When Elijah ascended into heaven, he left behind his mantle (cloak). Elisha used it to perform a miracle, and his fellow believers recognized that Elijah's authority now rested on Elisha's shoulders. As Alma later taught his people, we should exercise our agency to learn for ourselves whom God has called to teach and lead us.
Ruth’s Pledge
Ruth's pledge to Naomi has parallels in the Book of Mormon. Like Nephi, she swears an oath referencing both God and her own life. Like Alma's people, she accepts a new relationship with God and with a covenant community. Like King Benjamin's people, she commits to it for the rest of her life.
Accounting for Israel
Moses numbered his people so that he could fulfill his responsibility to them. Book of Mormon prophets inherited and extended this practice, including men, women, and children. To be numbered is to be known and to be accountable.
Holy Convocations
God specified eight holy days as part of the law of Moses. He called all of them "holy convocations," or times for formal gatherings. He also instructed the people to set aside "servile work," or everyday labors. On holy days, we set aside our daily cares and focus on worshipping together.
Jethro and Mosiah on Collaborative Leadership
Jethro counseled Moses to share the burden of leadership, warning him that he was burning himself out. Mosiah explained the same principle to his people: don't expect the leader to do all the work. The bad news is the leader can't do it all; the good news is they don't have to.
One Heart and One Mind: Welcoming New Church Members
In Enoch's city, there were "no poor." Everyone was valued as a contributing member of the community, regardless of background or capabilities. Members of the Savior's church are invited to follow their example, welcoming new church members with a spirit of unity and love.
“Let Your Hearts Rejoice”
Joseph Smith ended a letter to the church with a rousing invitation: "Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad." There are many reasons why we don't allow ourselves to feel joy, including ingratitude, perfectionism, conformity, and misguided empathy. Joy can be contagious, and our examples of joyful living may inspire and uplift others.
4,000th Post
Just over eleven years ago, I started blogging what I learn from the scriptures each day. Here are a few fun facts about these posts and a few lessons I've learned by repeating this process 4,000 times.
The Poor (and the Rich) Shall Be Exalted
God has distributed resources unevenly on purpose: so that we learn to share with one another. His purpose is for the poor to be "exalted, in that the rich are made low." But Elder Uchtdorf has pointed out that giving blesses both the giver and the receiver, leading both toward exaltation.
Becoming and Remaining Pure in Heart
When are hearts are pure, we produce good fruit, we feel God's love, and we become prepared to meet Him. We become more pure by eliminating contaminants like pride and envy and by striving to live in accordance with God's will.