Week 30 -- Looking Back

After the Savior had taught the people so much at the Temple Bountiful, he said, “I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, . . . (see 3 Nephi 17:2-3). The recipe hasn’t changed.

Relevant quotes from the week:

“What does the Master mean when He warns us to ‘pray always’? I am not wise enough to know all of His purposes in giving us a covenant to always remember Him and in His warning us to pray always lest we be overcome. But I know one. It is because He knows perfectly the powerful forces that influence us and also what it means to be human. . . . He knows what it is like to have the cares of life press in upon us. . . . And He knows how our human powers to cope are not constant. . . . As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough. And whatever growth in spiritual strength we once thought was possible, greater growth will be made available to us. Both the need for spiritual strength and the opportunity to acquire it will increase at rates which we underestimate at our peril. . . . Start with remembering Him. You will remember what you know and what you love. . . . The Lord hears the prayers of your heart. The feelings of your heart, of love for our Heavenly Father and for His Beloved Son, can be so constant that your prayers will ascend always” (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Oct. 1999, 8-10,12).

****

“If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. If, however, we have no desire to improve, if we have no intention of following the guidance of the Spirit, we must ask: Are we worthy to partake, or are we making a mockery of the very purpose of the Sacrament, which is to act as a catalyst for personal repentance and improvement? If we remember the Savior and all He has done and will do for us, we will improve our actions and thus come closer to Him, which keeps us on the road to eternal life” (Elder John H. Groberg, Ensign, May 1989, 38).

*****

“Why don’t our talks in general conference and local meetings say more about the miracles we have seen? Most of the miracles we experience are not to be shared. Consistent with the teachings of the scriptures, we hold them sacred and share them only when the Spirit prompts us to do so. . . . Modern revelation directs that ‘they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation’ (D&C 84:73). Another revelation declares, ‘Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit’ (D&C 63:64). . . .

“Latter-day Saints generally follow these directions. In bearing testimonies and in our public addresses we rarely mention our most miraculous experiences, and we rarely rely on signs that the gospel is true. We usually just affirm our testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel and give few details on how we obtained it. Why is this? Signs follow those that believe. Seeking a miracle to convert someone is improper sign seeking. By the same token, it is usually inappropriate to recite miraculous circumstances to a general audience that includes people with very different levels of spiritual maturity. To a general audience, miracles will be faith-reinforcing for some but an inappropriate sign for others” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Miracles” [CES fireside for young adults, May 7, 2000].

TIDBITS and INSIGHTS:

“…for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward” (see 3 Nephi 20:42). When asked what the word “rearward” means, William responded, “He’s got my back.” Exactly.

*****

It’s important to be reminded once again of the tremendous importance of the prophet, Isaiah. Jesus Christ, himself, quoted him and said, “And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1).

*****

The people had the words of Isaiah, but perhaps needed to be reminded by the Savior of their importance. They did not, however, have the words of Malachi since Lehi had left Jerusalem well before the time of that prophet. What Malachi taught was so important, though, that the Savior quoted him. What did the Nephites need to understand? Tithing and the mission of Elijah.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

So much was done. So much was taught. So much was witnessed. And yet, . . . there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto the people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation. Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people (3 Nephi 26: 6-11).