Have you ever felt overwhelmed with a need to understand something? Perhaps you are reading a scripture, preparing a lesson, seeking a solution to a personal problem, trying to understand the temple better, or unsure of a decision you are facing. This need to understand, coupled with life itself, would describe the Nephites on one of the most glorious days of their history.
Consider their lives in the past year. On the "in the thirty fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month..." (3 Nephi 8:5), their world was changed forever. Turmoil, thunderings, storms, earthquakes, and destruction occurred throughout their land, last three hours, followed by utter blackness for three days. In the darkness was heard a voice from heaven recounting the fate of many cities, the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, and an invitation to come unto Christ. This was followed by "many hours" of silence in the land, and then, the voice of Christ was heard again, promising to gather His children. The three days pass away and "the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away." (3 Nephi 10:9)
I'm sure there was work for all in reconstructing their civilization following such immense turmoil. However, the Lord had more to tell them.
"In the ending of the firty and fourth year..." (3 Nephi 10:18), a great multitude gathered together at the temple in the land Bountiful, remembering their experiences at the time of His death, when a voice was heard. Three times the voice spoke before they understood, hearing the Father introduce His Beloved Son, then watching Him descend from heaven to stand with them. Then begins an overwhelming day, as they are invited forward, "one by one" to see and feel the wounds in his hisd, hands and feet, that He was the One "of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."
But the experience of the day was not over. He taught them of baptism, called and commissioned the Twelve, preached the Sermon on the Mount, told of the "other sheep" and the latter day spreading of the Gospel, and of His return to rule and reign. Then is recorded, "he said unto them: Behold my time is at hand. 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," (3 Nephi 17:1-2) Then follows the formula for gaining understanding:
1. "Go unto your homes" - go to a place of peace and quiet, a surrounding that allows you to follow the next steps.
2. "Ponder upon the things..." - clearly define and know what you are seeking to understand.
3. "Ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand" - pray!
4. "Prepare your minds for the morrow" - Be receptive to further teaching, understanding, knowledge
5. Revisit the situation - for the Nephites, this was to return the next day, when the Savior promised to return.
Their days had not yet ended, for then He healed the sick, prayed in words they could not write, and blessed their little children, taught them of and gave them the sacrament, and gave to the Twelve the power to give the Holy Ghost. THEN, He departed for the day.
His formula is true - it will bring us the answers we seek. May you find the answers you seek, the patience to seek, the Spirit to give you the guidance and answers, and a receptive heart to that which is His will.
Love, Mom
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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