Ezra and Nehemiah describe the use of written registers to determine who was authorized to perform temple duties. The Book of Mormon expands this practice, recording names of people who were willing to keep God's commandments. Alma connected those records with heavenly ones, urging people to ensure their names are in the book of life.
Wars Continually
After the division of Solomon's kingdom into Israel and Judah, there were wars between the two new kingdoms continually. Nephi tells us the same: he and his people had wars with his brothers and their families even after separating from them. Rifts become perpetual battles when the desire to dominate prevails.
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.
Recorded on Earth and in Heaven
The records we keep may be longer-lasting than we realize. Joseph Smith taught that some of "the books" by which we will be judged are the records we keep on the earth. Wilford Woodruff urged us to write our important experiences, promising that what we record on earth will be recorded in heaven.
Uzzah, Zerubbabel, and the Priesthood Order in Doctrine and Covenants 85
Uzzah died because the Israelites didn't follow the Lord's instructions for moving the ark of the covenant. A group of Levites were temporarily unable to serve in the temple until their eligibility could be verified. Both stories illustrate an important principle: If you're going to do God's work, you need to do it God's way.
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
Equal Rights, Shared Responsibilities
Mosiah wanted his people to have equal rights and privileges. They understood that rights and responsibilities are interconnected, and they accepted not only new freedoms but also increased accountability for their actions.
Burdens
Isaiah called some of his prophecies "burdens." They described difficult times ahead. The scriptures teach us how to manage our burdens: 1. Share them with each other. 2. Don't add to others' burdens. 3. Accept the burdens Jesus offers us.
“Exact No More…”
John the Baptist answered the same question asked by three groups of people: "What shall we do." All three of his answers are based on the same underlying principle, a principle which King Benjamin also exemplified and taught: Don't take more than you should. Discipline yourself to not abuse the power you have.
Josiah and Benjamin
Today I've been thinking about the parallels between two kings: Josiah, who reigned over Judah just before the Babylonian captivity (640-609 BCE), and Benjamin, who reigned over the Nephites about 500 years later. Both kings led their people in a spiritual reawakening. Here are some of their common experiences: ExperienceJosiahBenjaminInspired by the scripturesWas horrified when... Continue Reading →