This has not been the best week. We have already had 2 memorial services and will likely have another coming up, to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks of last weekend. Remembrance Day (English Commonwealth's [Great Britain, Canada, Australia] equivalent of Veteran's Day) will take on added significance in light of its close proximity to these recent events. As a chaplain I have been asked to give prayers and remarks in these services. The Australain Artillery unit (they mentor the Afgahn National Army Artillery School) has adopted me as their chaplain. They have had 3 memorial services since I have been here, and I pray that there will be no more. This is my first deployment, so experiencing the emotions that go along with these events has been a new experience for me. The Aussies are a very experienced unit, and have been good mentors for me. Right after we got the bad news last week, the Australian Sergeant Major advised me to go ahead with the weekly watercolor class I was to teach that night. I followed his advice and it was good to do something that got my mind off the day's events and brought a little peace (the soothing music was very helpful). Three soldiers came and painted, so I was glad we went ahead with it.
This evening we ate with the Afghans. We had gushte gusfan (lamb) that had just been slaughtered today. It was very tender, and we ate it with some shredded cabbage, mini-limes, and non (bread). It was interesting to see inside the Afghan military dining facility. Some of the cooking pots are so large, you could literally take a bath in them! The civilian contractor who mentors their dining facility operations said that they serve about 13,000 meals a day!
Afghanistan does not have daylight savings time, so it has been getting dark here around 5:30pm for a while. The weather here has been beautiful of late--cool, clear skies. I am well-fed and get to work out at the gym regularly; I have no complaints. I just miss my family!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
This week in sports...
Last weekend, I saw something that disturbed me. Two opposing coaches from NFL football teams were ready to go to blows after a football game. Players and other coaches had to restrain them. It started when one coach greeted the losing coach, who interpreted his greeting the wrong way, and chased him down on the way to the locker room. Neither coach was fined, but it seemed a poor display of sportsmanship.
Contrast this with what I witnessed yesterday, while watching the BYU vs Idoaho State football game. BYU's Kyle Van Noy, a defensive player, knocked down his opponent after the play had been stopped. It was a late hit, and he was penalized. The hit also injured the player, Idaho State's All-American punter. Punters are usually quite a bit smaller than the other players on the team, so it made the late hit that much more reprehensible. At half time, a reporter asked the coach of the injured player a question about his team's play. The coach responded that he didn't expect his talented punter to be knocked out of the game on a cheap hit, and he didn't expect that it would happen here at Brigham Young University, a church owned and operated school. He did not hide his disappointment and disdain for what had taken place, and quickly left the reporter after making his comment. What a bad situation, I thought to myself. Idaho State was already getting blown out, and now hard feelings over this late hit could linger with the players an coaches from Idaho State.
When the final whistle signaled the end of the game, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall walked purposefully to the middle of the field. The broadcast could not pick up his comments, but one could only guess that he was offering some words of apology. Then, Idaho State's coach, Mike Kramer, put his arm around the back of Mendenhall's head and pulled him in close, speaking in his ear. When their heads separated, they seemed to have a professional, cordial demeanor. As soon as their exchange ended, Kyle Van Noy, was ready and waiting, as he had been defensively the whole game. Only this time, he was not there to deliver a hit, but an apology. His facial expression and posture seemed to communicate a sincere desire to let Coach Kramer know that he was sorry for what had happened. Then, Kramer pulled him close the same way he did with Mendenhall, and spoke in his ear. Their exchange ended and both seemed to be satisfied. Good feelings seemed to prevail on both sides, as players from opposing sides were seen smiling and conversing with each other. What a fortunate end to this game; it could have been otherwise. Instead of bitterness and resentment, there seemed to be a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Know that Idaho State's coach had every right to be upset; his talented punter suffered a concussion from the late hit and will likely miss next week's game. Yet, this did not seem to stand in the way of Mike Kramer extending forgiveness to those who sincerely sought it. Usually after I spend 3+ hours watching a football game, (one that I have looked forward to the whole week), I am not left with much in return, besides some lost sleep (the game started at 1130pm my time) and the fleeting enjoyment of watching my favorite team. This time it was different. I was left with a positive feeling after seeing those two coaches and that player come together in a spirit of unity that transcended the spirited competition on the playing field. This, above all of the exciting plays from the game itself, is what I will remember. Below is the link to the article.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700190592/BYU-football-Kyle-Van-Noy-apologizes-for-late-hit-on-punter.html
Contrast this with what I witnessed yesterday, while watching the BYU vs Idoaho State football game. BYU's Kyle Van Noy, a defensive player, knocked down his opponent after the play had been stopped. It was a late hit, and he was penalized. The hit also injured the player, Idaho State's All-American punter. Punters are usually quite a bit smaller than the other players on the team, so it made the late hit that much more reprehensible. At half time, a reporter asked the coach of the injured player a question about his team's play. The coach responded that he didn't expect his talented punter to be knocked out of the game on a cheap hit, and he didn't expect that it would happen here at Brigham Young University, a church owned and operated school. He did not hide his disappointment and disdain for what had taken place, and quickly left the reporter after making his comment. What a bad situation, I thought to myself. Idaho State was already getting blown out, and now hard feelings over this late hit could linger with the players an coaches from Idaho State.
When the final whistle signaled the end of the game, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall walked purposefully to the middle of the field. The broadcast could not pick up his comments, but one could only guess that he was offering some words of apology. Then, Idaho State's coach, Mike Kramer, put his arm around the back of Mendenhall's head and pulled him in close, speaking in his ear. When their heads separated, they seemed to have a professional, cordial demeanor. As soon as their exchange ended, Kyle Van Noy, was ready and waiting, as he had been defensively the whole game. Only this time, he was not there to deliver a hit, but an apology. His facial expression and posture seemed to communicate a sincere desire to let Coach Kramer know that he was sorry for what had happened. Then, Kramer pulled him close the same way he did with Mendenhall, and spoke in his ear. Their exchange ended and both seemed to be satisfied. Good feelings seemed to prevail on both sides, as players from opposing sides were seen smiling and conversing with each other. What a fortunate end to this game; it could have been otherwise. Instead of bitterness and resentment, there seemed to be a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Know that Idaho State's coach had every right to be upset; his talented punter suffered a concussion from the late hit and will likely miss next week's game. Yet, this did not seem to stand in the way of Mike Kramer extending forgiveness to those who sincerely sought it. Usually after I spend 3+ hours watching a football game, (one that I have looked forward to the whole week), I am not left with much in return, besides some lost sleep (the game started at 1130pm my time) and the fleeting enjoyment of watching my favorite team. This time it was different. I was left with a positive feeling after seeing those two coaches and that player come together in a spirit of unity that transcended the spirited competition on the playing field. This, above all of the exciting plays from the game itself, is what I will remember. Below is the link to the article.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700190592/BYU-football-Kyle-Van-Noy-apologizes-for-late-hit-on-punter.html
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Terry Fox Run
A few weeks ago, I participated in the Terry Fox Run. It is an annual 5k/10k run to benefit cancer. Terry Fox was a remarkable athlete who was diagnosed with cancer in his early twenties. The cancer took his right leg. To raise money for cancer, he decided to run across Canada. He said, "Somewhere the hurting must stop....and I was determined to take myself to the limit for this cause." Before the return of the cancer ended his efforts, he had run 3,339 miles, a marathon a day, for 143 days on a prosthetic leg, enduring much pain. His valiant effort received international attention. His legacy continues to inspire others to run to raise funds and awareness to fight cancer.
I didn't feel that motivated to participate in this run, especially being in not the best cardiovascular shape. But then I remembered my neice, Kate, and I realized I needed to run this race! Kate went through a year and a half of cancer treatments, beginning at the age of 2. She has persevered, and the latest scans of the tumor showed no growth! We have been praying for her during our worship services here at Camp Alamo, and know that our prayers have been answered! Kate has shown marvelous perseverance and determination in the face of this difficult trial. We love you, Kate; thanks for inspiring me to run this race!
The Centurion's Servant
Recently I read the following passage in Luke, and a few things struck me.
The Centurion’s Servant in Luke 7:1-10 KJV
1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the
people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick,
and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying,
That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the
house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord,
trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter
under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but
say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he
cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him
about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I
have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant
whole that had been sick.
This marvelous account of the healing of the centurion’s servant is
less used than the one in Matthew 8. Luke gives us details that enrich
the narrative and deepen the meaning and application for the reader.
First, it is noteworthy that in Luke’s account, the Centurion does not
personally speak to Jesus, but has the “elders of the Jews “ importune
Jesus to heal his servant. When the elders speak to Jesus, they vouch
for the character of the centurion. Apparently, the Centurion is a
model citizen, who even “built [the Jews] a synagogue” (v. 5). Jesus
agrees to come to the man’s house, but when he gets close, he is met
by friends of the centurion. These friends reveal more about the
humble character of the centurion. He did not consider himself worthy
enough to approach the master himself, let alone have Jesus come into
his home. He gave his friends specific instructions in what to tell
Jesus, that Jesus need only speak the word, and his servant would be
healed. He then provided the basis for this expressed faith in the
word of Christ. He, the centurion was a man of authority, in a manner
like Jesus. He could say the word and those under his direction would
carry it out. So Jesus spoke the word and the servant was healed.
He had such faith in Jesus’ authority that he did not feel it was
necessary for Jesus to personally come to his home. Jesus lauded this
man’s faith. This faith calls to mind the words Jesus spoke to Thomas:
“blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John
20:29). In response to Thomas’ doubting, that he would not believe
unless he saw, Jesus offered him physical proof, the wound in his side
and the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The centurion asked
for no physical proof of Jesus’ ability to heal; he simply had faith,
“nothing wavering” (James 1:6). Keep in mind that the centurion is a
gentile, an outsider, yet he demonstrates greater faith than any in
Israel (Luke 7:9).
In this account in Luke, the centurion’s humility is magnified by his
sending the Jews to deliver his heartfelt request, and his friends to
meet Jesus before he made it to his home. The centurion recognized
that Jesus had authority. He also recognized that Jesus’ authority was
different than his, the centurion’s, earthly authority. It would have
been easy to imagine the centurion becoming filled with pride and
demanding that Jesus come to his home. After all, he was a man of
authority; soldiers and servants answered to him and did his bidding.
Why could he not command this Jesus, who many saw as merely a
traveling preacher without earthly authority, to come and heal his
servant? No, the centurion recognized that his own earthly authority
was nothing compared to the divine authority of Jesus, the Son of God.
Whether or not the centurion realized who Jesus really was is not
clear. We do sense from this account a great reverence for Jesus. The
centurion’s friends relayed his words to Jesus: “I am not worthy that
thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore neither thought I myself
worthy to come unto thee” (Luke 7:6c-7a). The centurion knew that
Jesus was holy, and that he was not worthy to be in his presence.
Do we recognize our own “nothingness before God” (Mosiah 4:11)? King
Benjamin counsels us: “even so I would that ye should remember, and
always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own
nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy
creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,
calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the
faith of that which is to come” (Mosiah 4:11). The centurion models
this kind of humility that we should have before God. In this spirit,
we are more prepared to carry out his will above our own. In this
spirit, we are more prepared to believe what he tells us.
In this account in Luke, we see the act of intercession, an act that
points us toward the intercessory atonement of Jesus Christ. The
centurion interceded for his servant; he sought help on behalf of one
he had authority over. Yet he did not consider himself worthy to
approach the Lord, so the elders of the Jews and his friends
interceded for him. We are not worthy to enter the presence of God, so
Christ intercedes on our behalf. He approaches the throne of God to
vouch for our character and request healing on our behalf. It is not
our works he will vouch for, it is our divine nature as children of
God, and our repentant hearts, purchased by his blood, that he will
present before the perfect, just throne of God.
Notice how even though the centurion did not feel worthy to come to
Jesus, neither to approach him or receive him, Jesus came to him. It
was not likely that Christ came because the centurion built a
synagogue for the Jews. That was the reasoning that the elders gave,
seeking to convince Jesus based on the centurion’s actions. Jesus knew
his heart; he knew the great faith in Christ the centurion possessed.
This may have been the main reason Christ came. Truly, faith precedes
the miracle. Christ loves us not for our actions in and of themselves, but for who, through his atonement, we become in the process of following him.
Our character and identity are truly shaped by how we follow his
commandments. The more we follow him, the more we are conformed to his
image. Our very natures can be changed as we present our bodies a
living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1).
The Centurion’s Servant in Luke 7:1-10 KJV
1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the
people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick,
and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying,
That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the
house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord,
trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter
under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but
say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he
cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him
about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I
have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant
whole that had been sick.
This marvelous account of the healing of the centurion’s servant is
less used than the one in Matthew 8. Luke gives us details that enrich
the narrative and deepen the meaning and application for the reader.
First, it is noteworthy that in Luke’s account, the Centurion does not
personally speak to Jesus, but has the “elders of the Jews “ importune
Jesus to heal his servant. When the elders speak to Jesus, they vouch
for the character of the centurion. Apparently, the Centurion is a
model citizen, who even “built [the Jews] a synagogue” (v. 5). Jesus
agrees to come to the man’s house, but when he gets close, he is met
by friends of the centurion. These friends reveal more about the
humble character of the centurion. He did not consider himself worthy
enough to approach the master himself, let alone have Jesus come into
his home. He gave his friends specific instructions in what to tell
Jesus, that Jesus need only speak the word, and his servant would be
healed. He then provided the basis for this expressed faith in the
word of Christ. He, the centurion was a man of authority, in a manner
like Jesus. He could say the word and those under his direction would
carry it out. So Jesus spoke the word and the servant was healed.
He had such faith in Jesus’ authority that he did not feel it was
necessary for Jesus to personally come to his home. Jesus lauded this
man’s faith. This faith calls to mind the words Jesus spoke to Thomas:
“blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John
20:29). In response to Thomas’ doubting, that he would not believe
unless he saw, Jesus offered him physical proof, the wound in his side
and the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The centurion asked
for no physical proof of Jesus’ ability to heal; he simply had faith,
“nothing wavering” (James 1:6). Keep in mind that the centurion is a
gentile, an outsider, yet he demonstrates greater faith than any in
Israel (Luke 7:9).
In this account in Luke, the centurion’s humility is magnified by his
sending the Jews to deliver his heartfelt request, and his friends to
meet Jesus before he made it to his home. The centurion recognized
that Jesus had authority. He also recognized that Jesus’ authority was
different than his, the centurion’s, earthly authority. It would have
been easy to imagine the centurion becoming filled with pride and
demanding that Jesus come to his home. After all, he was a man of
authority; soldiers and servants answered to him and did his bidding.
Why could he not command this Jesus, who many saw as merely a
traveling preacher without earthly authority, to come and heal his
servant? No, the centurion recognized that his own earthly authority
was nothing compared to the divine authority of Jesus, the Son of God.
Whether or not the centurion realized who Jesus really was is not
clear. We do sense from this account a great reverence for Jesus. The
centurion’s friends relayed his words to Jesus: “I am not worthy that
thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore neither thought I myself
worthy to come unto thee” (Luke 7:6c-7a). The centurion knew that
Jesus was holy, and that he was not worthy to be in his presence.
Do we recognize our own “nothingness before God” (Mosiah 4:11)? King
Benjamin counsels us: “even so I would that ye should remember, and
always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own
nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy
creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,
calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the
faith of that which is to come” (Mosiah 4:11). The centurion models
this kind of humility that we should have before God. In this spirit,
we are more prepared to carry out his will above our own. In this
spirit, we are more prepared to believe what he tells us.
In this account in Luke, we see the act of intercession, an act that
points us toward the intercessory atonement of Jesus Christ. The
centurion interceded for his servant; he sought help on behalf of one
he had authority over. Yet he did not consider himself worthy to
approach the Lord, so the elders of the Jews and his friends
interceded for him. We are not worthy to enter the presence of God, so
Christ intercedes on our behalf. He approaches the throne of God to
vouch for our character and request healing on our behalf. It is not
our works he will vouch for, it is our divine nature as children of
God, and our repentant hearts, purchased by his blood, that he will
present before the perfect, just throne of God.
Notice how even though the centurion did not feel worthy to come to
Jesus, neither to approach him or receive him, Jesus came to him. It
was not likely that Christ came because the centurion built a
synagogue for the Jews. That was the reasoning that the elders gave,
seeking to convince Jesus based on the centurion’s actions. Jesus knew
his heart; he knew the great faith in Christ the centurion possessed.
This may have been the main reason Christ came. Truly, faith precedes
the miracle. Christ loves us not for our actions in and of themselves, but for who, through his atonement, we become in the process of following him.
Our character and identity are truly shaped by how we follow his
commandments. The more we follow him, the more we are conformed to his
image. Our very natures can be changed as we present our bodies a
living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1).
Sunday, October 9, 2011
I love my wife
Some media people from the army were here to film holiday greetings from the soldiers. They plan to air them on hometown TV stations. I wanted to give a holiday greeting to my wife, Emily. So they put a microphone on me and put me in front of the camera. This should be no problem, I thought; I don't mind speaking in public. It went smoothly, until I got to the part where I was to wish my wife a happy holiday. It took me three tries to get through it, because I started to cry each time. I did get through it, and I know I love my wife! (Not that I doubted that I did, but I didn't realize how close to the surface it was and is.) I love you, Emily!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I am guilty...
This deployment has afforded me more time to watch BYU football than any year previous. Yes, I am a true blue, died in the wool, born in Provo, BYU football fan. This last game against Utah State was unreal; the Cougars won it on a tipped touchdown pass with 11 seconds left in the game. Of course, with the time difference, I had to wake up at 4:15am to catch the game. It was a Friday night game, so I watched it Saturday morning. The fact that it is on Friday is in deference to the LDS fan base of both teams, being General Conference weekend.
Wouldn't you know it; the Priesthood session was this morning at 4:30am, the same time as the football game a day earlier. Did I show the same enthusiasm I did for football and wake up at the early hour? Is not the priesthood session more important than football? Hmmmmm.....looks like I need to reevaluate my priorities, especially in light of one of the talks I heard. Thankfully, because of technology, I can still watch the recording of the priesthood session on my computer. Technology is such a blessing but it is still no excuse to put football in front of vital spiritual counsel! I have watched both Saturday sessions and there were many great talks.
Elder Ian S. Ardern spoke on spending our time wisely. He said that misusing time was akin to idleness. I was very convicted during this talk. It's one thing to watch a game a week, but it's another to waste hours each week reading about stuff surrounding it, when I could be doing more important things. I am going to make a change, and since I am posting it on this blog, now I am accountable. I am going to limit my time reading about sports to 10 minutes per day, with the goal to reduce it to 5 minutes per day after 2 weeks.
There are so many worthwhile things I could be doing instead. I keep thinking of the quote (paraphrased): "If you do not first choose the kingdom of heaven, it will make no difference in the end, what you have chosen."
Wouldn't you know it; the Priesthood session was this morning at 4:30am, the same time as the football game a day earlier. Did I show the same enthusiasm I did for football and wake up at the early hour? Is not the priesthood session more important than football? Hmmmmm.....looks like I need to reevaluate my priorities, especially in light of one of the talks I heard. Thankfully, because of technology, I can still watch the recording of the priesthood session on my computer. Technology is such a blessing but it is still no excuse to put football in front of vital spiritual counsel! I have watched both Saturday sessions and there were many great talks.
Elder Ian S. Ardern spoke on spending our time wisely. He said that misusing time was akin to idleness. I was very convicted during this talk. It's one thing to watch a game a week, but it's another to waste hours each week reading about stuff surrounding it, when I could be doing more important things. I am going to make a change, and since I am posting it on this blog, now I am accountable. I am going to limit my time reading about sports to 10 minutes per day, with the goal to reduce it to 5 minutes per day after 2 weeks.
There are so many worthwhile things I could be doing instead. I keep thinking of the quote (paraphrased): "If you do not first choose the kingdom of heaven, it will make no difference in the end, what you have chosen."
Sunday, September 25, 2011
thoughts in the wee hours of the morning
Light
While I was leaving the latrine, I looked up at the 0300 sky.
Blackness. “Are there no stars tonight,” I thought to myself? Then I
saw one, which drew me to look for others, which I saw. Gradually, as
I moved farther away from the porch light of the latrine, I saw more.
I had to move away from the man-made light in order to view the
heavenly lights. It led me to ponder on the spiritual significance of
this small illustration. First, there was a desire to see the lights
in the heavens. This necessitated a move away from earthly light, in
order to see the lights in the heavens. Our vision of heaven can
become obscured when we are surrounded by earthly light. We must step
out into the darkness to behold the marvelous lights in the firmament,
the glorious lights of God. We will never behold his light by using
light made by our own hands; we must trust him completely if we are to
see his glory. Think about it. Who can take the most powerful man-made
light in the world and shining it toward heaven see even one heavenly
body by its beam? What we see comes entirely from him; our only part
is to turn our gaze to the heavens to behold it.
This differs from the way we see with man-made light. We cast light on
things and are thus able to see them. The lights in the heavens
emanate the light by which they are seen, requiring no aid from us to
be revealed. They only require us to turn our gaze to them.
While reading, “Rough Stone Rolling,” a biography on Joseph Smith,
this morning, a few thoughts came to me. I read part of Bushman’s
recounting of the King Follett discourse by Joseph Smith. I was struck
by the bold doctrine that Joseph proclaimed in this sermon. He defied
earth and hell to disprove what he said. God was once a man, as we are
now, as evidenced by the fact that Christ did nothing but what his
father did. Many did not receive of Christ’s doctrine when he came
because it was from heaven, and did not involve earthly wisdom. Christ
brought additional light and knowledge. Joseph Smith was given the
task of revealing the order of heaven, of being a conduit of
additional light and knowledge, and he was reviled and murdered as a
result. Those who seek to understand spiritual things in carnal terms
will be forever frustrated in the attempt. Paul stated this plainly in
1 Corinthians 2:4-16.
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none
of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:4-8).
Those who reject God’s wisdom and knowledge are looking for earthly
things. God does not speak by man’s wisdom, as Paul states above.
Christ, the literal Son of God brought light into the world, but not
everyone would accept it. Religious leaders questioned his authority
and his educational background. “By what authority doest thou these
things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” (Mark
11:28). When he taught in the temple, the Jews wondered, “How knoweth
this man letters, having never learned?” (John 7:15). They were blind
to both his divinity and the divine instruction he had received,
because it fell outside the parameters of their institutions. “Jesus
answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent
me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh
of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that
sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John
7:16-18). Jesus’ light and knowledge came from a divine source, not
from the wisdom of men. This is yet hard for some to accept. “And this
is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every
one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to
the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought
in God” (John 3:19-21).
I pray that each of us will trust God and receive the light from
heaven given by direct revelation, spoken by prophets on the earth
today, and confirmed to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. May we so
live that we will desire to come to the glorious light of God, that
through our acceptance of the atonement of Jesus Christ, sin will not
stand in our way and our deeds will be “wrought in God.” In the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.
While I was leaving the latrine, I looked up at the 0300 sky.
Blackness. “Are there no stars tonight,” I thought to myself? Then I
saw one, which drew me to look for others, which I saw. Gradually, as
I moved farther away from the porch light of the latrine, I saw more.
I had to move away from the man-made light in order to view the
heavenly lights. It led me to ponder on the spiritual significance of
this small illustration. First, there was a desire to see the lights
in the heavens. This necessitated a move away from earthly light, in
order to see the lights in the heavens. Our vision of heaven can
become obscured when we are surrounded by earthly light. We must step
out into the darkness to behold the marvelous lights in the firmament,
the glorious lights of God. We will never behold his light by using
light made by our own hands; we must trust him completely if we are to
see his glory. Think about it. Who can take the most powerful man-made
light in the world and shining it toward heaven see even one heavenly
body by its beam? What we see comes entirely from him; our only part
is to turn our gaze to the heavens to behold it.
This differs from the way we see with man-made light. We cast light on
things and are thus able to see them. The lights in the heavens
emanate the light by which they are seen, requiring no aid from us to
be revealed. They only require us to turn our gaze to them.
While reading, “Rough Stone Rolling,” a biography on Joseph Smith,
this morning, a few thoughts came to me. I read part of Bushman’s
recounting of the King Follett discourse by Joseph Smith. I was struck
by the bold doctrine that Joseph proclaimed in this sermon. He defied
earth and hell to disprove what he said. God was once a man, as we are
now, as evidenced by the fact that Christ did nothing but what his
father did. Many did not receive of Christ’s doctrine when he came
because it was from heaven, and did not involve earthly wisdom. Christ
brought additional light and knowledge. Joseph Smith was given the
task of revealing the order of heaven, of being a conduit of
additional light and knowledge, and he was reviled and murdered as a
result. Those who seek to understand spiritual things in carnal terms
will be forever frustrated in the attempt. Paul stated this plainly in
1 Corinthians 2:4-16.
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none
of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:4-8).
Those who reject God’s wisdom and knowledge are looking for earthly
things. God does not speak by man’s wisdom, as Paul states above.
Christ, the literal Son of God brought light into the world, but not
everyone would accept it. Religious leaders questioned his authority
and his educational background. “By what authority doest thou these
things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?” (Mark
11:28). When he taught in the temple, the Jews wondered, “How knoweth
this man letters, having never learned?” (John 7:15). They were blind
to both his divinity and the divine instruction he had received,
because it fell outside the parameters of their institutions. “Jesus
answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent
me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh
of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that
sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John
7:16-18). Jesus’ light and knowledge came from a divine source, not
from the wisdom of men. This is yet hard for some to accept. “And this
is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every
one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to
the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought
in God” (John 3:19-21).
I pray that each of us will trust God and receive the light from
heaven given by direct revelation, spoken by prophets on the earth
today, and confirmed to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. May we so
live that we will desire to come to the glorious light of God, that
through our acceptance of the atonement of Jesus Christ, sin will not
stand in our way and our deeds will be “wrought in God.” In the name
of Jesus Christ, amen.
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