Jeremiah prophesied that God would raise up a leader whom he called "a righteous Branch." Joseph had earlier used the same phrase to identify a group of his descendants who would be remembered in the Lord's covenants. As we draw close to the Savior, who is the righteous Branch, He helps us become righteous.
What Burden?
Israelite prophets used the word "burden" to describe some of their messages. But Jeremiah told his people that the Lord didn't want them to use that label anymore. They should simply ask what the Lord had spoken. Setting aside preconceptions and expectations helps us open our hearts to revelation.
Words
Principles about words in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes: 1. Words have great power to heal and to harm. 2. Lying and flattery are destructive. 3. Words can inflame or extinguish contention. 4. We are accountable for our words.
Wealth
1. Money confers privileges (at least temporarily). 2. Some things are more important than money. 3. Money doesn't last, and you can't take it with you to the next life. 4. Be generous, and that generosity will pay dividends. 5. We are all children of God, however rich or poor we may be.
Psalm Themes in the Book of Mormon
After three weeks summarizing 150 psalms and finding 67 Book of Mormon connections, I discuss four overarching psalmic themes which also appear in the Book of Mormon: tender mercies, the hazards of pit-digging, the sorrows of death and pains of hell, and the importance of approaching God with broken hearts and contrite spirits.
Psalms 61-70
61. The Rock that Is Higher 62. My Rock and My Salvation 63. Early and Late 64. Arrows 65. Clothed Pastures, Covered Valleys 66. Come and See; Come and Hear 67. Let the Nations Be Glad 68. Sinai, Bashan, and the Sanctuary 69. The Zeal of Mine House 70. Make Haste
Wives and Concubines
David and Solomon had many wives and concubines. The Old Testament shows us the negative impact of this practice on them. The prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon adds an important dimension: casualness in intimate relationships causes pain, and God cares about the feelings of His daughters.
Hannah’s Petition
A childless Israelite woman named Hannah prays and receives an assurance that God has heard her. She is immediately comforted, even though she hasn't yet received the blessing she asked for. In the Book of Mormon, Alma's people have a similar experience, praying for deliverance, but finding comfort when God promises to ease their burdens.
Bread Only
Moses explained that manna taught an important principle: We need more than physical food. Our spirits also need the word of God. Book of Mormon prophets taught the same principle, inviting us to "feast" on the word of God, by hearing, pondering, and acting.
Jacob on Economic Inequality
Jacob decried the burgeoning inequality among his people by reminding them that all people share a common origin, value, and purpose. This reasoning echoed Nephi’s earlier rejection of claims to preeminence and his insistence that because God created all humanity, He remembers and speaks to all nations.