Mosiah Chapter 2
Week of November 6 - 12, 2011
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
What verses stick out to me or would I like to remember?
What life lessons can I take from this chapter?
What does this chapter teach me about my Savior?
How can I apply what I've learned this week?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Reread Vs. 5. We are meant to learn spiritually in this life, not just as individuals, but also as families. How, in your specific family situation, can you encourage and increase spiritual nourishment for your family? (This might pertain to your parents, siblings, children, spouses, extended, or ward family)
Reread Vs. 17. What does this teach us about the purpose of life and how God views his children?
Reread Vs. 32-33. Think of a contentious moment you have witnessed or experienced yourself. (Vs. 32 warning of contention) How might those involved may have been acting “contrary to [their] own knowledge” (Vs. 33) of what the Savior has taught us? How might a similar situation be improved by a Christ-like approach?
I am studying the Old Testament right now and I just finished the chapter where Lot decides, in Genesis, to face toward Sodom. (like Sodom and Gomorrah - the total symbol of wickedness) How perfect to read this morning about the saints deciding to face their tent toward the temple in Mosiah chapter 2. I guess that is really the choice. Are we looking toward the world or are we looking toward the temple?
ReplyDeleteI recently read about Moses seeing the glory of God and creation and after his experience he exclaims, “now for this cause, I know that man is nothing, which thing I never before supposed.” Then in verse 25 King Benjamin says, “Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth.” These are just two examples of many where we are reminded we are nothing and yet we are also taught how loved we are. We were created and redeemed out of love! I have been pondering why it is important for us to remember how low we are as well as how valued we are by the Lord and how valued we are by each other.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, Karen and Anne! I have pondered that paradox as well, Anne. I think that part of the answer might lie in the disparity between what we are right now compared to what we can become, our divine potential. We are as the dust of the earth right now. We can do nothing save our Father gives us power to do so. And then our moments when we are slow to hearken puts us even lower than the dust, according to Helaman 12:7-8. ("O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth. 8 For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God.") But that which makes us infinitely valuable is the divine template that is ours to become like our Heavenly Father. A seed might, of itself, be pretty useless, but its worth lies in the great redwood tree it is designed to become. For me, that makes each baby step I make toward the Savior so significant and sacred! It is not a small thing when we use our agency to allow for God's grand design in our life. It also helps me to see those around me with more love and respect, acknowledging their immense potential, as well. So much of God's plan is wrapped up in potential and the promise of things to come. It makes sense why faith is so important!
ReplyDeleteWow, after reading your comments, I feel like I have been to education week being taught by my ward sisters. Your comments are far reaching. I love you guys!!!!! I feel the Spirit in everything you've say...thank you! In verse one if you let the words, "that they might go up to the temple" jump out at you, the next verses have wonderful insight...they took the best they had, and sacrificed it to the Lord. What is the best we have? Next they talk about giving thanks and gratitude to the Lord their God. How do we do that? As I read on in verse 4, by keeping the commandments of God, and being filled with a love towards God and all men was my answer. Next we learn about the importance of bringing our family to the temple. As we go to the temple, like in verse 9, if we will hearken unto the Savior, and open our ears that we may hear, and our hearts that we may understand, and our minds, the promise seems to be that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to our view! In other words, we will receive revelation. In verse 22, again He promises that if we keep His commandments He doth bless you and prosper you. In verse 31 he adds that your enemies shall have no power over you. What incredible blessings!!!! I am saddened as the pattern of satan is revealed in verses 32-39. His eternal goal is to pollute the temple of God, of which we are. To entice us to willingly choose a path of becoming an unholy temple. It is clear to me as I read on that the Lord has only my happiness in mind and satan has only our misery in mind. As I pondered verse 41, I remembered teaching it in seminary. How I would love to shout out that happiness and blessings truly come to those that keep the commandments of God. (but since shouting isn't appropriate) I will continue to just say, as verse 41 states, consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.
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