In section 86, the revelation about the wheat and the tares, it said that we must "be a light unto the Gentiles." To me, this is saying that the wheat needs to be strong among the tares. This analogy is interesting because the wheat and the tares are not separate--they grow together in the same place. Like the wheat we must be able to be "in the world, but not of the world." We must grow with the tares, but not allow them to overtake us and weaken our faith.
In section 91, about the Apocrypha, the revelation is that it is not necessary for Joseph to translate this section because parts of it have been tampered with. However, He adds that those who are enlightened by the Spirit can understand and receive truth and benefit, but not those who don't receive by the Spirit. In many ways I feel like this statement is true for any scripture. We benefit from scripture study, hymns, talks, blessings, etc. when we receive them with the Spirit, but not so much when we don't. The Spirit manifests truth.
Sis. Grierson--is it ok for me to address separate things about the sections like this? I like to comment on something every time I read. Is this the sort of thing you are looking for? How can I improve?
You are right--that is one of our lessons--that if we ask very specific questions, we can be given very specific answers. Sometimes we tend to pray to "have a good day" or something simple like that. I think that the Lord tells us over and over to pray for the specifics.
ReplyDeleteI like your insights about the tares. Whether they be in the Church or outside, we must live with them and learn to recognize them in our lives.
Your responses are good, Lucy. Perhaps a suggestion for improvement is to start asking questions of the scriptures as you read--to tangle deeply with the things that don't make sense. That is what a scholar of the scriptures must learn to do. What puzzles you or makes you ponder? Why did Joseph include specific verses? What other scriptures pop up in your mind as you read?
I am enjoying your comments.