Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, and they were hearing him, and asking him questions. Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46

When Jesus was 12 years old, He and His family traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. On the trip back to Nazareth, Joseph and Mary thought Jesus was among the group of family and friends they traveled with. But after a full day's journey, they realized Jesus was not with them. (See Luke 2:41-44.)

Joseph and Mary were worried and went back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. For three days they searched for the young boy, finally finding Him in the temple, where He was teaching the wise men and answering their questions. (See Luke 2:45-46; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46.) "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke 2:47).

Mary asked Jesus why He had done this, telling Him how she and Joseph had searched for Him, sorrowing. Jesus answered that He had been doing His Heavenly Father's work. Although Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was to be the Savior, they did not understand His mission as well as He did. (See Luke 2:48-50.)

Jesus returned to Nazareth with Joseph and Mary and was an obedient son. As He grew older, He studied and learned; He was close to His Heavenly Father and well liked by other people. (See Luke 2:51-52.)

Summary

When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with His family to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. On the way home, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was not with their group. They went back to Jerusalem to look for Him. After three days of searching, they found Jesus teaching the wise men in the temple. Those who heard Him were amazed at His understanding. Mary asked Him why He had stayed behind and made them worry. Jesus explained that He was doing the work of His Father in Heaven.

Artist, Grant Romney Clawson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY Word: Which one of these pictures do you feel drawn to the most. The first one feels "cleaner" and more orderly to me. Also the boy seems older, like around 14 or 15...still very young. The second painting really captures his youth and innocence. Last month one of our Primary children turned 12, received the Aaronic Priesthood and began passing the Sacrament....he looked so small and innocent.

Oh my....I just finished reading from "The Mortal Messiah" book 1, to learn more about this episode of Jesus teaching in the temple. Now I'm so emotional...if this were paper there would be tear drops! ;)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and probably other members of their family and friends would have traveled from Nazareth to the Temple in Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover. They would have gone every year in March or April but this year was different for Jesus was now 12 and a "son of the Law". He would have had duties to fulfill in the temple, subject to fasting (according to the law) and no longer considered a child in preparation. We might liken this to us in this way....we are to fast from food and drink for 2 consecutive meals once a month and donate the money normally spent on those meals to the Fast Offering fund. We teach our children this concept by example then when they are baptized at 8 years of age they begin to fast with mom and dad.

Back to the temple ceremony: Joseph would have taken a perfect lamb (this would be a lamb of significant size not just a baby) and it would have been slaughtered (by the sacrificer...would that have been Joseph?), the blood sprinkled on the alter, portions of the animal would be burned, the meat given back to the family to be taken home and consumed. Read about temple SACRIFICES. Here is what I want you to ponder: As Jesus watched (perhaps participated in some way) this ritual what impressions do you think He may have received? Did he realize or just get an inkling that this whole ritual was in similitude of Him? This is my own speculation but perhaps that is why he went to the temple to talk to the teachers/doctors/scholars; to ask them questions and learn from them. I think He was not there to show off, denagrate, or offend them but through a series of questions and answers perhaps all were taught. Do you not learn this way...ask questions, discuss possibilities, accept and/or reject ideas, come to some conclusion? What's the best way to confirm information you have gathered? HINT: P---! Do you think Jesus did this?

Studying about this event has given me so much to think about. Thank you for this oppotunity!

Jesus Praying with His Mother

Whew!....That was a long break. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Luke 2:40, 51-52

John 19:26-27

Isn't this the sweetest picture? We have no scriptures that say...."and Mary taught Jesus to pray".... but we can draw upon our own experiences as parents and reason that she did so. From the above scriptures do you get a sense for Jesus and Mary's (his mother) relationship. His concern for her at the end of His life causes me to tear up.

"It is possible that Jesus attended the Jewish synagogues and was taught in the learning of the Jews by the rabbis. If so, much of what Jesus heard would have been a perversion of truth, for Judaism was in a state of apostasy. His most significant education, therefore, came through the Spirit from his Heavenly Father. Jesus testified of himself: "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28) And again: "The Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." (John 12:49) Who taught Jesus what he knew? His Father, God the Father, taught him. That he was taught by wiser than mortal men is evident, and that he learned his lessons well, for the Prophet Joseph Smith said of him: "When still a boy, He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger, and to death." (more about his teaching the learned in the next post.)

Much of what we are taught today is questionable. The answers keep changing! John Bytheway (and LDS author....love his stuff) says: "Read the the book where the answers never change."....meaning the Scriptures!

Cute story that just happened in Primary last Sunday. While teaching a class I stated that when we speak to Heavenly Father we pray. Then asked, "How does Heavenly Father speak to us?" The answer I was hoping to get from them or to help them understand was....He speaks to us through the scriptures. A little 5 year old said,"Well, there's this voice inside your head and you have to listen to it." Out of the mouths of babes!

How do you begin to teach children about prayer? The best way is to set the example. Children learn best by watching and then doing, not just being told what/how to do something. Good teachers/mentors/parents guide and give correction when needed. One of the first prayers a child learns is to ask a blessing on the food. That prayer has all of the elements needed: Addressing our Heavenly Father, thank Him for blessings, ask for things that we need and close in the name of Jesus Christ. Hey guess what there is a Primary song about that very thing....listen to it here! Be sure and click button for words and music.

Two quotes:

"To better understand prayer, I have listened to the counsel of others, pondered the scriptures, and studied the lives of prophets and others. Yet what seems most helpful is seeing in my mind a child approaching trustingly a loving, kind, wise, understanding Father, who wants us to succeed.

Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your Father. He hears every prayer and answers it in His way." (Ensign, Nov. 1989...Elder Richard G. Scott)

Next Quote:

"To pray....may I suggest a process to follow: go where you can be alone, go where you can think, go where you can kneel, go where you can speak out loud to Him....Now picture him in your mind's eye. Think to whom you are speaking, control your thoughts - don't let them wander, address him as your Father and your friend. Now tell him things you really feel to tell him - not trite phrases that have little meaning, but have a sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, enjoy him, thank him, express your love to him, and then listen for his answers. (Ensign, January 1974...--H. Burke Peterson)

As a rebellious teenager I pictured a kindly, nonjudgemental, encouraging little ole grandpa type Heavenly Father. (Say someone like President Kimball...wink)

Today my Heavenly Father looks different in my mind....not old....still kind, encouraging, judgemental as in "I know you can do better than this"...... bold and powerful but always with perfect self control! What does he look like to you?

OK, I have a challenge for us....Let's read the Book of John once a month for the whole year. I have only read it straight through twice in my whole life....pathetic! Why John? Because this is the book where Jesus' words are used the most. There are 21 chapters in this book, I just read John 6...it took me 90 seconds to read 71 verses, the longest chapter in the Book of John. Now I know that reading isn't studying. You are not going to understand what He is teaching without indepth study but you will "hear" His voice and begin to understand more fully who He is. May I suggest you make a journal entry of what you know about Jesus and how you feel about Him now. We will check in periodically to find out what's changed.

Flight into Egypt

Matthew 2

Just read the scripture reference....it explains it all! ;)

My Word: Contrary to some accounts and tradition we do not know where the wise men came from, who they were or how many there were. We don't know what "star" (be sure to read down to the highlighted references) led them to the Christ child but we do know the star was seen by many all over the world.

We also don't know how old Jesus was at the time of the wise men's visit but since Herod had all children 2 and younger killed I am assuming he is no longer an infant. Also the visit was to a "young child" perhaps another clue.

Herod was a horrible man and rightfully despised and feared. Any hint of another's coming to power and he would quash the rebellion! Remember that John the Baptist and his parents were effected by Herod's edict. I remember this scripture reference (Matthew 2:18) because my Grandfather was born in Ramah, NM so that event combined with the horror of the slaughter of children makes this reference stick in my mind.

Assignment: Just as the people were given signs of the birth of Christ we are given signs of His return. Are you watching for the signs of the Second Coming of the Messiah? Where would you find a list of the signs? Were people converted to Christ because of the signs or something else? What would be a better gift (you may want to be comforted :HINT!) to have than the knowledge of the signs? What must you do to receive this Gift? Try here, #4!

Simeon Reverencing the Christ Child

Luke 2:22-39

MY Word: Living the Law of Moses required certain rituals to be performed at the Temple. Bethlehem is only about 5 miles from Jerusalem, so after Mary had completed her 40 days of purification she and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple to offer sacrifices and ordinances concerning the firstborn son. Read the reference above carefully. What monetary circumstances were Joseph and Mary in? If Heavenly Father places his Son in poor but humble conditions is there a lesson for us? Would you rather have love and time with family or stuff that we have to work so hard and long hours to pay for? What were Simeon's duties at the Temple? If he performed ordinances for all firstborn son's do you think he performed them robotically or do you think with each child he questioned in his heart, "Is this the Saviour?" Do you think that after years of faithful service Heavenly Father would just ignore his question? I don't think so!

And finally we have Anna. 20='s a score so you do the math or read her reference. Again a faithful servant who, I'm sure, questioned and learned at the Temple on a daily basis. We (in the LDS religion) have a phrase to describe Simeon and Anna; they were "in tune with the Spirit (meaning the Holy Ghost)" and recognized through this gift the Saviour of the world.

Assignment: Using Simeon and Anna as examples what steps can we take to develop "tuning into the Holy Ghost"? Here are a few things that come to my mind: Be where we are suppose to be ~I think they both were doing their Temple duties. What are your duties at work, in your church, in your family, etc.? Where ever you have responsibilities LEARN, ask yourself: am I giving my best, what can I improve, how can I be more helpful, ask WHY and find the answer! Be generous with your knowledge, although they shared their knowledge with those that would understand and gave reverence to their words. (What is that other scripture reference that goes something like this....cast not your pearls before swine.) Give thanks and acknowledge Heavenly Father's hand in your learning process and life!

The Announcement of Christ's Birth to the Shepherds

Luke 2:820
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. Luke 2:89

On the night Jesus was born, there were shepherds in the field watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

"And ... ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:1012).

Suddenly there appeared a multitude of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14; see also Luke 2:13).

When the angels had gone, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15). Hurrying to Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger (see Luke 2:16).

Later, as the shepherds returned to their flocks, telling the people abroad what the angel had said about Jesus, they glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen (see Luke 2:1718).

Summary

The night Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds tending their flocks. The angel announced the Savior's birth in Bethlehem and told the shepherds they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Suddenly many angels appeared to the shepherds, praising God and declaring peace on earth. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus, just as the angel had said. As the shepherds returned to their sheep, they told others of the glorious things they had heard and seen.

Artist, Del Parson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: Now you know the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. Answer the question that Jesus asks the Pharisees found in Matthew 22:42. Are you more like the shepherds or the Pharisees? Do you rush to learn of Him or try to justify your defiance to his commandments?

A word about the shepherds...why would the angel and host of angels appear to them? I don't have a scriptural reference or modern revelation to back up this theory so be clear this is only my opinion!....They took care of the lambs that would be offered for sacrifice at the temple. In the New Testament there are many references to lambs and shepherds; symbolic of Jesus and His love and care for us. I think the shepherds would have often discussed the purpose of sacrificing the lambs they loved and took care of therefore they would be more prepared to meet the Lamb of God.

The Birth of Jesus

Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:1-16; 1 Nephi 11:13-21; Alma 7:10

When was Jesus born...what season? In the first picture the shepherds aren't wearing shirts...I wonder why? How would you (or your wife) like to give birth in a stable, barn, animal shelter? Look here to find out more about the artist of the first picture. Near the bottom of that page are some interesting observations from children, don't pass them up.

Look what I found... "Christmas" .... so many great ideas here!

I love the poem at the beginning of this talk....it is so true! As I told my grandson,..."Its not what you buy that makes you happy, it's what's in your heart." Happiness is a feeling...not something you play with. Of course a five year old thinks a bit differently but can be taught the true meaning of Christmas.

On the Christmas site are some great suggestions to make the Season more meaningful...which ideas appeal to you and how can you impliment them?

Another favorite reminder:

"Maybe Christmas doesn't come from the store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more"~The Grinch

Soften your heart and let the Spirit of the Chirst-child in.

Merry Christmas!

Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem

Luke 2:1-5

MY Word:

What manner of man was Joseph? Read Matthew 1:18-25. Again what characteristics would Heavenly Father want in the man that was going to be raising His Son here on earth? Joseph could have had Mary put to death or at least publicly humiliated her yet he chose neither of those options. He would handle this privately, not just for his sake but also for Mary's...he loved her. The angle tells him not to fear taking her to wife....it seems to me that even though she was expecting another man's child Joseph wanted to be married to her. Can you just feel the relief that they both felt when this whole matter was settled?!

Read more about Joseph and Mary here in section (3-3). When I hear the term "Gentleman" used I often think of Joseph.

The distance from Nazareth (where Joseph and Mary lived) to Bethlehem was between 70 to 80 miles. We don't know a lot of details about the trip but for Mary I think it would have been uncomfortable! Joseph would have left his work for longer than most, to travel slower for Mary's sake.

When they arrived in Bethlehem the scriptures tell us there was no room for them in the inn. I have had this quote on my refrigerator for years now....

"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!"

(Ensign, Nov. 1992. pg. 66) Elder Neal A. Maxwell (one of the Twelve Apostles, now deceased.)

How will you make room for Him today?

The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary

See Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10

My Word:

The purpose of true prophets is to declare the words of Jesus Christ. All true prophets testify of him (Mosiah 13:33; see also Prophets, Mission of.) Isaiah, King Benjamin (Mosiah was his son), and Alma (just to name a few) all knew of Jesus' birth years in advance and testified of the event. They knew of Mary and the miraculous birth. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should have a firm testimony of this event as we have The Book of Mormon; Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In 1st Nephi 11 right at the beginning of his great vision Nephi sees Mary being chosen and the birth of Christ. More on that of course when we get to the Book of Mormon pictures.

You will notice that Gabriel (who is he again?...use the Bible Dictionary) tells both Zacharias and Mary "Fear not"; why does he say that? According to James E. Talmage in Jesus The Christ, he explains:" ....the people regarded personal visitations of heavenly beings as occurrences of the past; they had come almost to believe that there were no longer prophets in Israel. Nevertheless, there was always a feeling of anxiety, akin to that of troubled expectancy, whenever a priest approached the inner sanctuary, which was regarded as the particular abode of Jehovah should He ever again condescend to visit His people. In view of these conditions we read without surprise that this angelic presence troubled Zacharias and caused fear to fall upon him." We can assume that Mary, having been raised in the same conditions, would feel the same way. ~I've never had a "visitation" but I think I may need to have the same reassurance of "Fear not"!

Those words may have been more necessary after the message than before Mary knew what message the Angel was to deliver! My heart has often been saddened when thinking about the judgements that were passed on her by people ignorant of the circumstances. Hopefully, this experience helps me keep my own judgements in check. What characteristics do you think Mary possessed that Heavenly Father would choose her as the mother of His Son? Think about that carefully...full of love?, yes....indulgent?...I don't think so! Patient?...yes, oblivious?...no! Really think about how Heavenly Father would want His son raised and apply that to your own parenting.

In Addition: In "Daughters of God, Scriptural Portraits" by S. Michael Wilcox, he writes about Mary rushing to Elisabeth:

"Mary may have gone to Elisabeth because she wanted to share her own marvelous secret with someone who would understand, but I believe Mary also went "with haste" to share in the happiness of Elisabeth. Elisabeth shared in Mary's joy and proclaimed, 'Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb'. Added to their natural joy over the anticipated birth of their sons was the knowledge that the long awaited Messiah soon would redeem his people.

"Many women have a natural capacity to be as thrilled over their sisters' blessings as over their own. This is a godly quality---one we would all do well to emulate. It is a quality that destroys envy, jealousy, and pride." ~I added the emphasis...if we compare ourselves with others we develop these last three qualities but when we rejoice with each other...pooof....gone! Go ahead test that theory...do you agree or not?

Why is it important to know that Jesus is the Son of God? You may want to review the second post of this blog for the answer.

Gabriel, Zacharias, Elisabeth and John

Once again I wish I had a picture for every event but it is not to be. I just could not go forward without telling you about Zacharias so here we go....

Read: Luke 1

After years of praying for a child and while serving in the temple Zacharias is visited by Gabriel. Just a little information about Zacharias's temple service; he would serve in the temple for one week twice a year. A priest, chosen by casting lots, ~this was done to ensure that everyone had equal opportunity....there were so many priests that the chances of doing this once let alone more than once was very remote~ would enter the temple and light the incense.

Taken from "Jesus The Christ" by James E. Talmage, pg. 72.

"On this day the lot had fallen to Zacharias. It was a very solemn occasion in the life of the humble Judean priest -- this one day in his life on which the special and particularly sacred service was required of him. ...The place and the time were conducive to the highest and most reverential feelings. As Zacharias ministered within the Holy Place, the people without bowed themselves in prayer, watching for the clouds of incense smoke to appear above the great partition which formed the barrier between the place of general assembly and the Holy Place, and awaited the reappearance of the priest and his pronouncement of the benediction.

"Before the astonished gaze of Zacharias, at this supreme moment of his priestly service, there appeared, standing on the right of the golden altar of incense, an angel of the Lord." (Remember the people hadn't had revelations for many years and thought they were something that happened only in the past.)

What was Zacharias's reaction to the announcement of being a father? What happened to Zacharias as a result of his reaction? Elisabeth (again a woman who had waited and prayed for a child her whole married life) was a cousin to Mary (the mother of Jesus.) Again read all of Luke 1.
In the last verse where was John and why was he there?
Read here beginning at (3-5) Jesus and John Escape Herod's Wrath.

We will learn more about John and his mission later.

Zacharias has become a hero to me! Elisabeth....how did she keep John alive and safe? Was she alone? These are some strong people we could take some lessons from.

Next post back to the pictures.

End of the Old Testament....Beginning of the New!

There are approximately 400 years between the Testaments. Would you agree that much can happen in that amount of time? The following information (very condensed) is taken from "Old Testament, Student Manual, 1 Kings-Malachi" (these are Institute (college age) study manuals....very helpful to understand all scriptures.)

The End of the Prophetic Voice to Israel
"For years Israel had denied, dishonored, persecuted, fought, and rebelled against the prophets. Now at last the prophets were dead. Malachi was the last of the true prophets to minister to Israel; with him died the prophetic era. Dead too was the hope of Israel. God had desired that this nation be holy, his peculiar treasure. Upon her he had promised to heap his riches, glory and power:"I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy." (Psalm 132:15-16) Not only this, but He desired to have her sufficiently pure that He could make her cities His place of habitation. Indeed, she was to become Zion, where the Lord declared he would make his abode forever. (See Psalm 132:13-14) By rejecting the prophets, Israel forfeited the promises and potential of becoming like Enoch's people.

"Now came the dark years when there was no voice to declare "Thus saith the Lord." One would expect the death of the prophets to have been met with joy and rejoicing among the people who rejected the prophets, but just the opposite happened. The people mourned their loss.

"These, too, were the years when the priesthood became nearly powerless. Temple worship lapsed into mere ritual, and the spiritual breath of Israel nearly ceased. Some of the seed of Levi continued to honor the priesthood. Through these few streams of virtue the water of spiritual life trickled, preventing the broken cisterns that Israel had dug for herself from becoming completely dry (see Jeremiah 2:13.)


The Rise of the Scribes
"When Judah returned from exile in Babylon, she brought back with her a number of things that were not a part of her original beliefs. If one of these could be picked out to typify all the rest and symbolize what they meant, it would be the scribes. The scribes were originally educated men who made their livelihood keeping the records of the empire or as copyists of the scriptures. These they studied diligently, both to detect scribal errors and to understand the meaning of the scriptures. Eventually their role expanded. Not only did they supply copies of the scriptures to the growing number of synagogues, but they also became teachers of the law. As long as Israel had prophets, the scribes remained teachers and copyists. But when the prophetic voice ceased in Israel, these experts in the law of Moses began to fill the vacuum.

Pharisees and Sadducees
"At this point in history two very important Jewish groups emerged. They both became powerful and rival sects. (More on these later.)

Conclusion
"For four hundred years the heavens had been silent; not since Malachi had there been a prophet in Israel. Though services had been interrupted, the temple rites had continued during most of that time. Priests had made the proper sacrifice on the great alter, and the people had continued to pray daily while a priest had offered incense upon the altar in the holy place.

"Revelation had ceased, but the outer rites had continued. All had gone like clockwork until one day a priest named Zacharias did not reappear as quickly as he should have from the holy place after his service. The people began to marvel and conjecture. And well they should have, for once again the veil had been lifted, and God's word was proclaimed. The humble and aged Zacharias, of the priestly order of Abia, stood in the presence of an angel. "Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son... And his shall... make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:13,17.) This long-desired child was to be a messenger who would go forth in the spirit and power of Elias to declare that the kingdom of God was at hand. Once more Israel would be extended the covenant and the promise. Once more the keys and power were proffered to her. Once more she could become the nation of Jehovah. He who came to prepare the way was called John. Israel had a prophet once again, only this time the prophet would tell of Jehovah. He would be the forerunner, the prophet that would prepare the way for Jehovah's coming to earth as the Son of God and the Messiah that Judah had awaited for so long. And thus the Old Testament, or old covenant, was brought to a close and the New Testament, or new covenant, begun.


MY Word:
Take the time to follow the links and learn more about the above mentioned events and people. Have you ever watched "Fiddler On the Roof"?...watch it. It gives me a sense of how and why the Jews have been able to keep their religion, customs, way of life... alive for thousands of years. Compare their culture with "American" culture...how quickly and how many things have we change in 234 years?! (I barely understand the spoken word of the teenagers not to mention TEXTING!) ;)

~How do you feel about prophets? Do you wish they would just speak "easy, soft" words? Do you just want them to "get off my back"? Are you comforted by their presence but only when you seek them for advice? How are you (am I) like the Jews of old? Would we mourn the prophets if they were gone? Just for the record I wouldn't want to live without prophets! Heavenly Father directs our lives through his prophet...I mean just do as the prophet asks and your life will be better over time! Of that I am absolutely certain!

~I'll fill you in more about Zacharias in the next post.

Esther

Esther 3:8-15; 4; 7

Esther, Book of in the Bible Dictionary gives a good summary of Esther and her Uncle Mordecai.

My Word: Esther was written the same time as Ezra, just before Malachi but is placed in the Old Testament before Jeremiah and the diaspora (which one, I'm not sure) of the Jews.

Wow!....Esther's story is very applicable to our day! Of course the most oft quoted scripture from Esther is Esther 4:14. F. M. Bareham wrote:
"We fancy God can manage His world only with great battalions, when all the time He is doing it with beautiful babies.

"When a wrong wants righting, or a truth wants preaching, or a continent wants discovering, God sends a baby into the world." (In Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 323.)

We have evidence that some people are called to do certain things in this life. Read: Jeremiah 1:5 If Jeremiah and Esther were called to fulfill specific duties do you think it's possible that you are to fulfill specific assignments as well? Do you find any similarities between Mordecai's words to Esther in 4:13-14 and political situations of our time? Ponder: What steps did Esther take before petitioning God for intervention? Gather (not necessarily in the same place but in participation) your support group (family, friends, people of like mind) fast (I'm learning - and it's about time!- that fasting is much more than abstaining from food and drink...do I need to fast from some TV viewing, certain music, perhaps a bad habit, etc) and pray with full purpose of heart! Try it...Heavenly Father is only a prayer away!

Daniel in the Lions' Den

Daniel 6
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me. Daniel 6:22

King Darius of Babylon chose 120 princes to rule his kingdom. He also chose three presidents over these princes. Daniel, a righteous man, was the first of the three presidents "because an excellent spirit was in him" (Daniel 6:3; see also Daniel 6:12).

The other presidents and princes were jealous of Daniel. They tried to find a reason to complain to the king about him, but they could not. (See Daniel 6:4.)

Finally, the other rulers decided on a plan to get Daniel in trouble. They knew that Daniel prayed every day. So they asked King Darius to sign a decree that for the next 30 days no one could ask a favor of any God or man, except of the king. Anyone who disobeyed the decree would be thrown into a den of lions. King Darius signed the decree. (See Daniel 6:59.)

Though Daniel heard about the decree, he continued to pray three times a day in his home, as he had done before (see Daniel 6:10). The jealous rulers saw Daniel praying (see Daniel 6:11). They went to King Darius and reminded him, "Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered, "The thing is true" (Daniel 6:12). They then informed the king that Daniel had been praying to his God (see Daniel 6:13).

The king loved Daniel and did not want him to be killed. He tried to find a way to save Daniel, but he could not change the decree. (See Daniel 6:1415.) So Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. The sorrowful king told Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). A large rock was placed over the opening to the lions' den (see Daniel 6:17).

King Darius spent the night fasting. He could not sleep. Early in the morning he hurried to the den of lions. (See Daniel 6:1819.) The anguished king cried out, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" (Daniel 6:20).

From within the den came Daniel's voice: "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me" (Daniel 6:22).

The king was joyful. He commanded that Daniel be taken out of the den. Because of Daniel's faith, God had protected him. (See Daniel 6:23.)

The men who had accused Daniel were thrown into the den and were killed by the lions (see Daniel 6:24). King Darius signed another decree that everyone in his kingdom should fear and tremble before Daniel's God (see Daniel 6:2527).

Summary

Powerful men were jealous of Daniel, who was favored by King Darius. These men tricked the king into signing a law which said that anyone who prayed, except to him, would be cast into a den of lions. Daniel knew this but still prayed to God three times a day. When Daniel was caught praying, King Darius tried to save Daniel but could not. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. Early the next morning the king ran to the lions' den. Daniel was safe. He had been protected by an angel sent from God.

Artist, Clark Kelley Price

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: We often teach this miracle from the viewpoint of Daniel being saved from the lions. There is another miracle. I wonder about King Darius...was he so easily flattered into making ultimatums? It seems a bit contradictory to me that he couldn't undo the decree until after Daniel received his punishment yet...within a short period he sent out another decree telling the "kingdom to tremble and fear the God of Daniel"...see verse 26. He seems a little wishy-washy to me but I could be wrong. So...what is the other miracle? Darius loved Daniel so much he broke his own decree by fasting (true fasting is accompanied by prayer.) He obviously wasn't praying to himself!

Quote that I have written in my scriptures (it's been there a long time!) but I don't know who said it:

"When someone says something unkind about me, I will live so no one will believe it."

For some reason the story of Daniel and Darius reminds me of this quote. Darius knew of the goodness of Daniel, he never doubted Daniel's integrity.

ASSIGNMENT: Live in such a way that you can go forth with boldness...not arrogance but gentle confidence. You decide what you want people to say or think about you! Live in such a way that if something negative is said it will not be believed...especially by you! Make a list of attributes you want to have and get to work.

Three Men in the Fiery Furnace

Daniel 3
Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:25

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made a large golden image and called all the princes, governors, captains, judges, and other rulers in the kingdom to come to the dedication of this image. As these people stood before the idol, one of the king's officials cried out that when the music played, everyone was commanded to fall down and worship the golden image. Anyone who didn't do this would be thrown into a fiery furnace. (See Daniel 3:16.)

The music sounded, and the people fell down to worship the golden image. But among the group were three Jewish men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego—who would not worship the idol. They believed in Heavenly Father and knew that worshiping idols was wrong. Some of the rulers reported this to the king. (See Daniel 3:712.)

King Nebuchadnezzar was angry and commanded that the three men be brought to him (see Daniel 3:13). He asked them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?" (Daniel 3:14). Then he said he would give them one more chance. The music would play again, and if the three men fell down to worship the image, all would be well. But if they still refused, they would immediately be thrown into a burning fiery furnace. (See Daniel 3:15.)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego told the king that they knew their God could deliver them from the furnace if He chose to. But even if He did not deliver them, they would never worship false gods or this golden image. (See Daniel 3:1618.)

This made King Nebuchadnezzar even more furious. He ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual; then he commanded his mightiest soldiers to tie up the three men and throw them into the fiery furnace. The soldiers did as the king asked, and the fire was so hot that it killed them as they threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego into the flames. (See Daniel 3:1923.)

Suddenly the king, who had been watching, jumped up and asked, "Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" (Daniel 3:24). His counselors answered, "True, O king" (Daniel 3:24). Then the king continued, "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God" (Daniel 3:25).

King Nebuchadnezzar then came near the opening of the furnace. He called, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth," and the three walked out of the fire (see Daniel 3:26). The other rulers had gathered around and could see that not one hair on the three men's heads had been burned. They didn't even smell of fire. (See Daniel 3:27.)

When the king saw this, he praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego for delivering them from the furnace. He sent a decree throughout the land that no one was to speak against their God, and he promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to higher positions in Babylon. (See Daniel 3:2830.)

Summary

King Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue and commanded everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew they should worship only Heavenly Father and refused to bow down to the idol. The king was angry and commanded that they be thrown into a fiery furnace. He was amazed then to see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego calmly walking in the hot fire with a fourth man whose form was "like the Son of God." The king called the three men out of the furnace. They were not harmed. He praised their God for saving them, and sent out a decree that no one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Artist, William Maughan

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY Word: What do you think the purpose of this story being included in the scriptures, especially in the Book of Daniel, is? Here are a few reasons I've been thinking about....Daniel wasn't the only one who stayed true to his religious upbringing while in captivity. These three (that saves me from typing their names!) didn't compromise their integrity under intense social and political pressure. Is it easier to stand for something in a group?

ASSIGNMENT: Do we have other examples of valiant integrity? Try these: Acts 7....especially verses 51-60; what about that young punk who had clothes laid down at his feet...what ever happened to him?! And these....Mosiah 17; Joseph Smith History 1, especially verses 21-26. We have examples all around us that live daily their beliefs but it is usually through history that we learn about them. Think about our Founding Father's and those who signed the Declaration of Independence....we owe them such a debt of gratitude! Knowing what we owe them, what do we owe Heavenly Father and His Son? Who are your heros...one of mine is Cory ten Boom (The Hiding Place) I'm in awe of her and her family! Resolve to "stand as witnesses of God, at all times, in all things, and in all places".... you can do it!

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Daniel 2
The great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Daniel 2:45

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. He called for some of his wise men to explain what the dream meant. (See Daniel 2:13.) The problem was that the king could not remember his dream. He ordered them to tell him both the dream and its meaning, threatening to kill them if they couldn't. When these men answered that no one could tell the king his dream, Nebuchadnezzar commanded that all the wise men in Babylon be killed. (See Daniel 2:56, Daniel 2:1012.)

Daniel, one of the captives the Babylonians had taken from Jerusalem, was among those who were to be slain. When he learned about the danger, he told the king's captain he would interpret the dream if the king would give him time. Daniel asked his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to pray with him. They asked Heavenly Father to show Daniel the dream, and the Lord revealed the dream to Daniel in a vision. (See Daniel 2:1323; see also Daniel 1:7.)

Daniel went to the king's captain and told him he could interpret the dream (see Daniel 2:24). The captain rushed Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar. After saying that God had shown him the dream, Daniel described the image the king had seen. The image's head was made of gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly and thighs of brass, his legs of iron, and his feet of part iron and part clay. Daniel said that a great stone struck the image's feet and broke them. Then the stone grew and filled the whole earth. (See Daniel 2:2835.)

Interpreting the dream, Daniel told the king, "Thou art this head of gold" (Daniel 2:38). Then he said an inferior kingdom, represented by the silver, would arise after Nebuchadnezzar's. A third kingdom would then rule the world, followed by a fourth. This last kingdom would be divided, like the feet of iron and clay: part strong and part weak. During the reign of these kings, God would set up a kingdom that would destroy all other kingdoms and stand forever. (See Daniel 2:3645.)

When Daniel was finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell down before him and said, "Of a truth ... your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets" (Daniel 2:47; see also Daniel 2:46).

The king made Daniel a ruler in Babylon, gave him many gifts, and made him the chief over all the wise men. At Daniel's request, the king also made Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego rulers. (See Daniel 2:4849.)

Summary

King Nebuchadnezzar had an important dream that he could not remember. He commanded some of his wise men to describe the dream and explain it. When they said this could not be done, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be killed. Daniel was one of those who would be killed. He and his friends asked the Lord for mercy, and the Lord showed Daniel the dream and its meaning. Daniel then described the dream to King Nebuchadnezzar and explained what it meant. The king was pleased, and as a reward he made Daniel and his friends rulers in Babylon.

Artist, Grant Romney Clawson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY Word: In the summary it seems as if Daniel and friends were unaware of the King's request until the death sentence was imposed...NOW they are motivated! How difficult, bad, uncomfortable do you have to become to make changes?!

ASSIGNMENT: List some things you feel like you would like to change. Perhaps focus more on the type of person you would like to become and what kind of efforts you need to make to become that person. (Do you see the difference in what those two lists would look like?) Now read Alma 32:13-16 (pg. 289 in the Book of Mormon) and Doctrine and Covenants 58:26.

Remember, Daniel asked for time....it takes time and effort (prayer and scripture study is the best effort!) to bring about change. Give yourself a year then look back and be amazed! You might just save your life!

Daniel Refusing the King's Meat and Wine

Daniel 1
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank. Daniel 1:8

After King Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem and brought many captives back to Babylon, he ordered that some of the captive children be brought to the palace to be trained in the language and customs of his land. He wanted young people who were handsome and wise and who understood science and other subjects. The king ordered his servant to give these youth his best food and wine. Then, after teaching and nourishing these children for three years, the servant was to bring them before the king. (See Daniel 1:15.)

Among these youth of Judah were four young men named Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Daniel and his friends did not want to eat the king's food nor drink his wine because they knew it would not be good for them. When they told this to the servant, he was afraid. He thought the king would kill him if Daniel and his friends did not look as healthy as the other young men their age. (See Daniel 1:610.)

Daniel pleaded with the servant to allow him and his three friends to eat only grains and vegetables and drink water for 10 days. At the end of the 10 days, the servant could decide whether these four boys looked less healthy than the children who ate the king's food. The servant agreed to try this. (See Daniel 1:1214.)

After 10 days the servant could see that these four young men looked healthier than all the others. He started feeding all the youth the type of food that Daniel had requested. (See Daniel 1:1516.)

Daniel and his friends grew in wisdom and knowledge, and the Lord also blessed Daniel to be able to understand the meanings of visions and dreams (see Daniel 1:17).

At the end of the three years, when all the young people were taken before King Nebuchadnezzar, none could compare with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. The king found them to be 10 times wiser and more knowledgeable than all the magicians and astrologers in the land. (See Daniel 1:1820.)

Summary

After King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, he ordered that certain Israelite children live in his palace to study the language and learning of Babylon. They were to be given the king's food and wine. Four of these young people, Daniel and his friends, would not eat such foods because they knew they shouldn't. Daniel asked the king's servant to let him and his friends eat only grains and vegetables and drink water. They grew more healthy than the children who ate the king's food. When Daniel and his friends stood before the king, he found them 10 times wiser than all the wise men in the land.

Artist, Del Parson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: Daniel lived in Jerusalem at the same time as Lehi. It's possible that he was close to the same age as Nephi. (There is no evidence that Nephi and Daniel knew each other.) Daniel was probably part of the royal family or well-to-do family as he was well educated. There are a few reasons why Daniel refused to eat the King's food. "(1) Some of the foods used by the Babylonians were likely among the items forbidden for consumption in the Mosaic law. (2) Babylonians, like other heathens, ate beasts that had not been properly drained of blood and thereby violated the Mosaic law (3) The heathens consecrated the food at their feasts by offering up part of the food and drink as sacrifices to their gods. Consuming such food would be participating in the worship of false gods. More over, food was viewed as contaminated and unclean according to Jewish law when it was prepared by anyone considered unclean, such as the heathens. Daniel was strictly loyal to the Lord and refused to be involved in any practice associated with anything unclean or idolatrous." (Old Testament, Student Manual, pg. 297)

ASSIGNMENT: Look up "Pulse" in the BD. What is it? What do we know about this way of eating today? Do we have a dietary law given to us? Read Doctrine and Covenants 89. List the do's and don't's....where can you make improvements? If you have questions click around lds.org and see what Prophets teach about the Word of Wisdom. What is the blessing associated with this commandment? HINT: If you want to know the blessing read it all!

Isaiah Writes of Christ's Birth

Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:67
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied to the people of Israel that the Savior Jesus Christ would be born to a pure and righteous woman. Isaiah said the Savior would be called "Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14), a name which signifies that Jesus would save His people (see Bible Dictionary, "Immanuel," 706). Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus would be called "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and that He would rule over all the earth (see Isaiah 9:7).

Summary

Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, foretold the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Artist, Harry Anderson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: The time distance between Isaiah and Nephi (Book of Mormon) is about the same time distance between Joseph Smith and us...150 to 200 years. Isaiah's words are wonderful but his writing style is difficult to understand. I think this may be very deliberate because if you really want to know great things you have to greatly study! Personal Experience: several years ago I was reading the scriptures daily for hours at a time....I just could not get enough. Even though Isaiah was difficult I struggled through. When I read his words for the umteenth time in the Book of Mormon I loved them. I even read 2nd Nephi twice in a row that's how much I enjoyed it! Did I understand the context or the prophesies...no, but I was beginning to love the language, how he wrote. Then I quit reading. I tried reading 2 Nephi's Isaiah chapters a few years ago...it was like slogging through mud. It didn't make any sense to me at all. I did not enjoy reading Isaiah's words and realized that I had lost so much in the years of inconsistant scripture reading!

QUote: "Has someone ever recommended a book to you? Did it make any difference who recommended it? Did the recommendation influence your feelings toward the book? Ponder the following recommendation given the writings of Isaiah: "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) " (Taken from the Old Testament, Student Manual, pg. 137) Assignment: Who said 'great are the words of Isaiah"? Does this change your mind about reading Isaiah? Also, look up Isaiah 52:2 read it. Does Isaiah seem to contradict himself? Use your footnotes...what is he actually saying? (This is one of my very favorite scriptures!) As I am looking through my Isaiah chapters with all of my notes and cross-references...."Great are the words of Isaiah!"

Jonah

Jonah 1-3

My Summary: Jonah receives a call from God to go to Nineveh to tell the people to repent. "Jonah was torn between his loyalty to God and the whip of his emotions." (Sperry, Voice of Israel's Prophet, pp. 328-29.) Rebellion arose in Jonah's heart and he fled. (Perhaps he thought God would just send someone else to Nineveh and all would be forgiven and forgotten.) But God had many more lessons for Jonah to learn (and by extension, for us to learn.) So he boards a ship for Tarshish, a storm arises, the sailors fear for their lives, Jonah tells them he has disobeyed God and that they should throw him over, they resist until they see that they are about to die, they toss Jonah overboard, a large fish swallows Jonah, Jonah is in the fish for three days where upon Jonah repents and prays for forgiveness and help, the fish vomits him out on the shore, Jonah continues to Nineveh, he calls the people to repentance, they repent, Jonah is pouty that the Lord doesn't punish them, God teaches Jonah a few more lessons by making living conditions for Jonah very uncomfortable, one of the lessons is that every soul is worth saving.

My Word: Kids love this story! I see the same weaknesses in my own character as Jonah had. Some things I would rather not be asked to do. Let's not even think about how small I can be when it comes to what I think other people have brought on themselves. (I try to change these thoughts quickly when I become aware of where I allow them to stray!)

ASSINGMENT: Acknowledge your responsibilities, don't avoid them or run from them. Remember Jonah when you feel the urge to 'run/avoid'. Pray for strength. Read Mark 9:14-29 especially verses 23 and 24. I "know" some things but at times I still doubt....that's when I ask..."help thou mine unbelief". (FYI... see the little symbol after verses 2, 11, 14, etc. - that is the symbol of a "thought change". Pay attention to those instead of reading a chapter as one long event and the scriptures will make more sense.) If you keep getting the same experiences in life, you are not learning the correct lesson....ask Heavenly Father what you are suppose to learn and then make adjustments.

While you are clicking around the scriptures see if you can find out why Jonah was reluctant to go to Nineveh. HINT: Assyria

Elijah Contends against the Priests of Baal

1 Kings 18:17-40

This picture is found in the Gospel Art Book (in this book are a few more pictures than in the Gospel Art Kit....but no stories are printed on the pictures.)

Click on the scripture reference above or look it up in your own scriptures (pg. 497) It's a great story!

WOW! I just clicked on the reference above and then continued to "click around".... there are NO excuses for not "knowing"!

MY WORD: Elijah must have been "highly favored" by God. I know of one other Prophet that used the Priesthood power to stop the rain from falling, that was Nephi (the son of Helaman). Read about Nephi and learn what he did to be given such power. Do you suppose that Elijah was the same type of man? What was the point of Elijah's challenge to the priests of Baal? How important is it to KNOW that the Prophet is called of God? If you KNOW this to be true, how does it change your heart, mind, choices? FYI: The reason Elijah had the alter and sacrifice soaked with water was because some alters of Baal were 'rigged' with firestarters under the sacrifice. Not only was Elijah's sacrifice wet but the fire came down to consume the offering, and everything around it!

ASSIGNMENT: Read 1 Kings 18:21....what choices are you struggling with? "Develop discipline of self so that, more and more, you do not have to decide and redecide what you will do when you are confronted with the same temptation time and time again. You only need to decide some things just once!" President Spencer W. Kimball (the Prophet when I was a teenager!) What changes will you make in your life to be more like Elijah and Nephi as far as "seeking the Lord's will and not thine own life"? (Believe it or not that is a big challenge for me!) In what ways is President Thomas S. Monson like Elijah and Nephi?

Temple Used Anciently

Exodus 25:8; 1 Kings 6:1213; Psalm 24:34; D&C 124:2644
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, like those in ancient times, are holy buildings dedicated to the Lord. A temple, also called the house of the Lord, is a place where worthy Church members receive sacred ordinances and make solemn covenants with God. In these holy temples, families are sealed together forever. Although design and location vary, the work accomplished in each of the Lord's temples is the same.

Heavenly Father established a plan so that the blessings of the temple could be offered to all His children. Those people who have received their own ordinances are encouraged to return to the temple often to act as proxies for those who have died without having the opportunity of going to the temple for themselves.

When the Lord has a people on the earth ready to live His higher laws, they are commanded to build temples and are given the opportunity to receive eternal ordinances (see D&C 124:2644). Ancient temples, in both the old and new world, were considered places for the pure in heart (see Psalm 24:34) to draw closer to God and receive revelations and blessings from Him.

These sacred places were literally the house of the Lord, where He could dwell or where He could send His messengers (see Exodus 25:8; 1 Kings 6:1213).

Summary

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are holy buildings dedicated to the Lord. A temple is also called the house of the Lord. It is a place where worthy Church members receive saving ordinances and make sacred covenants with God. In temples families can be sealed together forever. Ancient temples were considered places where people could come to draw closer to God and receive revelations and blessings from Him.

© 1992, 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: David eventually becomes the King of Israel and desires to build a permanent temple for the Lord. The Lord responds to David through Nathan, the prophet in 1 Chronicles 17 (pg. 571.) Although David is not permitted to build the temple he gathers supplies so that when his son, Solomon, becomes King all he has to do is basically build it. (Perhaps not that simply!)

David's story is bitter-sweet. Talk about the whole gambit of human experience...David does it all. One of the ideas that I had never thought about until this morning concerning David is this. Although he knew he had sinned grieviously, he repented and accepted the consequences of his sins. His consequences where awful and there wasn't just one but a series of events had been started when he sinned with Bathsheba. David acknowledges his role in the events, repents, lives with regret but never blames Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ for his circumstances. I admire him for this response.

Assignment: The Ten Commandments were the lesser law the people were asked to live by. To enter the Temple we are expected to live by a higher law (you receive that law in the temple.) How then do we prepare to enter the Temple? How are you doing with the 10 Commandments? Remember, we don't have to be perfect but we have to be at the very least trying! Every member of the Church over the age of 12 and if male holding the Priesthood, has work to do in the temple. Prepare yourself to do this work....HINT: visit with your Bishop!

David Slays Goliath

1 Samuel 17
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1 Samuel 17:45

The Philistines and the Israelites were at war with each other. The Philistines gathered their armies on one mountain, while King Saul and the men of Israel gathered across the valley on the opposite mountain (see 1 Samuel 17:23).

Goliath was a giant Philistine soldier who was over nine feet tall. He wore heavy armor and a brass helmet and carried a large spear. (See 1 Samuel 17:47.)

Goliath shouted to the Israelite army to send a man to fight him. He said that if the Israelite killed him, the Philistines would be servants to the Israelites. But if Goliath killed the Israelite, then the Israelites would be servants to the Philistines. (See 1 Samuel 17:810.) King Saul and his army were afraid of Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:11).

Goliath repeated his challenge each night and day for 40 days, but no one was brave enough to fight him (see 1 Samuel 17:16).

A man named Jesse had three sons who were part of Saul's army. But David, Jesse's youngest son, still lived in Bethlehem with his father. Jesse asked David to take some food to his three brothers and find out how they were doing. (See 1 Samuel 17:13, 1 Samuel 17:1718.)

While David was with his brothers, Goliath again shouted his challenge. The Israelites fled when they saw Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:2324.) David asked the soldiers, "Who is this ... Philistine, that he should defy [challenge] the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26).

When Saul was told what David had said, he sent for him. David told Saul that he would fight Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3132.) But Saul said to David, "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth" (1 Samuel 17:33).

David told Saul that the Lord had helped him kill a lion and a bear while he tended his father's sheep. He said the Lord would help him as he fought Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3437.) Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with thee" (1 Samuel 17:37).

Then Saul gave David his armor, a helmet, and a sword, but they were too big and heavy for David. He removed the armor and took only his staff, five smooth stones, and a sling as he went to face the mighty Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3840.)

When Goliath saw the young boy without armor, he made fun of him and cursed him (see 1 Samuel 17:4244). David said, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (1 Samuel 17:45). David told Goliath that with the Lord's help, he would kill him (see 1 Samuel 17:46).

As Goliath came near, David put a stone in his sling, swung the sling around his head, and let the stone go. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead, and Goliath fell to the ground. David then used Goliath's sword to kill the giant and cut off his head. When the Philistine army saw that Goliath was dead, they fled, but the men of Israel chased them and defeated them in battle. (See 1 Samuel 17:4853.)

Summary

Goliath, a giant Philistine soldier, challenged the Israelite army to send out a man to fight him. No Israelites were brave enough to stand against Goliath except David, a young shepherd. Armed with his faith in the Lord and with his sling, David went to fight the giant. Goliath made fun of the boy when he saw him, but David was not afraid. He trusted in the Lord's help. David put a stone in his sling, swung it, and let go. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead and he fell to the ground. David ran forward, picked up Goliath's sword, and cut off his head.

Artist, Ted Henninger

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: David is the Great-grandson of Ruth. He developed a strong testimony of the God of Israel (Jehovah, Jesus Christ.) When did he develop this testimony? Perhaps first at his father's knee and later in the solitude of keeping watch over the sheep. Now just think of a teenage boy, alone hours on end, becoming proficient with a sling seems perfectly logical. I like the way this artwork shows "motion." Remember, David ran toward Goliath! Do you cower at your "giants" or can you conquer them with faith and enthusiasm? Attitude is everything!

Assignment: Read 1 Samuel 17! Everyone should know this story...it's every Primary aged child's favorite! Identify some of your "Goliath's." Use the feeling you get when reading David's response to Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-46) and slay your giants! Do you think that a little "solitude" is necessary in developing a testimony? Set aside a few minutes each day to ponder what you have learned about the scriptures. (This is why I don't mind doing the dishes too much...it's the time that no one interferes....they are afraid they'll be put to work.) What have you learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Do you see Them involved in the lives of the people we are reading about? Look for Them, They are there!