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?
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
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).
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