (Revelation 3:16-18).
PERSONAL APPLICATION: While in my comfort zone of mediocrity I never see my lack. But when I see that spiritually I am poor, wretched, miserable, and blind, I can see my need for my Savior Jesus Christ, allowing His grace to come into my life.
Monday, February 18, 2019
John 2: Women As Partners With the Savior
There are four female references in John chapters 2 and 4. The "beloved disciple" (John) likes to address people (including himself) generically. So at the marriage in Cana "the mother of Jesus" (aka Mary) was there. This generalization becomes a type for all mothers or potential mothers, just like John's reference to himself means that you and I can be beloved disciples, "leaning on Jesus' bosom" (John 13:23) like he did.
The reply of Jesus, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," might sound a bit disrespectful on the surface, but this response too is a type for ALL women, and implies when His hour is come, there will be many women present and participating! (see Matt. 27:55).
A clue may be in those six stone waterpots "after the manner of the purifying of the Jews" (John 2:6). These waterpots were used in the sacrifice of the red heifer in Numbers 19. The ashes of the heifer, a symbol of virginity, were combined with elements of the Atonement of Jesus Christ--namely scarlet (representing the robe given Him), hyssop (used to give Him vinegar during the crucifixion), and cedarwood (likely the cross). Then running water (living water) was put into the stone pots, and what would come out of the pots was used to ritually purify unclean things. The fact that a female animal was the purifying agent, as opposed to other male sacrificial animals, like the paschal lambs, is interesting. The pots could be considered purifying vessels and recalls the reference to Mary as "a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel" (Alma 7:10).
What do the waterpots produce? In Numbers 19, they yield the "waters of separation" that could purity something ritually unclean. In John 2, they yield wine, representing the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all sin and uncleanness.
The story of blood, water, and Spirit continues in John 4 with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well, who is also there to "draw water."
Personal Applications:
1. Are my garments being cleansed daily to become spotless, pure, and white? (Alma 5:24).
2. I should listen to my wife who predicted our new stake president.
The reply of Jesus, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," might sound a bit disrespectful on the surface, but this response too is a type for ALL women, and implies when His hour is come, there will be many women present and participating! (see Matt. 27:55).
A clue may be in those six stone waterpots "after the manner of the purifying of the Jews" (John 2:6). These waterpots were used in the sacrifice of the red heifer in Numbers 19. The ashes of the heifer, a symbol of virginity, were combined with elements of the Atonement of Jesus Christ--namely scarlet (representing the robe given Him), hyssop (used to give Him vinegar during the crucifixion), and cedarwood (likely the cross). Then running water (living water) was put into the stone pots, and what would come out of the pots was used to ritually purify unclean things. The fact that a female animal was the purifying agent, as opposed to other male sacrificial animals, like the paschal lambs, is interesting. The pots could be considered purifying vessels and recalls the reference to Mary as "a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel" (Alma 7:10).
What do the waterpots produce? In Numbers 19, they yield the "waters of separation" that could purity something ritually unclean. In John 2, they yield wine, representing the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all sin and uncleanness.
The story of blood, water, and Spirit continues in John 4 with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well, who is also there to "draw water."
Personal Applications:
1. Are my garments being cleansed daily to become spotless, pure, and white? (Alma 5:24).
2. I should listen to my wife who predicted our new stake president.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
John 2: Water to Wine
There are seven miracles in the Gospel of John. The Greek word for miracles in John is always "semeion," which means sign or token. In the Synoptic Gospels, miracle is usually the Greek word "dynamis," where we get the English word "dynamite." It is used to emphasize power (as in the case of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 where it is translated as "virtue"). So in John the seven miracles are seven signs bearing pure testimony of who the Savior really is.
Water, in this case, symbolizes spirit or divinity. Water's flowing, transparent, and refreshing qualities make it a perfect symbol for spirit. Wine in the Old Testament was used in the meat offerings (should be translated as "meal offerings") and drink offerings. (see Lev. 23:13) and symbolized blood.
In this case, the miracle of water to wine represents Jehovah as the Father of the Plan (Logos) and His condescension to become Jesus Christ (the Son--see Ether 3:14 where Jesus calls Himself the Father and the Son). Water as spirit element converting to wine as a symbol of blood is a testimony of Jehovah coming to earth as Jesus Christ so His "bowels can be filled with mercy according to the flesh" (Alma 7:12). Or in John's words, "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14).
Personal application: I can overcome my sins, pains, addictions, heartaches, disappointment, and anything else through the grace, mercy, and merits of Jesus Christ.
Water, in this case, symbolizes spirit or divinity. Water's flowing, transparent, and refreshing qualities make it a perfect symbol for spirit. Wine in the Old Testament was used in the meat offerings (should be translated as "meal offerings") and drink offerings. (see Lev. 23:13) and symbolized blood.
In this case, the miracle of water to wine represents Jehovah as the Father of the Plan (Logos) and His condescension to become Jesus Christ (the Son--see Ether 3:14 where Jesus calls Himself the Father and the Son). Water as spirit element converting to wine as a symbol of blood is a testimony of Jehovah coming to earth as Jesus Christ so His "bowels can be filled with mercy according to the flesh" (Alma 7:12). Or in John's words, "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14).
Personal application: I can overcome my sins, pains, addictions, heartaches, disappointment, and anything else through the grace, mercy, and merits of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Beloved Disciple (John 1): The Logos Song
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
The Greek word for "Word" in this passage is "logos," and is the origin of English words such as biology, ecology, psychology, and all words ending in "logy." It is also the origin of the word logic. The essence of "logos" is the foundation of all reason. It is the study, logic, and meaning behind our existence.
"A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe." (Strong's Bible Concordance)
As I study this, my favorite Gospel, I often reflect on how life would be without my Savior, Jesus Christ. Would my life make any sense? How would I survive a mortal and mundane experience? How do I trust His plan even when "the darkness comprehends it not?" (John 1:5)
Trusting in Him is the logical thing to do!
The Greek word for "Word" in this passage is "logos," and is the origin of English words such as biology, ecology, psychology, and all words ending in "logy." It is also the origin of the word logic. The essence of "logos" is the foundation of all reason. It is the study, logic, and meaning behind our existence.
"A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe." (Strong's Bible Concordance)
As I study this, my favorite Gospel, I often reflect on how life would be without my Savior, Jesus Christ. Would my life make any sense? How would I survive a mortal and mundane experience? How do I trust His plan even when "the darkness comprehends it not?" (John 1:5)
Trusting in Him is the logical thing to do!
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Addiction Imagery in King Noah's Court
The entire Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon deals with addiction and recovery, and we see a prime example in King Noah and his priests. The cycle of addiction begins with an "over-zealous" father (see Mosiah 7:21; 9:3) producing a rebellious son. I have listened to many an addict describe an over-zealous, fanatical style of parenting, and its contribution to rebellious, addicted children.
King Noah was a "wine-bibber" who "spent his time in riotous living" (Mosiah 11:14-15). I guess this was the politically correct term for alcoholic in his day. The reader is given a clue to the root of addiction as "he did walk after the desires of his own heart" (Mosiah 11:2). The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous would call this "self-will run riot."
We see the addiction progress as partying and reveling are replaced by the hallmark signs of advanced addiction. Let's examine the imagery later on.
"having searched in vain" (Mosiah 19:1)
Thankfully, one of King Noah's priests was paying attention to Abinadi, who comes to warn them of the inevitable bondage soon to occur. Alma was convinced of the words of Abinadi and flees into the wilderness, writes down the teachings of Abinadi, and goes about privately teaching the people until he has established a group of 450 followers (see Mosiah 18:35). Noah, enraged by this, sends an army after Alma and his followers, but "the army of the king returned, having searched in vain for the people of the Lord" (Mosiah 19:1).
As practicing addicts, our vain imagination and vain search of things to fill the empty place in the midst of our souls, lead us to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, and many other things, only to leave us hungrier, thirstier, and more in desperate want. In Twelve Step recovery this is often called "The God Hole." It is the emptiness only God can fill, while the depleted addict searches in vain.
"the forces of the king were small, having been reduced" (Mosiah 19:2)
In the beginning, alcohol was my liquid bravado. But over many years of hard drinking, the tables were turned, as it sapped my energy, depleted my drive, and just plain out made me sick and tired. I became unproductive and unmotivated, feeling a sense of defeat. I became "powerless over alcohol," having been reduced to a dependent drunk.
"there began to be a division" (Mosiah 19:2)
As addicts, we feel isolated from family, friends, and society. But it's almost like there's a division of the inner self. My body only craved my next fix, but my spirit held loftier aspirations. Alma would have a son (Alma the Younger) who expressed the turning point in his life by saying, "Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there" (Alma 36:22).
I have friends in recovery who have been spiritually starved. Now they can't get enough of the temple, enough of the scriptures, and enough of the gospel in their lives. But they do get filled up!
"And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings . . . and there began to be a great contention" (Mosiah 19:3)
There's not a more selfish creature than the practicing addict. (Just ask my sweet wife.) The Big Book says we are like the director of a play, trying to control and manipulate the actors on the stage of life. We will stoop to begging, threatening, extortion, and any form of manipulation and control--just to get our way. I have heard it said in AA, "Alcoholics don't have relationships, they just take hostages."
Contention is the result and the addict runs to his "drug of choice" to hide.
"swore in his wrath" (Mosiah 19:4)
The contention breeds wrath. In this Book of Mormon account, a righteous man named Gideon (his name means warrior or "one who cuts down") draws his sword on the king and swears in his wrath to slay him. But the anger cuts both ways. I remember my addiction robbing me of all the good emotions, but leaving fear, anger, and shame as my driving forces in life--not a good combination.
"when the king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran" (Mosiah 19:5)
We run away from anything challenging in life, however major or minor. In times of crisis, instead of turning to the Lord, we run to our drug of choice in an attempt to flee life.
"cried out in the anguish of his soul"
This can be the turning point in recovery, as we cry out to God for help. Unfortunately in my case, I had to play a few games of "Let's Make A Deal" first as I pleaded with God to spare my life (what was left of it) and in exchange I would quit drinking. But then I remembered the truth of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as he said, "You can't pray a lie."
"the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life" (Mosiah 19:8)
It's never about others. It's only about me. I once heard a wise friend in AA describe his spiritual growth in this way. I will call him "John" to protect his anonymity. He said something like, "Back in my drinking days I could only think about John. Now after many years of recovery, I can actually stop and think about what's best for my wife or my daughter, and I can do this for about three or four minutes. Then I have to start thinking about John again."
Alcoholism is a deadly disease. But it's not really the alcohol. It's the "ism" at the end of the word that gets us. It stands for "I, Self, Me."
"men should leave their wives and their children, and flee" (Mosiah 19:11)
This is what King Noah commanded his men to do. But it's also what the voices inside our heads tell us to do, whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. The result is broken families, destroyed marriages, and torn relationships. It's a good thing Twelve Step recovery also has family support meetings to heal relationships.
"their fair daughters should stand forth and plead" (Mosiah 19:13)
Relationships become codependent. Often it is a spouse who feels a need to cover up or make excuses for the addict. I know of some who have called in sick on behalf of a spouse to preserve their jobs.
"spare their lives, and took them captives" (Mosiah 19:15)
Some are not so lucky. Some go into captivity and lose their lives. I remember my first Wednesday Night Old Timers Meeting as I looked at Step Three: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." That was the last thing I wanted to do. Yet I really didn't have much of a life to give up. This ended up being the best decision I ever made, and I have to keep making it every day.
My Savior Jesus Christ gives me "newness of life" (see Romans 6:4).
"into the wilderness secretly" (Mosiah 19:18)
As we run to our drugs of choice, the secret wilderness carries us to shameful places and the darkest corners of the Internet. In AA we say, "You are only as sick as your secrets." I think the Big Book Chapter 5 entitled "How It Works" mentions honesty three times.
"they would seek revenge, and also perish with them" (Mosiah 19:19)
Addiction makes us vengeful and bitter with anyone who stands in the way. But it's a deadly game. I have seen many friends, both inside and outside of recovery, who have perished. It's so sad.
"caused that he should suffer, even unto death" (Mosiah 19:20)
Like many addicts, King Noah suffers death. And there is much suffering leading up to the final scene. But it doesn't have to end this way. You're probably sick of AA adages by now, but here's a final one. Alcoholism and addiction are like riding an elevator. You can get off at any floor. You don't have to hit rock bottom, although most of us do.
"made oath unto the King"
As sad as this story is, it doesn't have to end this way. There is recovery. I have taken the liberty to capitalize "King" and change the story. You really can make covenants with the King of kings, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In another Book of Mormon story an earthly king speaks for a Heavenly King as he proclaims,
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
"And under this head ye are made free" (Mosiah 5:7-8).
It's a sweet deal. "Let go and let God."
King Noah was a "wine-bibber" who "spent his time in riotous living" (Mosiah 11:14-15). I guess this was the politically correct term for alcoholic in his day. The reader is given a clue to the root of addiction as "he did walk after the desires of his own heart" (Mosiah 11:2). The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous would call this "self-will run riot."
We see the addiction progress as partying and reveling are replaced by the hallmark signs of advanced addiction. Let's examine the imagery later on.
"having searched in vain" (Mosiah 19:1)
Thankfully, one of King Noah's priests was paying attention to Abinadi, who comes to warn them of the inevitable bondage soon to occur. Alma was convinced of the words of Abinadi and flees into the wilderness, writes down the teachings of Abinadi, and goes about privately teaching the people until he has established a group of 450 followers (see Mosiah 18:35). Noah, enraged by this, sends an army after Alma and his followers, but "the army of the king returned, having searched in vain for the people of the Lord" (Mosiah 19:1).
As practicing addicts, our vain imagination and vain search of things to fill the empty place in the midst of our souls, lead us to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, and many other things, only to leave us hungrier, thirstier, and more in desperate want. In Twelve Step recovery this is often called "The God Hole." It is the emptiness only God can fill, while the depleted addict searches in vain.
"the forces of the king were small, having been reduced" (Mosiah 19:2)
In the beginning, alcohol was my liquid bravado. But over many years of hard drinking, the tables were turned, as it sapped my energy, depleted my drive, and just plain out made me sick and tired. I became unproductive and unmotivated, feeling a sense of defeat. I became "powerless over alcohol," having been reduced to a dependent drunk.
"there began to be a division" (Mosiah 19:2)
As addicts, we feel isolated from family, friends, and society. But it's almost like there's a division of the inner self. My body only craved my next fix, but my spirit held loftier aspirations. Alma would have a son (Alma the Younger) who expressed the turning point in his life by saying, "Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there" (Alma 36:22).
I have friends in recovery who have been spiritually starved. Now they can't get enough of the temple, enough of the scriptures, and enough of the gospel in their lives. But they do get filled up!
"And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings . . . and there began to be a great contention" (Mosiah 19:3)
There's not a more selfish creature than the practicing addict. (Just ask my sweet wife.) The Big Book says we are like the director of a play, trying to control and manipulate the actors on the stage of life. We will stoop to begging, threatening, extortion, and any form of manipulation and control--just to get our way. I have heard it said in AA, "Alcoholics don't have relationships, they just take hostages."
Contention is the result and the addict runs to his "drug of choice" to hide.
"swore in his wrath" (Mosiah 19:4)
The contention breeds wrath. In this Book of Mormon account, a righteous man named Gideon (his name means warrior or "one who cuts down") draws his sword on the king and swears in his wrath to slay him. But the anger cuts both ways. I remember my addiction robbing me of all the good emotions, but leaving fear, anger, and shame as my driving forces in life--not a good combination.
"when the king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran" (Mosiah 19:5)
We run away from anything challenging in life, however major or minor. In times of crisis, instead of turning to the Lord, we run to our drug of choice in an attempt to flee life.
"cried out in the anguish of his soul"
This can be the turning point in recovery, as we cry out to God for help. Unfortunately in my case, I had to play a few games of "Let's Make A Deal" first as I pleaded with God to spare my life (what was left of it) and in exchange I would quit drinking. But then I remembered the truth of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as he said, "You can't pray a lie."
"the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life" (Mosiah 19:8)
It's never about others. It's only about me. I once heard a wise friend in AA describe his spiritual growth in this way. I will call him "John" to protect his anonymity. He said something like, "Back in my drinking days I could only think about John. Now after many years of recovery, I can actually stop and think about what's best for my wife or my daughter, and I can do this for about three or four minutes. Then I have to start thinking about John again."
Alcoholism is a deadly disease. But it's not really the alcohol. It's the "ism" at the end of the word that gets us. It stands for "I, Self, Me."
"men should leave their wives and their children, and flee" (Mosiah 19:11)
This is what King Noah commanded his men to do. But it's also what the voices inside our heads tell us to do, whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. The result is broken families, destroyed marriages, and torn relationships. It's a good thing Twelve Step recovery also has family support meetings to heal relationships.
"their fair daughters should stand forth and plead" (Mosiah 19:13)
Relationships become codependent. Often it is a spouse who feels a need to cover up or make excuses for the addict. I know of some who have called in sick on behalf of a spouse to preserve their jobs.
"spare their lives, and took them captives" (Mosiah 19:15)
Some are not so lucky. Some go into captivity and lose their lives. I remember my first Wednesday Night Old Timers Meeting as I looked at Step Three: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." That was the last thing I wanted to do. Yet I really didn't have much of a life to give up. This ended up being the best decision I ever made, and I have to keep making it every day.
My Savior Jesus Christ gives me "newness of life" (see Romans 6:4).
"into the wilderness secretly" (Mosiah 19:18)
As we run to our drugs of choice, the secret wilderness carries us to shameful places and the darkest corners of the Internet. In AA we say, "You are only as sick as your secrets." I think the Big Book Chapter 5 entitled "How It Works" mentions honesty three times.
"they would seek revenge, and also perish with them" (Mosiah 19:19)
Addiction makes us vengeful and bitter with anyone who stands in the way. But it's a deadly game. I have seen many friends, both inside and outside of recovery, who have perished. It's so sad.
"caused that he should suffer, even unto death" (Mosiah 19:20)
Like many addicts, King Noah suffers death. And there is much suffering leading up to the final scene. But it doesn't have to end this way. You're probably sick of AA adages by now, but here's a final one. Alcoholism and addiction are like riding an elevator. You can get off at any floor. You don't have to hit rock bottom, although most of us do.
"made oath unto the King"
As sad as this story is, it doesn't have to end this way. There is recovery. I have taken the liberty to capitalize "King" and change the story. You really can make covenants with the King of kings, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In another Book of Mormon story an earthly king speaks for a Heavenly King as he proclaims,
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
"And under this head ye are made free" (Mosiah 5:7-8).
It's a sweet deal. "Let go and let God."
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Crucifying the Flesh
The Prophet Joseph Smith's mission was prophesied by Joseph of Egypt, who foretold that one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon was for "the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them" (2 Nephi 3:11). Often in Latter-day Saint culture we think of the Bible to back up the Book of Mormon, but the inverse of this--the Book of Mormon to clarify, expand, and expound the Bible, is one of its main purposes.
Abinadi's commentary on an Isaiah Messianic prophecy is a prime example. I have found the abundance of pronouns in Isaiah 53 to be a real problem to understand what's going on. One verse particularly seems to have too many pronouns. The Isaiah verse reads,
"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand" (Isaiah 53:10).
Who is "the Lord" here? Is it Heavenly Father being "pleased" in His Beloved Son, as in other verses? It sounds like the Father in this context. And it is, but perhaps not in the same way as one might imagine. It is not Heavenly Father in the original Hebrew. It is Jehovah--the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14). Click here for a link to the original Hebrew.
In this context, Jehovah is the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. The premortal Jehovah declared Himself as the Father and the Son to the brother of Jared. He said, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters" (Ether 3:14).
Abinadi explains this in the Book of Mormon:
"And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—
"The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—
"And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth" (Mosiah 15:2-4).
The concept of "one God" in this case doesn't merely mean being one in purpose. Abinadi is describing Jehovah as "the Eternal Father" and Jesus Christ as the Son. Yes, subjecting to the will of Heavenly Father is true and important, but Jesus Christ always subjected His own will to the will of His eternal role as Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament. Thus, Isaiah can speak in the past tense of the will of Jehovah as the eternal Father, as surely as if it had already occurred in the flesh. Or, in other words, it's already a done deal. Some LDS scholars call this tense "prophetic perfect."
Does this have an implication for us as mere mortals? If Jesus set the perfect example by always subjecting His will to his premortal divine purposes as Jehovah, what could have been our premortal will? And what is our mission here on earth?
The next verse makes another comparison. Abinadi teaches, "And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people" (Mosiah 15:5).
The Spirit becomes the Father and the flesh becomes the Son. As I was working through the steps of recovery, a wonderful bishop once counseled me that whenever the flesh wars against the Spirit, the Spirit should always win. I have been far from perfect in following his advice, but I can testify of the power of this principle. I know I am happier when I follow the Spirit.
The real clincher comes two verses later: "Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father" (Mosiah 15:7).
Not only was Jesus willing to lay down His life and suffer death for all mankind, He was equally willing to allow the will of the flesh to be "swallowed up" in every case. Thus, He "suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation."
Two verses of scripture and an apostolic quote come to mind. Paul taught this idea of crucifying the flesh, or the natural man or woman, on at least two occasions. He spoke of baptism as a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ and the baptismal font being in similitude to the grave.
In Romans he said, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. . . Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:4,6). The "old man" of flesh is dead in the water.
Previously, Paul taught the Galatians about the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." He said,
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like . . .
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
"Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
"And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:19-24).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said, "One of the best ways we can put 'off the natural man' is to starve him (Mosiah 3:19). Weakened, he is more easily dislodged. Otherwise, he insists on getting his ticket punched at every stop on the temptation train" (Neal A. Maxwell, "The Seventh Commandment: A Shield," Oct. 2001).
Sunday, August 6, 2017
"That Ye May Stand As Witnesses For Me Hereafter"
They say time flies when you're having fun, so I must have had a blast this past month as I see it's been a good month since I last posted. Work has been crazy and weekends short. I don't know about fun but I did have a birthday celebration on Monday July 31--a day that marks 28 years since my last drink of alcohol or use of drugs.
A loving God seems to have orchestrated my recovery from the beginning. The coincidental events of stumbling across the Twelve Steps in a drunken stupor, leading to two more years of "research" in a failed attempt of "moral inventory," to hitting rock bottom, to that fateful drive home, passing the same Alano Club, triggering the three words, "powerless over alcohol" from Step One, as my car swerved off the road into the parking lot, only to find the Monday Night Beginners' Meeting was ten minutes away. And the first person to greet me in that room, as I sat in solitary confinement, was a dear man now passed to the other side of the veil. But just weeks ago and nearly 28 years later, I was privileged to handle his Big Book at an LDS Twelve Step Meeting where his son now serves as our group facilitator.
Thirteen years of hard drinking and complete devotion to Satan's cycle of compulsion had stripped me of anything worthy or honorable. Seven years without a single sober day had left me destitute and wanting. Yet as those looming Steps stared me in the face, I recoiled in horror at the thought of returning to my Maker. I planned my negotiation strategy accordingly, trading real serenity for "half measures" and looked for the "easier, softer way."
Instead, the terms of God's contract meant turning my will and my life over to the very Being I had spent thirteen years running away from. Yet one meeting was enough evidence and flicker of hope as we held hands in a circle, citing the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Then there was the chant: "Keep coming back. It works!" Does it? Will it? One gaze into their eyes told me they had something so much missing in my shattered life.
On the second day, God put a sponsor into my life. But I had to think why does he care if I'm drunk or sober? Another dear man on the other side of the veil, but on this day he said, "Brad, it's a simple program--90 meetings in 90 days and don't drink between meetings. Then after 90 days, if you don't like what you have, we'll refund your misery." Wow, a misery-back guarantee! Again, I could only do half of it. I could only go to a meeting every day.
They say, "A gut full of booze and a gut full of AA don't mix." So on July 31, 1989 I went home with the ultimate decision of either getting out of AA, or getting serious about the Steps and God's offer of a new life.
In my bedroom in solitary confinement, I learned of the reality of Satan with his quiver of lies like, "It's too late for you. You've gone too far. There's no hope for you now." Perhaps you've heard them. But it was my last shot.
Battle-torn, run down, and beaten up, this drunk fell down and somehow asked for the big one--one day of sobriety. It was such a long shot.
Immediately I felt a rush of sweet peacefulness and tranquility. But how is this possible? No, there was no voice, just a calming assurance that everything would work out.
Fast forward 28 years--July 31, 2017. Another "manic Monday" (Sorry, Bangles), but this time on the other side of the spectrum. Beginning with an extended version of the Serenity Prayer, this time praying for a sweet wife, a wonderful son, and a dear daughter serving as a missionary in Canada, spreading the news of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I boarded the train for work, while catching the morning sunrise with crimson-lined clouds, displaying pink-cloud sobriety and a happy birthday wish. The train halted in South Jordan just long enough to see a beautiful temple and memories of a day there as I knelt at an altar across from my sweetheart. The ordinance performed there would last a couple of minutes, but transcend eternity.
Time to exit at Salt Lake Central with the music playing in my ear, sounding like God speaking through the voice of Bob Dylan:
"How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
A complete unknown, like a rolling stone."
That was me 28 years ago. But on this Monday morning it feels real good. I remembered a verse:
"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14).
A loving God seems to have orchestrated my recovery from the beginning. The coincidental events of stumbling across the Twelve Steps in a drunken stupor, leading to two more years of "research" in a failed attempt of "moral inventory," to hitting rock bottom, to that fateful drive home, passing the same Alano Club, triggering the three words, "powerless over alcohol" from Step One, as my car swerved off the road into the parking lot, only to find the Monday Night Beginners' Meeting was ten minutes away. And the first person to greet me in that room, as I sat in solitary confinement, was a dear man now passed to the other side of the veil. But just weeks ago and nearly 28 years later, I was privileged to handle his Big Book at an LDS Twelve Step Meeting where his son now serves as our group facilitator.
Thirteen years of hard drinking and complete devotion to Satan's cycle of compulsion had stripped me of anything worthy or honorable. Seven years without a single sober day had left me destitute and wanting. Yet as those looming Steps stared me in the face, I recoiled in horror at the thought of returning to my Maker. I planned my negotiation strategy accordingly, trading real serenity for "half measures" and looked for the "easier, softer way."
Instead, the terms of God's contract meant turning my will and my life over to the very Being I had spent thirteen years running away from. Yet one meeting was enough evidence and flicker of hope as we held hands in a circle, citing the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Then there was the chant: "Keep coming back. It works!" Does it? Will it? One gaze into their eyes told me they had something so much missing in my shattered life.
On the second day, God put a sponsor into my life. But I had to think why does he care if I'm drunk or sober? Another dear man on the other side of the veil, but on this day he said, "Brad, it's a simple program--90 meetings in 90 days and don't drink between meetings. Then after 90 days, if you don't like what you have, we'll refund your misery." Wow, a misery-back guarantee! Again, I could only do half of it. I could only go to a meeting every day.
They say, "A gut full of booze and a gut full of AA don't mix." So on July 31, 1989 I went home with the ultimate decision of either getting out of AA, or getting serious about the Steps and God's offer of a new life.
In my bedroom in solitary confinement, I learned of the reality of Satan with his quiver of lies like, "It's too late for you. You've gone too far. There's no hope for you now." Perhaps you've heard them. But it was my last shot.
Battle-torn, run down, and beaten up, this drunk fell down and somehow asked for the big one--one day of sobriety. It was such a long shot.
Immediately I felt a rush of sweet peacefulness and tranquility. But how is this possible? No, there was no voice, just a calming assurance that everything would work out.
Fast forward 28 years--July 31, 2017. Another "manic Monday" (Sorry, Bangles), but this time on the other side of the spectrum. Beginning with an extended version of the Serenity Prayer, this time praying for a sweet wife, a wonderful son, and a dear daughter serving as a missionary in Canada, spreading the news of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I boarded the train for work, while catching the morning sunrise with crimson-lined clouds, displaying pink-cloud sobriety and a happy birthday wish. The train halted in South Jordan just long enough to see a beautiful temple and memories of a day there as I knelt at an altar across from my sweetheart. The ordinance performed there would last a couple of minutes, but transcend eternity.
Time to exit at Salt Lake Central with the music playing in my ear, sounding like God speaking through the voice of Bob Dylan:
"How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
A complete unknown, like a rolling stone."
That was me 28 years ago. But on this Monday morning it feels real good. I remembered a verse:
"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14).
Sunday, July 2, 2017
With Jesus You Get The Whole Pie
In the Book of Mormon Abinadi quotes perhaps the most beautiful passage of Messianic prophecy found in the Old Testament. Isaiah prophesies regarding the mission of Jesus Christ, and while looking into the future, writes about the events of the Savior's life in the past tense.
"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Mosiah 14:4-5; Isaiah 53:4-5).
Pierced Bread
There is an Old Testament connection to this verse. The word wounded is the Hebrew word chalal, meaning "to pierce or bore through." There is a related word, which is challah, mentioned in Levitical Priesthood sacrifices. It means "a pierced or punctured cake." Leviticus 2:4 states, "And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil."
Anciently this was called "pierced bread." Cake is different from bread because the outside of a loaf of bread is smooth, but cake has little holes or perforations. The symbolism of the Savior's mission is remarkable. Gethsemane means "oil press" and this sacrifice is "mingled with and anointed with oil." The Garden of Gethsemane was used to produce such pure olive oil as the olives were placed in mesh bags and ground with large circular stones. The pure oil was pressed out of the tiny holes in the bags producing a reddish, brown liquid as it would first appear. Latter-day scripture reveals that Jesus bled from every pore (see D&C 19:18). Just as the ancient sacrifice was "anointed with oil," Jesus was "the Anointed One." That's what the word Christ or Messiah means.
I marvel at His sacrifice for me as I have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, recalling the "pierced bread" of an earlier time.
Giving Away the Spoils of Victory
There is another aspect of this beautiful Messianic prophecy as it reads,
"He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
"Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Mosiah 14:11-12).
Often in scripture, the word travail is used to portray giving birth, as a woman in travail (see Genesis 38:27; Isaiah 54:1, Jeremiah 4:31; John 16:21). In a sense, that is what the Savior is doing for each of us. Verse 10 says, "he shall see his seed," or His spiritually begotten sons and daughters.
The word divide in the New Testament is sometimes translated from the Greek word merizo, meaning to cut in pieces like the sacrament. There is a term Bible scholars call a merism. It is the pairing of opposites like Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, first and last, etc. The word merism is derived from the Greek merizo. But it's not just the beginning and the end and it's not just A and Z; it's everything in between. The word represents a totality and completeness. Perhaps think of this the next time the sacrament is passed to you. Christ wants to give you everything He has.
The verse above says, "He shall divide the spoil with the strong." In battles, the victorious side always got the "spoil"--the goods recovered in the battle. In Luke's account of Gethsemane it states, "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44). The Greek word for agony is agonia meaning "a contest."
Jesus won the contest and the victory prize. But, according to Isaiah, He "divides the spoil" or shares the prize in totality with His spiritually begotten sons and daughters. He "justifies many." Justification is your legal standing before God. Really, if you come unto Him, He will give you the whole pie. He will "fight your battles" (see D&C 105:14).
Actually, the legal case is recorded in D&C 45:3-5:
"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
"Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
"Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."
"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Mosiah 14:4-5; Isaiah 53:4-5).
Pierced Bread
There is an Old Testament connection to this verse. The word wounded is the Hebrew word chalal, meaning "to pierce or bore through." There is a related word, which is challah, mentioned in Levitical Priesthood sacrifices. It means "a pierced or punctured cake." Leviticus 2:4 states, "And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil."
Anciently this was called "pierced bread." Cake is different from bread because the outside of a loaf of bread is smooth, but cake has little holes or perforations. The symbolism of the Savior's mission is remarkable. Gethsemane means "oil press" and this sacrifice is "mingled with and anointed with oil." The Garden of Gethsemane was used to produce such pure olive oil as the olives were placed in mesh bags and ground with large circular stones. The pure oil was pressed out of the tiny holes in the bags producing a reddish, brown liquid as it would first appear. Latter-day scripture reveals that Jesus bled from every pore (see D&C 19:18). Just as the ancient sacrifice was "anointed with oil," Jesus was "the Anointed One." That's what the word Christ or Messiah means.
I marvel at His sacrifice for me as I have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, recalling the "pierced bread" of an earlier time.
Giving Away the Spoils of Victory
There is another aspect of this beautiful Messianic prophecy as it reads,
"He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
"Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Mosiah 14:11-12).
Often in scripture, the word travail is used to portray giving birth, as a woman in travail (see Genesis 38:27; Isaiah 54:1, Jeremiah 4:31; John 16:21). In a sense, that is what the Savior is doing for each of us. Verse 10 says, "he shall see his seed," or His spiritually begotten sons and daughters.
The word divide in the New Testament is sometimes translated from the Greek word merizo, meaning to cut in pieces like the sacrament. There is a term Bible scholars call a merism. It is the pairing of opposites like Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, first and last, etc. The word merism is derived from the Greek merizo. But it's not just the beginning and the end and it's not just A and Z; it's everything in between. The word represents a totality and completeness. Perhaps think of this the next time the sacrament is passed to you. Christ wants to give you everything He has.
The verse above says, "He shall divide the spoil with the strong." In battles, the victorious side always got the "spoil"--the goods recovered in the battle. In Luke's account of Gethsemane it states, "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44). The Greek word for agony is agonia meaning "a contest."
Jesus won the contest and the victory prize. But, according to Isaiah, He "divides the spoil" or shares the prize in totality with His spiritually begotten sons and daughters. He "justifies many." Justification is your legal standing before God. Really, if you come unto Him, He will give you the whole pie. He will "fight your battles" (see D&C 105:14).
Actually, the legal case is recorded in D&C 45:3-5:
"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
"Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
"Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Rescue From The Whirlwind And The East Wind
The themes of addiction and recovery are prevalent through the entire Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. In fact, every chapter has strong imagery of addiction and recovery. After King Benjamin teaches the Twelve Steps and the people make a covenant to take upon themselves the name of Christ, Ammon makes a Twelve Step call on the people of King Limhi who are in bondage.
These people are paying tribute money to their captors. I remember when a large chunk of my income went to support my addiction. My addictions consumed me, and every waking moment was spent thinking of how and when I could satisfy my addiction. These people had "many strugglings" (Mosiah 7:18) but to no avail. When I first saw the Twelve Steps through the window of the Alano Club, as I was walking to work on a hot summer morning thirty years ago, I pondered Step One. I convinced myself I could quit drinking when I was ready, even though I had not seen a sober day in five years. But two years later, when I was ready to quit, I found that my strugglings were in vain. I was truly powerless.
King Limhi gathers his people at the temple and proclaims this powerful promise of recovery:
"Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them" (Mosiah 7:19).
Abraham and Isaac were both rescued by Jehovah as they were strapped to altars (see Abraham 1:12-16; Genesis 22:9-12). Jacob was rescued from his brother, Esau, who sought his life, but later they were reconciled (see Genesis 27:41; 33:1-4). As we struggle with severe addiction, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is our only hope for rescue and recovery.
I remember when I was forty days sober in a hotel room all alone in Washington DC. I searched the dresser drawers for a phone book to call AA and get myself to a meeting. I was alone, far from home, and very vulnerable. Instead, I found an in-room bar with my alcoholic beverage of choice staring me in the face. I did manage to leave the room, call a taxi, get to an AA meeting, and return, only to have the compulsion hit me with the force of a tornado. I could feel the overpowering compulsion, and I knew that once again I was powerless.
I remember kneeling down by the bed and pleading to God for help as I pounded my clenched fists on the bed. Suddenly I felt all my strength flow out of my body, felt a sense of peace and calm, and then I fell harmlessly asleep on my knees. With all the strength I could muster I somehow pulled myself into bed, fell asleep, and slept soundly with my enemy and beverage of choice in the same room. When I woke up the compulsion was gone and the storm was passed. I checked out of that hotel room five days later with an absolute assurance and testimony of the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
King Limhi gives a warning from the Lord: "And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison" (Mosiah 7:30). A whirlwind goes around and around in a vicious circle. Like the practicing addict in bondage who repeats the same senseless behavior over and over while expecting a different result, the whirlwind repeats its cycle over and over while never getting anywhere. We eventually become poisoned by our addictions.
The next verse gives a similar warning. "And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction" (Mosiah 7:31). This is Middle Eastern imagery that Joseph Smith would not have been aware of. These people had descended from Jerusalem.
Map 6 shows Babylon due east of Jerusalem. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the word pneuma means wind, breath, or spirit. In some contexts it can be a representation of the manifestation of the Holy Ghost, such as on the Day of Pentecost when there was a "rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2:2). The "east wind," as a representation of the spirit of Babylon, blows across the Arabian Desert and destroys everything in its path. It withers the vegetation and causes "immediate destruction." Addiction does the same.
The end of this chapter in Mosiah has a powerful promise for the addict. There are two of these in Mosiah. The promise states,
"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage" (Mosiah 7:33).
God, who provided a daily dose of manna, to sustain His children wandering in a wilderness, will keep the addict clean and sober--one day at a time.
These people are paying tribute money to their captors. I remember when a large chunk of my income went to support my addiction. My addictions consumed me, and every waking moment was spent thinking of how and when I could satisfy my addiction. These people had "many strugglings" (Mosiah 7:18) but to no avail. When I first saw the Twelve Steps through the window of the Alano Club, as I was walking to work on a hot summer morning thirty years ago, I pondered Step One. I convinced myself I could quit drinking when I was ready, even though I had not seen a sober day in five years. But two years later, when I was ready to quit, I found that my strugglings were in vain. I was truly powerless.
King Limhi gathers his people at the temple and proclaims this powerful promise of recovery:
"Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them" (Mosiah 7:19).
Abraham and Isaac were both rescued by Jehovah as they were strapped to altars (see Abraham 1:12-16; Genesis 22:9-12). Jacob was rescued from his brother, Esau, who sought his life, but later they were reconciled (see Genesis 27:41; 33:1-4). As we struggle with severe addiction, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is our only hope for rescue and recovery.
I remember when I was forty days sober in a hotel room all alone in Washington DC. I searched the dresser drawers for a phone book to call AA and get myself to a meeting. I was alone, far from home, and very vulnerable. Instead, I found an in-room bar with my alcoholic beverage of choice staring me in the face. I did manage to leave the room, call a taxi, get to an AA meeting, and return, only to have the compulsion hit me with the force of a tornado. I could feel the overpowering compulsion, and I knew that once again I was powerless.
I remember kneeling down by the bed and pleading to God for help as I pounded my clenched fists on the bed. Suddenly I felt all my strength flow out of my body, felt a sense of peace and calm, and then I fell harmlessly asleep on my knees. With all the strength I could muster I somehow pulled myself into bed, fell asleep, and slept soundly with my enemy and beverage of choice in the same room. When I woke up the compulsion was gone and the storm was passed. I checked out of that hotel room five days later with an absolute assurance and testimony of the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
King Limhi gives a warning from the Lord: "And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison" (Mosiah 7:30). A whirlwind goes around and around in a vicious circle. Like the practicing addict in bondage who repeats the same senseless behavior over and over while expecting a different result, the whirlwind repeats its cycle over and over while never getting anywhere. We eventually become poisoned by our addictions.
The next verse gives a similar warning. "And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction" (Mosiah 7:31). This is Middle Eastern imagery that Joseph Smith would not have been aware of. These people had descended from Jerusalem.
Map 6 shows Babylon due east of Jerusalem. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the word pneuma means wind, breath, or spirit. In some contexts it can be a representation of the manifestation of the Holy Ghost, such as on the Day of Pentecost when there was a "rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2:2). The "east wind," as a representation of the spirit of Babylon, blows across the Arabian Desert and destroys everything in its path. It withers the vegetation and causes "immediate destruction." Addiction does the same.
The end of this chapter in Mosiah has a powerful promise for the addict. There are two of these in Mosiah. The promise states,
"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage" (Mosiah 7:33).
God, who provided a daily dose of manna, to sustain His children wandering in a wilderness, will keep the addict clean and sober--one day at a time.
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