The Things I Write About

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

08:57 -

The Day of Atonement

In Leviticus 16, there is a day described as the “Day of Atonement”. It is stated that “in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all” (Levitcus 16:29). This festival was to be done yearly, and its purpose is to bring about forgiveness for the sins of the Israelites. This day was a day of resting and fasting to symbolize the Israel being restored to fellowship with God.

It begins with the high priest going through at meticulous cleansing process. The high priest is to go to the holy place of the tabernacle with a “young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.” (Leviticus 16:3). He is clean is body and put on holy linen clothing. Once he has offered the sin and burnt offering for himself, he is then to make a sin offering and a burnt offering on behalf of Israel. This involves two kid goats for a sin offering and one ram. He offers the two goats symbolically before the Lord “at the door of the tabernacle” (Leviticus 16:6). One goat will be offered as a sin offering for Israel, and the other will offered to the Lord as a scapegoat. Once he makes the sacrifices for himself, he is to “take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward: and before the mercy seal shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times” (Leviticus 16:14). The sprinkling of the blood in the holy place of the temple is symbolic to the blood of Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses each of us from our sins. Once this is done the high priest is cleansed and able to perform the cleansing rituals for Israel.

To make the atonement for the children of Israel, the high priest then kills the goat for the sin offering. The blood of the goat is then brought to the veil and sprinkled at the mercy seat in the same manner as the bullock. Once he has reconciled the people of Israel through the sin offering, the high priest brings the scapegoat to the altar. There he lays his hands upon the head of the goat, and confess all the sins of Israel. Then the scapegoat is lead into the wilderness by a man appointed by the high priest. Once the high priest is done, he removes his holy garments and leaves the holy place in the tabernacle.

Aaron who was the high priest at the time needed to make atonement for himself before he made the atonement for the people. He needed to do this because Aaron was symbolically the Savior, and must be cleansed from his own sins to atone for the sins of others.

The use of the two goats was also symbolic. The first goat was symbolic to the Savior being sacrificed for the sins of the world, and the scapegoat was symbolic to the adversary being cast of the presence of the Lord. Thus its exile was symbolic of the people of Israel exiling their sins and influence of the adversary.

Both goats represent Jesus Christ and the atonement he made for each of us. The first goat was sacrificed as a type of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the scapegoat represented the liberty of sin that His atonement makes possible for us.

The duties of the high priest are symbolic to the duties of the Savior as well. Only Jesus Christ had no need to purify himself first because he had no sin. The man who was appointed to lead the scapegoat out of the wilderness represents the Lord’s appointed servants. They direct and lead the church through the authority given to them by the Savior. Our current leaders are the prophet, sears, and revelator’s of our time; President Thomas S Monson, and the members of the first presidency and quorum of the twelve apostles.

The ritual “Day of Atonement” is an example of vicarious work done for the benefit of another. The high priest vicariously atoned for the sins of Israel. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was also done vicariously. Vicarious means to be done by another. Jesus Christ atoned for sins on our behalf. Elder James E Talmage said “God has never refused to accept an offering made by one who is authorized on behalf of those who are in any way incapable of doing the required service themselves.” For a person’s sins to be forgiven they must humble themselves. By repenting of their sins, rejecting their sins, and making all possible recompense, a person qualifies themselves access to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Thursday, 23 October 2014

20:13 -

No comments

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments:

1. “Thou shalt have no other God’s before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images” (Exodus 20:4)
3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
4. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
5. “Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
6. “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13)
7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
8. “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16)
10. “Thou shalt not covet.” (Exodus 20:17)

This week I got to study the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20: 3-17. It was fascinating to study more deeply these commandments, and discover how I can do better in my own life.

The first great commandment as stated in Matthew 22: 37 is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” The second great commandment is like it as also stated in Matthew 22:39, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The commandments that Moses received for the people of Israel to follow are commonly known as the Ten Commandments. These commandments stem from the two great commandments. Each commandment will fit into either the love God, or love neighbor category.

Love God:

5. “Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
6. “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13)
7. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
8. “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
9. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16)
10. “Thou shalt not covet.” (Exodus 20:17)

There are three commandments that I feel are most commonly neglected in the world.

1. “Thou shalt have no other God’s before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
2. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)
3. “Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Exodus 20:12)

While there is no obvious “golden lamb”, the world today is full of idolatry. The worship of idols is apparent by those who choose to put their worldly desire before the Lord. Someone who sacrifices their time to study scriptures to play a video or watch television is guilty of idolatry. I myself have been guilty of that sin. I feel that if the world would put the worship of the Lord before all other things, we would be able to accomplish a lot of good. By taking the time to turn off the TV, and picking up the scriptures or provide service, we strengthen not only our own testimonies, but also strengthen our relationship with God.

I hear almost every day someone taking the name of the Lord in vain. Even in supposedly “family friendly” television shows, I hear it on a constant basis. I can picture a world where the name of our Lord is spoken of in reverence. I feel that if this commandment was followed more closely in the world, the way we would speak to each other would drastically improve. Because we speak of the Lord in reverence, we feel more love, and thus would love others more too. There would be less conflict if this commandment was less neglected than it is now.

The respect a child has for their parents has decreased drastically in today’s world. I myself have been guilty of treating my parents with less respect at times. To truly honour my parents, I must live righteously. I recently saw the latest Transformer movie. In the movie there was a father, daughter and her boy friend. At one point in the movie, the daughter was trapped in a dangerous situation. As the father and the boyfriend went about to rescue her, the boyfriend said something that appalled me. The boyfriend stated to the father that he wasn’t there to rescue the father’s daughter, but that he was there to rescue his girlfriend. I felt that the theme was that parents were not important. Imagine for a moment if every child desired to honour their parents. By living in a way that would always bring honour, would bring peace to a devastated world. For a child to honour parents who do not honour God’s commands, that child must be obedient to God. That is why righteousness is the true way to honour ones parents.

Thursday, 16 October 2014

15:56 -

No comments

Water and Fire

One thing that I have learned over the years as I have studied the Old Testament, is that symbolism is used throughout the ancient record. There are two major symbols that I have noticed while studying the exodus of the Israelite's: the symbol of being saved by water and fire.

In Exodus 14, the people of Israel embarked on their journey to the Promised Land, after being slaves in Egypt. Once they reached the shores of the Red Sea, Moses parted the waters and “the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left” (Exodus 14:29). Israel was being baptized by water symbolically. It was as if they were immersed into the water. Once they reached the other side, they started a new beginning, just like a person who was recently baptized. Baptism is symbolic of rebirth. When a person enters the waters of baptism, they leave behind their old life, and begin a new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Israel’s symbolic baptism represents the same thing. They left behind their old life of servitude to Egypt, to begin a new life devoted to the Lord. The children of Israel were not only saved from slavery that day, they were also saved from sin.

One their journey, the Lord directed the people of Israel with a pillar of fire. Being directed by fire is also symbolic as being saved and directed. After a person is baptized into the Lord’s church, that person is then symbolically baptized by fire. Meaning, that person receives the gift of the Holy Ghost. With that gift, a person is given direction and comfort throughout their lives. Just as the Israelite's were directed by the pillar of fire in ancient times.

As I looked at these events during my study this week, I was able to see more clearly the symbolism that is apparent in the Old Testament. The children of Israel were symbolically saved by water in fire. They were saved by water, when they crossed the Red Sea, and by fire because they were directed through the wilderness by a pillar of fire. The children of Israel were baptized by water and fire.

Thursday, 9 October 2014

13:00 -

No comments

Patriarchal Blessings

This week in the Old Testament, I studied about beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout these chapters, many blessings and promises were given to the Lords covenant people. It was customary for the patriarch of a family to bless his children before death. Jacob, who later became Israel gave his children their own patriarchal blessings. The blessings that were bestowed upon the sons of Jacob will be realized during the last days. While Ephraim and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph, Jacob adopted them as his own. The oldest at that time was given a special birthright blessing. Through inspiration of the Lord, Israel gave that special blessing to Ephraim instead of Manasseh, who is the older of the two. Jacob blessed Ephraim with the same blessing that Abraham, and Isaac both received: to be a great nation. Ephraim’s seed shall multiply and grow just as was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

While all twelve brothers were given a special patriarchal blessing, I would like to focus on the blessings of Judah and Joseph.

Judah was promised that kings would come from his bloodline. There were at least three known kings that came from Judah’s line: King David, King Solomon and King Rehoboam. Judah’s birthright is that his line will rule until the Shiloh comes. Through modern revelation it was revealed to Joseph Smith that Shiloh is Jesus Christ the Messiah. (“A Message to Judah from Joseph,” Ensign, Dec. 1976 p.71)

Joseph was promised that he would prosper and multiply. His seed would grow so numerous, that they would spread in other lands. This promise was realized when the prophet Lehi took his family from Jerusalem, crossed the sea, and inhabited the Promised Land. The land that was promised to the seed of Joseph. Lehi was a descendant of Joseph.

Through revelation, the prophet Joseph Smith discovered an ancient prophecy from Joseph This prophecy spoke Joseph Smith. The people of Israel were promised that a seer whose name is Joseph and whose father is Joseph, will have the “power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins” (JST Genesis 50:30). Joseph Smith brought the words of Joseph from Egypt to the descendants of Joseph. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, and many sections in the Holy Bible. It was prophesied that those who sought to harm Joseph would be confounded. While there were many who tried to harm him, no one could until his life’s mission was over.

In Genesis 49, the children of Israel were given their patriarchal blessings. These blessing help to lead and guide them as they continued on with their life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints follows that same pattern. Those who are old enough to understand the importance of this blessing have the option of obtaining one from their local Patriarch. I was fifteen years old when I got my patriarchal blessing. Since that time, I have turned to my blessing during times of trial and turmoil. Each time, I have received comfort and help from the words of my blessing. I was able to make life changing decisions with confidence, because of my blessing. There are many things in my blessing that are too sacred to share, but I know that the words spoken are personal to me. I am aware that Heavenly Father knows me personally, and what I need to be happy. I use my blessing like a road map. It doesn’t give details of what I will go through, but guidelines to help me through whatever comes in my life.

Thursday, 2 October 2014

11:40 -

No comments

Melchizedek

This week as I studied the Old Testament, I learned a little about the high priest Melchizedek. I have often wondered why the higher priesthood was called the Melchizedek priesthood. If the Church is Christ’s Church, then why isn’t it called Christ’s Priesthood? Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) 107:2-4 explain that it “to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name.” Why Melchizedek? D&C 107:2 states “Why the first is called Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.” The Joseph Smith translation (JST) for Genesis 14 describes Melchizedek as “a man of faith, who wrought righteousness, and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire” (JST, Genesis 14: 26). Melchizedek was obedient to the Lord from the time he was a child. He lived his life with faith in God and good works. Just as the Savior was called “Prince of Peace, so was Melchizedek, and is such a symbol as the Savior. (JST, Genesis 14: 33) He blessed the prophet Abram (later Abraham) through the priesthood which he held. In the early times of the world, it is no wonder that Melchizedek was chosen to carry the name of the higher priesthood. He was chosen because of the life he lived.

Now a days, any worthy man 18 years and older can be ordained to carry the Melchizedek Priesthood. With that priesthood, comes the responsibility to serve others the way Melchizedek did.

Thursday, 25 September 2014

16:24 -

No comments

The Lord will Qualify His Servants

This semester I am studying the Old Testament in school. I was given the assignment to share what I learned with others through a choice of various mediums. I decided to share what I learned through my blog. This week I studied in Genesis 4-11 of the Old Testament, and Moses 5-7 of the Pearl of Great Price. As I studied about the life of the prophet Enoch, I learned a very important truth. Whoever the Lord calls as his servant, he will qualify them for the Job.

The people that lived during the time of Enoch were not a righteous people. He describes them as a people whose “hearts have waxed hard, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off.” (Moses 6:27)They lived disconnected from Heavenly Father. Their hearts were hard because they were not compassionate to others. Their ears were dull of hearing because they ignored the teachings of Heavenly Father. Their eyes could not see afar off because they refused to see the blessings of the Lord. Enoch wondered how the Lord could trust him to preach repentance to a people who hated him. He felt inadequate and unable to be the servant of God.

In exchange for serving the Lord, Enoch was strengthened by the Lord. His mouth was filled with the words of God, and he was protected from harm. Enoch had his own limitation and weaknesses. He felt that he was slow of speech, and he feared to preach to a people who hated him. Yet, Enoch was a prophet who “walked with God”. His words were directed by the Holy Ghost, and the spirit was so strong that “the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence.” (Moses 6:47). This man felt that he was inadequate as a servant. Heavenly Father knew Enoch better than Enoch knew himself. He talked with God “face to face” (Moses 7:4) As a result of the work Enoch did, an entire people repented. He built a city where the citizens were of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). Every citizen was equal in status. The city was so righteous that it was taken up to Heaven. All of this was accomplished by a man who thought of himself as an inadequate servant of the Lord. If the Lord calls us, he will qualify us for the job.

The Lord will strengthen all he calls to serve him. I have personally been strengthened by the Lord. I remember a time when I felt prompted to share my testimony with a friend, on a specific issue that I knew we did not agree on. As I prayed and ponder on the words I needed to say, I felt the words flow through my fingers as I typed my testimony for her. As I read back the email that I sent her, I felt a confirmation of the spirit that I had said the words Heavenly Father wanted me to say. My friend never responded to my email, and I may never know the impact my words had, but I am strengthen knowing that Heavenly Father gave me the words to say. He gave me these words because he had asked me to say something. I am not an expert in the gospel, but he gave me the words I needed to share what needed to be said. He helped me remember scripture passages that I have studied before. He had called me to share my testimony, and by doing so gave me the strength and ability to accomplish the task.

Thursday, 11 September 2014

07:53 -

1 comment

I Could Bare No More

My final essay was my favorite. I was required to write about a personal experience that changed me. I have had many experiences that have formed me into who I am now, but the topic I chose changed me in ways I never thought possible. I wrote this essay in hopes that those who have faced similar challenges will know that they are not alone, and that each of us can overcome all. I hope you enjoy this essay, because I have enjoyed writing it.

I Could Bare No More

As long as I could remember, I dreamed of having a large family. Six was the magic number for me. A perfect even number of children, so that not one child would ever be left out. I planned to have them close together, so that they would be each other’s most important best friend. As a youth, I was taught that happiness came from having children, so I believed that having lots of children was key to my own happiness. I knew what I wanted, and I was going to do all that I could to get it. Shortly after I started dating the man that would become my husband, I knew he was the one for me, because he wanted lots of children too. Two months into our marriage, I found out that our family was about to start. I was overjoyed with the prospect of having children.

Having our first child was much harder than I thought it would be, but we were still convinced that we would have a large family. Our first son Donald brought us joy, but also tested us in ways that were unimagined. After three years of adjusting to parenthood, we had our second child: a daughter named Taylor. Two years later we had Daniel, our second son. It was after he was born that our lives were changed in unexpected ways.

While I was pregnant with Daniel, a mass was discovered on my right ovary. It was large, and appeared to be growing. I was told that the mass was normal, and would probably dissolve after delivery, so I tried to forget about it. After Daniel was born, I got an ultrasound to check the status of the mass. Not only was it still there, but another one was growing on my left ovary. My heart started to race as I thought about what could happen to me. While attempting to remove the mass surgically, the doctor discovered suspicious cells. At this point, panic took over me. I never thought it was possible that I would ever have cancer, yet here I was waiting for the results of a biopsy. The possibility of my large family was fading from my grasp. If the results came back positive for cancer, the best course of action would be to receive a full hysterectomy. While I would be cured of cancer, my ability to have children would be gone. How could I be happy if I could no longer have children?

Two weeks after my first surgery, the result of the biopsy came in. I was called into my doctor’s office for the results, so I was convinced the news was bad. I had found ways to distract myself the past two weeks, and I was even happy. What if the bad news took that happiness away from me? While driving to my appointment, I remember praying for joy no matter the results. The look of sadness and empathy on my doctor’s face, confirmed my suspicion. I had cancer. I immediately burst into tears, and I called my husband Doug to tell him the terrible news. Gone were my hopes of a large family. Yet, I was determined not to be miserable. Somehow I managed to drive myself the forty-five minutes to get home. Doug and I took our children to the park, and continued on with our day like nothing was wrong.

With-in the next few months my next surgery was set. Even though I was determined to be happy, finding that happiness was hard. I was worried and sad all the time. I decided to give myself over to the Lord completely. By doing so, I was able to find the peace I was searching for. It didn’t matter what happened to me anymore, because I had faith that Heavenly Father knew what I needed to be happy. I threw myself into the rearing of the children I already had. Three was a good number, even if I couldn’t have the six children I was hoping for. Those months waiting for surgery were filled with joy beyond comparison.

After I recovered from my hysterectomy, I struggled again with finding happiness. The fact that I could no longer have children really hit me, especially since many of my friends were having more themselves. I struggled with feelings of resentment and jealousy. I felt incomplete and broken. A part of me was taken, and I could never get it back. I desperately wanted to find happiness again. My mother-in-law saw my struggles, and knew what I needed. Our community put together a musical rendition of “The Garden,” which tells the tale of the Atonement of Jesus Christ through the perspective of the Garden of Gethsemane. In the garden was a barren olive tree. Her song was for me. I felt her pain for it was my own. Then the Savior was crucified, and resurrected, and the olive tree bore fruit. That is where I found my peace and joy. Just like the olive tree, I will once again be whole. More children will come from me once my body is resurrected. The atonement of Jesus Christ became personal to me that day. Because of Him, I will be whole again one day.

Many years have passed since that day, yet I still feel the same sweet joy. I cannot have any more children. That has not changed. I have many friends who are still having children, yet those feelings of resentment and jealousy do not come. I can rejoice with my friends as their families grow, because of my knowledge of the resurrection. I can find joy in my little family, because I know that we will be together forever. Even though cancer has changed my life, I am happy. The kind of happiness that can only come from a loving Savior who paved the way, who conquered death so that all mankind can live forever. I learned that no matter my circumstance, I can be happy.