While studying Isaiah 4:2, I thought of a multi-level meaning. Most commentary refers to Isaiah 4 as relating "Millennial day". The chapter heading states "Zion and her daughters shall be redeemed and cleansed in the Millennial day".
When I read verse 1, I thought "in that day" could also mean Book of Mormon Lehi's time. When Lehi left Jerusalem, most of the leadership, etc were already taken captive and Judah was essentially in a state of war. In the state of war, there would be little eligible men to marry.
"4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach."
The trigger to my thought was in verse 2 "escaped of Israel". "4:2 In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel."
When one reads 1st Nephi, it is a record of essentially the escape of Lehi's family to the promised land. Several times in the Book of Mormon such as 1st Nephi 2:20, it states
"20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands."
The next versus in Isaiah 4 seem to be referring to the temple of Zerubbabel or the temple of Herod.
"4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Perfect Job?
While reading Job this year on the Old Testament, I read Job 1:4-5 differently this time from a parents perspective.
"4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
I thought that Job suspected that his sons have maybe sinned, because he had seen them sin before. Whether it is because Job's poor parenting skills or just his son's free agency choice, it is unknown.
I thought it was strange that "that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all".
Per the Bible Dictionary for Sacrifices there are several key points below that Job didn't follow.
1.Under the law offerings made to God must be the offerer’s own property, properly acquired (Deut. 23: 18). Altar sacrifices were of three kinds: sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings.
2. The presentation of the sacrifice at the sanctuary door by the sacrificer himself, as his personal act.
3. The fundamental idea of the sin and trespass offerings was atonement, expiation. They implied that there was a sin, or some uncleanness akin to a sin, that needed atoning for before fellowship with Jehovah could be obtained.
4. Trespass or guilt offerings were a particular kind of sin offerings. All sins were transgressions of the laws of the covenant; but certain sins might be regarded as robbery, or a violation of right, or an injury, whether in relation to (a) God directly,
From the definition, I would guess that Job was doing a guilt offering for his sons! Since his sons feasted in "their houses", the sons would have the responsibility of performing sacrifices of their own sins, not Job. His sons would have to present the sacrifice at the sanctuary door by each son by themselves, as the son's personal act. Job had good intentions in performing the sacrifices for his sons, but the sacrifices are an individual responsibility.
One possible modern day equivalent would be a father taking the sacrament for each of his absent children. The covenant is between God and the individual, not the individuals parent. Immediately after this event (Job 1:5), Job began receiving his trials.
The Lord commanded Job how to perform the sacrifice offerings with Job and his three friends. When Job finally got the sacrifice ordinance right (Job 42:8-10; the three "friends" offered up sacrifices for themselves a burnt offering for their own sins and Job simply prayed for them), he was healed and greatly blessed!
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job.
10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
I am not saying that Job wasn't righteous, I am saying he wasn't perfect. Job didn't think he did anything wrong. Nevertheless, there are many that receive trials at no fault of their own.
Again like most of my ideas, I cant find anything like this in the books, so it is just my speculation so far.
"4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
I thought that Job suspected that his sons have maybe sinned, because he had seen them sin before. Whether it is because Job's poor parenting skills or just his son's free agency choice, it is unknown.
I thought it was strange that "that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all".
Per the Bible Dictionary for Sacrifices there are several key points below that Job didn't follow.
1.Under the law offerings made to God must be the offerer’s own property, properly acquired (Deut. 23: 18). Altar sacrifices were of three kinds: sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings.
2. The presentation of the sacrifice at the sanctuary door by the sacrificer himself, as his personal act.
3. The fundamental idea of the sin and trespass offerings was atonement, expiation. They implied that there was a sin, or some uncleanness akin to a sin, that needed atoning for before fellowship with Jehovah could be obtained.
4. Trespass or guilt offerings were a particular kind of sin offerings. All sins were transgressions of the laws of the covenant; but certain sins might be regarded as robbery, or a violation of right, or an injury, whether in relation to (a) God directly,
From the definition, I would guess that Job was doing a guilt offering for his sons! Since his sons feasted in "their houses", the sons would have the responsibility of performing sacrifices of their own sins, not Job. His sons would have to present the sacrifice at the sanctuary door by each son by themselves, as the son's personal act. Job had good intentions in performing the sacrifices for his sons, but the sacrifices are an individual responsibility.
One possible modern day equivalent would be a father taking the sacrament for each of his absent children. The covenant is between God and the individual, not the individuals parent. Immediately after this event (Job 1:5), Job began receiving his trials.
The Lord commanded Job how to perform the sacrifice offerings with Job and his three friends. When Job finally got the sacrifice ordinance right (Job 42:8-10; the three "friends" offered up sacrifices for themselves a burnt offering for their own sins and Job simply prayed for them), he was healed and greatly blessed!
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the Lord commanded them: the Lord also accepted Job.
10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
I am not saying that Job wasn't righteous, I am saying he wasn't perfect. Job didn't think he did anything wrong. Nevertheless, there are many that receive trials at no fault of their own.
Again like most of my ideas, I cant find anything like this in the books, so it is just my speculation so far.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Christmas Scripture Mismatch
One of the key purposes of the New Testament (and other scriptures) is to convince one that "Jesus is the Christ". One has to know the scriptures to know the prophecies on the Christ. One has to know who he is, what are his characteristics, etc. Then, one must determine if Jesus meets all the criteria. If Jesus meets all the requirements, then He is the Christ.
A time-line of Christ's life and shows New testament scriptures that are used to describe two time periods. (I am attempting to show it)
Time line:
1AD to 13AD _______________________ 30AD to 34 AD
Scripture
Luke 1-3, Matthew1-2, partial 3__________ Everything else in Gospel
Pages
11 pages(6%)_______________________ 168 pages (94%)
Obviously, there is a mismatch of the emphasis the world puts on Christmas time, (lately Christmas is celebrated from October to December) versus what the scriptures considers important about Jesus Christ. Gospels John and Mark never mentioned his birth. Not to downplay Christmas time, but there is such a small percentage of the Gospel covering the time period of Christ's birth. Most of the gospel covers the key time of Christ's ministry, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. Nevertheless, 6 % of the gospel covers the 1AD to 13 AD time period and there are some important things.
There are prophecies about Christ and how those prophecies were fulfilled. Matthew used the words "that it might be fulfilled" alot to show this. As further evidence, Jesus had witnesses proclaiming that "Jesus is the Christ."
Prophecy _______________________ Fulfillment.
Son of David_________________________ Matthew 1, Luke 3 genealogies
Son of God (Isaiah 7:14)_________________ Matthew 1:21
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)____________ Mathew 2:6, Luke 2:3
His star in the east (3 Nephi 1)____________ Matthew 2:2
Joseph/Mary/Jesus to Egypt (Hosea 11:1)____ Mathew 2:13-15
Bethlehem children murdered (Jermiah 40:1) _ Mathew 2:16-18
Christ is a Nazarene (Lost scripture?) _______ Mathew 2:23
Angelic Witnesses
Gabriel to Zacharias____________________ Luke 1:11-20
Gabriel to Mary_______________________ Luke 1:26-38
Angel to Joseph_______________________ Mathew 1:20-23
Angel to Sheperds______________________ Luke 2:9-14
Witness
Elizabeth to Mary______________________ Luke 1:41-45
Mary witness_________________________ Luke 1:46-55
Zacharias witness______________________ Luke 1:67-79
Sheperds to Mary, others_________________ Luke 2:15-20
Simeon in Temple______________________ Luke 2:25-34
Anna prophetess in Temple________________ Luke 2:36-37
Mary on 12 year old Jesus in the Temple_______ Luke 2:42-50
After discussing the fulfillment of the prophecies and witness, these 11 pages do much to establish that "Jesus is the Christ". Hopefully, this perspective gives fresh insight to the "Christmas story"
A time-line of Christ's life and shows New testament scriptures that are used to describe two time periods. (I am attempting to show it)
Time line:
1AD to 13AD _______________________ 30AD to 34 AD
Scripture
Luke 1-3, Matthew1-2, partial 3__________ Everything else in Gospel
Pages
11 pages(6%)_______________________ 168 pages (94%)
Obviously, there is a mismatch of the emphasis the world puts on Christmas time, (lately Christmas is celebrated from October to December) versus what the scriptures considers important about Jesus Christ. Gospels John and Mark never mentioned his birth. Not to downplay Christmas time, but there is such a small percentage of the Gospel covering the time period of Christ's birth. Most of the gospel covers the key time of Christ's ministry, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. Nevertheless, 6 % of the gospel covers the 1AD to 13 AD time period and there are some important things.
There are prophecies about Christ and how those prophecies were fulfilled. Matthew used the words "that it might be fulfilled" alot to show this. As further evidence, Jesus had witnesses proclaiming that "Jesus is the Christ."
Prophecy _______________________ Fulfillment.
Son of David_________________________ Matthew 1, Luke 3 genealogies
Son of God (Isaiah 7:14)_________________ Matthew 1:21
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)____________ Mathew 2:6, Luke 2:3
His star in the east (3 Nephi 1)____________ Matthew 2:2
Joseph/Mary/Jesus to Egypt (Hosea 11:1)____ Mathew 2:13-15
Bethlehem children murdered (Jermiah 40:1) _ Mathew 2:16-18
Christ is a Nazarene (Lost scripture?) _______ Mathew 2:23
Angelic Witnesses
Gabriel to Zacharias____________________ Luke 1:11-20
Gabriel to Mary_______________________ Luke 1:26-38
Angel to Joseph_______________________ Mathew 1:20-23
Angel to Sheperds______________________ Luke 2:9-14
Witness
Elizabeth to Mary______________________ Luke 1:41-45
Mary witness_________________________ Luke 1:46-55
Zacharias witness______________________ Luke 1:67-79
Sheperds to Mary, others_________________ Luke 2:15-20
Simeon in Temple______________________ Luke 2:25-34
Anna prophetess in Temple________________ Luke 2:36-37
Mary on 12 year old Jesus in the Temple_______ Luke 2:42-50
After discussing the fulfillment of the prophecies and witness, these 11 pages do much to establish that "Jesus is the Christ". Hopefully, this perspective gives fresh insight to the "Christmas story"
Monday, April 26, 2010
Second Coming of Christ will be "about 2010"
Based upon some assumptions in the Book of Mormon and the latter days, the Second Coming of Christ is speculated to be "about 2010."
The primary assumption is that the Book of Mormon is an exact type of the latter days. The Book of Mormon time from the preparation for the coming of Christ to the Appearance of Christ to the Nephites is the exact time from the preparation of second Coming of Christ to his Millennial appearance. The Book of Mormon preparation start time is Alma's baptism where the priesthood was renewed (Mosiah 18:13). The latter-day preparation start time is Joseph Smith Jr. baptism where the priesthood was restored (Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History 1:68-72).
Based on this assumption, the Second Coming of Christ will be about 2010. The calculations for the data are shown below. One problem with this guess is that the date of Alma's baptism is imprecise. Therefore, the date of the Second Coming could vary plus or minus about 5 Years.
BOOK OF MORMON CHRIST APPEARANCE
Book of Mormon preparation start time; Alma Baptism, Priesthood Renewed
Reference: Mosiah 18:13 and Mosiah 18:7 footnote
Date: about 147 BC
Book of Mormon appearance of Christ
Reference: 3 Nephi 11:8
Date: 34 AD
Exact Time Delta: about 181 years (147 BC + 34 AD with no "zero")
LATTER DAY SECOND COMING
Latter Day preparation start time: Joseph Smith baptism, Priesthood Restored
Reference: Joseph Smith-History 1:68-72
Date: 15 May 1829
Second Coming
The primary assumption is that the Book of Mormon is an exact type of the latter days. The Book of Mormon time from the preparation for the coming of Christ to the Appearance of Christ to the Nephites is the exact time from the preparation of second Coming of Christ to his Millennial appearance. The Book of Mormon preparation start time is Alma's baptism where the priesthood was renewed (Mosiah 18:13). The latter-day preparation start time is Joseph Smith Jr. baptism where the priesthood was restored (Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History 1:68-72).
Based on this assumption, the Second Coming of Christ will be about 2010. The calculations for the data are shown below. One problem with this guess is that the date of Alma's baptism is imprecise. Therefore, the date of the Second Coming could vary plus or minus about 5 Years.
BOOK OF MORMON CHRIST APPEARANCE
Book of Mormon preparation start time; Alma Baptism, Priesthood Renewed
Reference: Mosiah 18:13 and Mosiah 18:7 footnote
Date: about 147 BC
Book of Mormon appearance of Christ
Reference: 3 Nephi 11:8
Date: 34 AD
Exact Time Delta: about 181 years (147 BC + 34 AD with no "zero")
LATTER DAY SECOND COMING
Latter Day preparation start time: Joseph Smith baptism, Priesthood Restored
Reference: Joseph Smith-History 1:68-72
Date: 15 May 1829
Second Coming
Latter Day preparation start time plus Book of Mormon exact time delta
about the year 2010 (15 May 1829 + about 181 years)
about the year 2010 (15 May 1829 + about 181 years)
Perhaps with the uncertainty, there may some time for all us to be better prepared!
You need two things in this life to succeed
You need two things in this life to succeed:
1. Talents
2. Sponsor.
Talents meaning knowledge, training, skills, wisdom, etc. helps one to perform the job. Sponsor provides the authority, means, support, etc. to perform the job. One can be the most talented person for the job, but without a sponsor, one would NOT have the job. In contrast, one could have a sponsor with essentially no talents and one would have the job. A sponsor always "trumps" talents!
The sponsor may pick someone with inferior talent, but this condition is short term and not sustainable. Either the task is performed poorly by the inferior person, the inferior person improves performance, or the task is performed by someone else. No organization can survive competitively with inferior talent.
This rule applies to most application.
I wondered if this rule applied to things spiritual. After all, the Lord is not political and has no favorites.
I thought of the sacrament prayer.
"77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. "
If we live these covenants below
1." that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son"
2. "witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, "
a. "that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son"
b. "always remember him"
c. "keep his commandments which he has given them"
Then we will have the Holy Ghost as our Sponsor!
"that they may always have his Spirit to be with them."
If we have the Holy Ghost as our "sponsor", then we have the ultimate sponsor in our earthly life. The Holy Ghost "trumps" all sponsors in this world.
We can't play politics with the Holy Ghost. We can't deceive the Holy Ghost if we haven't done our part in the covenant.
1. Talents
2. Sponsor.
Talents meaning knowledge, training, skills, wisdom, etc. helps one to perform the job. Sponsor provides the authority, means, support, etc. to perform the job. One can be the most talented person for the job, but without a sponsor, one would NOT have the job. In contrast, one could have a sponsor with essentially no talents and one would have the job. A sponsor always "trumps" talents!
The sponsor may pick someone with inferior talent, but this condition is short term and not sustainable. Either the task is performed poorly by the inferior person, the inferior person improves performance, or the task is performed by someone else. No organization can survive competitively with inferior talent.
This rule applies to most application.
I wondered if this rule applied to things spiritual. After all, the Lord is not political and has no favorites.
I thought of the sacrament prayer.
"77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. "
If we live these covenants below
1." that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son"
2. "witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, "
a. "that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son"
b. "always remember him"
c. "keep his commandments which he has given them"
Then we will have the Holy Ghost as our Sponsor!
"that they may always have his Spirit to be with them."
If we have the Holy Ghost as our "sponsor", then we have the ultimate sponsor in our earthly life. The Holy Ghost "trumps" all sponsors in this world.
We can't play politics with the Holy Ghost. We can't deceive the Holy Ghost if we haven't done our part in the covenant.
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