The natural world around me is fascinating to me. I find the smallest detail on a fallen leaf intriguing along with the contours of the largest mountains. I believe in a Divine Hand guiding the formation of the world and the creation of all the living things on land and in the sea.
D&C section 59 contains insight and counsel on appreciating the created world around us. At the end of the section the revelation states that God isn't offended except by those who "confess not His Hand in all things, and obey not His commandments." Recognizing the Hand of God in the food we eat, the sunsets we see, the gardens we grow, and the trees we cut is an important action to worshiping Him. God created the world not for our abuse and neglect and love of destroying. A key theme to D&C 59 seems to be cheerfulness and rejoicing. When we use anything from the fulness of the earth, the Lord is pleased as long as we do so with thankfulness and "with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion" (vs. 20). I believe anybody with a sensitive conscience does have a good sense of when they are wasting food, unnecessarily killing some living thing, or using some resource in excess or by extortion.
The early saints were in a situation where much of this revelation was actually quite radical. As the U.S. expanded West most everyone never had the thought cross their mind that they could run out of trees or the seas of bison or the seemingly endless tracts of land. They used what they wanted or whatever they had, slashing, burning, planting and moving on. So many settlers slaughtered the bison as a sport and didn't respect or show gratitude for the land and its resources. In this respect, the early Saints began to be set-apart in yet another aspect of their lives as they learned through this revelation and perhaps others the need to use resources in moderation according to their needs and with gratefulness. Mormons became different from the mainstream thought earlier than most in this respect, similar to how they became different from the mainstream customs of drinking alcohol/hot drinks and smoking (due to the Word of Wisdom - D&C 89).
Lastly, on this idea of truly appreciating Creation, D&C 59 reveals that the fulness of the earth is for our use! All of it. All types of meat, all types of animlas, all types of herbs and other "good things which come of th earth" (vs. 16-17). And one thing I think is really important to understand on top of this is in vs 18-19, after the Lord essentially says all things are for our good use: "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul." In other words, there is nothing wrong with planting beautiful flowers in our yards to make the yards pleasing to the eye, or putting a flower in someone's hair (uh, girls only please), or trying to look good and not just be all about everything functional. Spices for better taste and diverse foods and things that just enliven the soul are there for our use and enjoyment. I believe God wants me to not live so plainly that I don't truly appreciate this incredibly diverse and beautiful world He has created. God is pleased by our use of all these things, as long as we recognize His Hand through gratitude and as long as we use them with judgement and moderation.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Typifying of Christ
The BYU Museum of Art currently has a powerful exhibit including paintings and other works that typify of Christ. Our guide was Rita Wright; she opened my eyes to new ways at looking at the artwork and elicited group participation that allowed many insightful perspectives and comments to be shared. If you are not very experienced interpreting artwork I would recommend going with a couple other people and discussing what thoughts and feelings come. We spent enough time on a much smaller number of works than were diplayed to really learn something and appreciate what we were seeing. The tourist who tries to see everything in a crammed amount of time may regret not just visiting a couple things in earnestness.
I was probably captivated most by the multi-layered meaning in pieces we viewed due to symbolism in colors, objects, juxtaposition of things, and the subjects or allusions involved. The large bronze cast at the entrace to the exhibit beautifully depicts a man either grasping or letting-go of the iron rod (symbolic of the word of God) while a Christ-like figure reaches through a veil towards him. His other arm reaches the opposite direction creating a cruciform shape. This majestic, strong figure parting the veil to reach towards the man in the precarious position provides hope and serenity to the situation. We looked at a couple pieces showing the "bread of life" and the "living water." Then I was moved by discussion of the prodigal son with two different paintings full of symbolism. Both shed light in unique ways on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how through Him we can start our lives anew, fresh, and in a more abundant way than any life of sin could provide. The last two paintings we discussed and pondered were of Christ carrying the cross and then of Christ appearing to Mary "the moment after." The first is incredibly moving. Christ is depicted in such a real way, with a real body and emotions. It captures sorrow and power, imminent death and His immortality and divinity. He has carried our crosses. I felt the Spirit confirm through this painting that Christ has carried my burdens in a very real way.
If you are anywhere near Provo I would highly recommend using this (free) great resource to learn through the powerful medium of art.
I was probably captivated most by the multi-layered meaning in pieces we viewed due to symbolism in colors, objects, juxtaposition of things, and the subjects or allusions involved. The large bronze cast at the entrace to the exhibit beautifully depicts a man either grasping or letting-go of the iron rod (symbolic of the word of God) while a Christ-like figure reaches through a veil towards him. His other arm reaches the opposite direction creating a cruciform shape. This majestic, strong figure parting the veil to reach towards the man in the precarious position provides hope and serenity to the situation. We looked at a couple pieces showing the "bread of life" and the "living water." Then I was moved by discussion of the prodigal son with two different paintings full of symbolism. Both shed light in unique ways on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how through Him we can start our lives anew, fresh, and in a more abundant way than any life of sin could provide. The last two paintings we discussed and pondered were of Christ carrying the cross and then of Christ appearing to Mary "the moment after." The first is incredibly moving. Christ is depicted in such a real way, with a real body and emotions. It captures sorrow and power, imminent death and His immortality and divinity. He has carried our crosses. I felt the Spirit confirm through this painting that Christ has carried my burdens in a very real way.
If you are anywhere near Provo I would highly recommend using this (free) great resource to learn through the powerful medium of art.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Old Testament Exodus vs. Latterday Exodus
Comparing Moses and Joseph Smith is not some recent idea. In the Book of Mormon, nearly 600 years before Christ, Lehi is speaking to one of his sons about a prophecy of Joseph of Egypt and references Joseph Smith. He is refering to "a choice seer" that will come from his lineage and says "And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel." (2Ne 3:9)
The Exodus that Moses began is also strikingly parallel to the exodus began by Joseph Smith with the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. Moses led his people from Egypt through the wilderness to the mountains where they received the Law. This was the day of Pentecost, or 50 days after leaving Egypt, and was an outpouring of revelation and spiritual experiences...a pentecostal season. The same pattern followed 50 days after Jesus died (passover) when in Acts chapter 2 the Holy Ghost filled the Apostles and great spiritual outpourings occurred. After Moses and the House of Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years they approached the promised land. Joshua finished the journey leading the people who were not of the rebellious generation across the Jordan River (which connects a living lake to a dead lake) into the Promised Land. In greater symbolism, Joshua, who's name (Yeshua, "Jehovah Saves") refers to Jesus Christ, led the people through the "veil" or Jordan River, which parted the way into the Celestial Kingdom, or Promised Land. Christ parted the veil and made it possible for all who have faith in Christ and follow Him to enter the presence of God, or the Celestial Kingdom.
For the Saints of the Restoration, their exodus was also just as tangible and symbolic. Led by Jospeh Smith, who was also seeking to establish a zion-like society of Saints living by Celestial law, these Saints followed the Prophet first out of New York to gather in Kirtland, Ohio. New York is like Egypt, as one reason they were leaving was to avoid their enemies and growing persecution. The Church had a truly pentecostal season of great spiritual outpouring, receiving the Law (D&C 42, as the Lord had promised in previous revelation (D&C 38:32) that in Ohio he would give His law), and being endowed with power...like the Apostles in Acts ch. 2 sensing the Spirit in a great rushing wind, speaking in tongues, etc. This receiving of the Law for the Saints occurred in parallel with the building of the Kirtland Temple, and temples are known as "mountains of the Lord." So Mt. Sinai for modern-day Israel was a temple, which is very fitting. The Saints continued to "wander" from place to place seeking Zion and peace...their promised land. Eventually they traveled the vast distance to the Salt Lake valley under the guidance of Brigham Young (the next prophet, like Joshua after Moses). In the Salt Lake valley you have another living lake (Utah Lake) connected to a dead lake (Salt Lake...like the Dead Sea) by a river...fitttingly called the Jordan River. There is no other place in the world with such a set-up except for in the Middle East where the ancient children of Israel crossed the Jordan River. The parallels between these two journeys of ancient and modern-day Israel are fitting and powerful. From Telestial to Terrestrial to Celestial this journey parallels our spiritual journey back into the rest of the Lord, or His presence. Moses sought with his might to prepare all his people to enter the rest of the Lord and enjoy God's presence, but they generally rejected this blessing. Joseph Smith had the same calling. He restored the fulness of the Gospel including temple ordinances (as the Priesthood authority for these was again on the earth!) that were crucial for again enjoying the presence of God (D&C 84: 22). Refering to this pathway to God through Priesthood ordinances, authority, and the power of Godliness brought through such, D&C 84:23-24 states: "Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; (24) But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in His wrath, for His anger was kindled against them, swore that that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of His glory." Thus they received the lesser preparatory Law, the lesser Priesthood, and lesser blessings.
Today the fulness of the Gospel is at our fingertips and the invitation is to all: prepare yourself to enter the rest of the Lord. The exodus of the Saints of the Restoration reminds me of the need to press forward, keep my covenants, and help more fully establish the kingdom of God.
The Exodus that Moses began is also strikingly parallel to the exodus began by Joseph Smith with the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. Moses led his people from Egypt through the wilderness to the mountains where they received the Law. This was the day of Pentecost, or 50 days after leaving Egypt, and was an outpouring of revelation and spiritual experiences...a pentecostal season. The same pattern followed 50 days after Jesus died (passover) when in Acts chapter 2 the Holy Ghost filled the Apostles and great spiritual outpourings occurred. After Moses and the House of Israel were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years they approached the promised land. Joshua finished the journey leading the people who were not of the rebellious generation across the Jordan River (which connects a living lake to a dead lake) into the Promised Land. In greater symbolism, Joshua, who's name (Yeshua, "Jehovah Saves") refers to Jesus Christ, led the people through the "veil" or Jordan River, which parted the way into the Celestial Kingdom, or Promised Land. Christ parted the veil and made it possible for all who have faith in Christ and follow Him to enter the presence of God, or the Celestial Kingdom.
For the Saints of the Restoration, their exodus was also just as tangible and symbolic. Led by Jospeh Smith, who was also seeking to establish a zion-like society of Saints living by Celestial law, these Saints followed the Prophet first out of New York to gather in Kirtland, Ohio. New York is like Egypt, as one reason they were leaving was to avoid their enemies and growing persecution. The Church had a truly pentecostal season of great spiritual outpouring, receiving the Law (D&C 42, as the Lord had promised in previous revelation (D&C 38:32) that in Ohio he would give His law), and being endowed with power...like the Apostles in Acts ch. 2 sensing the Spirit in a great rushing wind, speaking in tongues, etc. This receiving of the Law for the Saints occurred in parallel with the building of the Kirtland Temple, and temples are known as "mountains of the Lord." So Mt. Sinai for modern-day Israel was a temple, which is very fitting. The Saints continued to "wander" from place to place seeking Zion and peace...their promised land. Eventually they traveled the vast distance to the Salt Lake valley under the guidance of Brigham Young (the next prophet, like Joshua after Moses). In the Salt Lake valley you have another living lake (Utah Lake) connected to a dead lake (Salt Lake...like the Dead Sea) by a river...fitttingly called the Jordan River. There is no other place in the world with such a set-up except for in the Middle East where the ancient children of Israel crossed the Jordan River. The parallels between these two journeys of ancient and modern-day Israel are fitting and powerful. From Telestial to Terrestrial to Celestial this journey parallels our spiritual journey back into the rest of the Lord, or His presence. Moses sought with his might to prepare all his people to enter the rest of the Lord and enjoy God's presence, but they generally rejected this blessing. Joseph Smith had the same calling. He restored the fulness of the Gospel including temple ordinances (as the Priesthood authority for these was again on the earth!) that were crucial for again enjoying the presence of God (D&C 84: 22). Refering to this pathway to God through Priesthood ordinances, authority, and the power of Godliness brought through such, D&C 84:23-24 states: "Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; (24) But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in His wrath, for His anger was kindled against them, swore that that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of His glory." Thus they received the lesser preparatory Law, the lesser Priesthood, and lesser blessings.
Today the fulness of the Gospel is at our fingertips and the invitation is to all: prepare yourself to enter the rest of the Lord. The exodus of the Saints of the Restoration reminds me of the need to press forward, keep my covenants, and help more fully establish the kingdom of God.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
5 questions with 5 answers: D&C 42
D&C 42 is a composite revelation received in part on February 9th, 1831 then further two weeks later on February 23rd, 1831. The original printed revelations from 1835 contained this revelation in a more complete version with 5 question and 5 answers. These are the general questions:
- Should the Church come together in one place?
- How are Elders to take care of their families while the Elders serve missions?
- What is the Church's position on gathering?
- How should the restored church of Christ interact and deal with the "world"?
- What should they do to prepare for receiving Saints coming from the East?
Some of these questions are not pertinent to the Saints today simply because they don't apply to our situations. But studying this revelation is profound in teaching about the process of revelation. As President Uchtdorf mentioned today in his Church Educational System devotional, practically all the revelations are answers to questions. President Uchtdorf was addressing the concern of dealing with questions about the Church, doctrine, parts of your testimony, etc. President Uchtdorf said that we are a questioning people--it is in our nature. The revelations, with D&C 42 being a classic example, teach us that if we take our questions to the Lord in faith, having searched, pondered, prayed, and came in righteousness, God will answer our prayers. He will guide us. I loved how President Uchtdorf remarked that if we didn't have any questions about the doctrine, Plan of Salvation, or other aspects of the Gospel, then we might wonder if it just isn't some man-made scheme. To sum it up in my college-oriented mind, learning about God and His plans and works is not some one-credit class you can just take and be done with!
D&C 42 reveals plainly the process of receiving, transcribing, and publishing revelation. The revelation also contains some great doctrine and commadments. The saints were promised in moving to the Ohio (D&C 38:32) that they would there receive "my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high." In Kirtland, Ohio, in the presence of twelve elders, Joseph Smith received "the law" as D&C 42. This was during a pentecostal period for the Church where a great outpouring of spiritual experiences and revelations came to the members. D&C 42 exhorts missionaries, tells them to use the Bible, Book of Mormon, and articles and covenants (D&C 20) in their missionary labors, gives 10 commandment-like commandments, begins to teach about how to be a consecrated people (taking care of poor, imparting your substance to others), tells purposes to Gathering, talks about stewardships, testifies of asking and receiving revelation, consequences of breaking 10 commandment-type laws, and gives other great counsel.
Though I cannot quite put myself into the shoes of any of the early saints, I can imagine this was a powerful witness of Joseph's role as prophet and revelator, the mindfulness of God over His people, and the importance of following God's commands to be worthy of His greatest blessings.
- Should the Church come together in one place?
- How are Elders to take care of their families while the Elders serve missions?
- What is the Church's position on gathering?
- How should the restored church of Christ interact and deal with the "world"?
- What should they do to prepare for receiving Saints coming from the East?
Some of these questions are not pertinent to the Saints today simply because they don't apply to our situations. But studying this revelation is profound in teaching about the process of revelation. As President Uchtdorf mentioned today in his Church Educational System devotional, practically all the revelations are answers to questions. President Uchtdorf was addressing the concern of dealing with questions about the Church, doctrine, parts of your testimony, etc. President Uchtdorf said that we are a questioning people--it is in our nature. The revelations, with D&C 42 being a classic example, teach us that if we take our questions to the Lord in faith, having searched, pondered, prayed, and came in righteousness, God will answer our prayers. He will guide us. I loved how President Uchtdorf remarked that if we didn't have any questions about the doctrine, Plan of Salvation, or other aspects of the Gospel, then we might wonder if it just isn't some man-made scheme. To sum it up in my college-oriented mind, learning about God and His plans and works is not some one-credit class you can just take and be done with!
D&C 42 reveals plainly the process of receiving, transcribing, and publishing revelation. The revelation also contains some great doctrine and commadments. The saints were promised in moving to the Ohio (D&C 38:32) that they would there receive "my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high." In Kirtland, Ohio, in the presence of twelve elders, Joseph Smith received "the law" as D&C 42. This was during a pentecostal period for the Church where a great outpouring of spiritual experiences and revelations came to the members. D&C 42 exhorts missionaries, tells them to use the Bible, Book of Mormon, and articles and covenants (D&C 20) in their missionary labors, gives 10 commandment-like commandments, begins to teach about how to be a consecrated people (taking care of poor, imparting your substance to others), tells purposes to Gathering, talks about stewardships, testifies of asking and receiving revelation, consequences of breaking 10 commandment-type laws, and gives other great counsel.
Though I cannot quite put myself into the shoes of any of the early saints, I can imagine this was a powerful witness of Joseph's role as prophet and revelator, the mindfulness of God over His people, and the importance of following God's commands to be worthy of His greatest blessings.
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