Murmuring in the Wilderness

 Exodus 15:23-27; 16-17. Murmuring in the Wilderness

Although Exodus 33:11 clearly states that Moses spoke with the Lord face-to-face, some people doubt that Joseph Smith could have seen God because of Exodus 33:20; John 1:18. Read JST, John 1:19; JST, Exodus 33:20; John 6:46; Doctrine and Covenants 67:11-12; and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Exodus 33:19-23, “Is It Possible for Anyone to See the Face of God and Live?” (pgs. 142-43). Then write a paragraph explaining how man can see God.

JST John 1:19

 19 And no man hath seen God at any time, except he hath borne record of the Son; for except it is through him no man can be saved.

JST Exodus 33:20

20 And he said unto Moses, Thou canst not see my face at this time, lest mine anger be kindled against thee also, and I destroy thee, and thy people; for there shall no man among them see me at this time, and live, for they are exceeding sinful. And no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live.

John 6:46

 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

D&C 67:11-12

11 For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.

 12 Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.

Is It Possible for Anyone to see the face of God and live?

Institute Manual:

There is obviously something wrong with Exodus 33:20, for verse 11 of this same chapter clearly says, “The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (emphasis added). Also, Exodus 24:9–11 records that Moses and seventy of the elders of Israel saw God. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith commented on the problem in Exodus 33:20 and in John 1:18 in this way: “There are too many passages which declare very definitely that God did appear, ‘face to face,’ with his ancient servants. Therefore, passages which declare that no man has seen him, must be in error. For instance, the passage in John 1:18, . . . is likely due to the fact that a translator in more recent years did not believe that God was a Personage and therefore could not be seen. This notion has come down to us since the introduction of the Athanasian Creed in 325 A.D. The Prophet Joseph Smith has given us a correction of this passage as follows: “‘And no man hath seen God at any time, except he hath borne record of the Son; for except it is through him no man can be saved’ [JST, John 1:19]. “Again in 1 John 4:12, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the following correction: “‘No man hath seen God at any time, except them who believe. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfect in us.’ “Now let us consider other verses from John’s Gospel . . . : “‘It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. “‘Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.’ [John6:45–46.] “If we were not aware of the fact that mistranslations exist, it would appear that our Savior contradicted himself. The latter verse (John 6:46) does not harmonize with John 1:18. “We read that Abraham talked with God face to face, and he also talked with Enoch and others. The modern world, however, will have none of it and have rejected the living God for one who cannot be seen or heard.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:162–63.)Thus, it is clear that Joseph Smith was inspired when he corrected this verse to read: “And he said unto Moses, Thou canst not see my face at this time, lest mine anger be kindled against thee also, and I destroy thee, and thy people; for there shall no man among them see me at this time, and live, for they are exceeding sinful. And no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live.” (JST, Exodus 33:20.)

Ultimately, whomever the Lord calls, he qualifies and with God all things are possible. It is important for us to strive to live our lives worthy to enter into Gods presence. This will be made possible as we seek to see things through our Heavenly Fathers eyes. We are blessed with great examples to show us the way throughout the scriptures, individuals like Jesus Christ, his apostles, the prophets of old and even the ones today. If God needs us to see him and speak with him “face to face” then we need to have the faith and obedience required so and he will make it happen.

The Power Of Delegation And Lifting Where You Stand

The Power Of Delegation And Lifting Where You Stand

Leadership and Delegation

Read Exodus 18:13-24. Write answers to the following questions:

·       What did Moses do every day? Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. Because the people came unto Moses to inquire of God: When they had a matter, they came unto Moses; and he judged between one and another, and he did make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

·       How long did it take? This was an all day thing. It took all of his time and energy and was very inefficient.

·       What reason did Jethro give for why these activities were “not good”? Jethro said “Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Or in other words: you are spreading yourself too thin.

·       How did Jethro suggest Moses should be spending his time? He counseled Moses to spend his time teaching others on how to do as he has been doing.  “And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”

·       What did Jethro propose to overcome the challenge? Essentially, he is proposing that Moses delegate the responsibility to other worthy individuals in order to be more efficient and affective.

·       How does this account help you understand why each responsibility in a ward is important (see 1 Corinthians 12:14-22)? It helps us understand that we cannot carry the weight of the ward by ourselves. As Elder Uchtdorf has said: “We need to lift where we stand”. I really like the principles of proper delegation because it helps the ward and the individuals there in to progress.

The Faith It Takes to Wait For Promised Blessings

Genesis 25:20-34; 27; 28:1-9. A Contrast between Brothers

a.   Read Genesis 25:20-34; 27; 28:1-9. Then, complete the following tasks in writing:

·    Contrast the differences between Esau and Jacob.

Esau was older. Jacob was younger. Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field: and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for food that would prevent him from death. Esau despised his birthright. They both obeyed their parents in certain aspects. Esau obeyed his father’s request for him to go hunting for venison. Jacobs was to follow his mother’s instruction to trick his father into thinking he was Esau in order to receive the blessing.

Esau sought revenge.

Imagine you are Esau’s friend and have the opportunity to speak with him after the events of Genesis 27. Considering what you've learned from Genesis 25-27, what would you say to Esau to help him understand why Jacob received the covenant blessings? What would you suggest Esau do?

I would suggest that he remembers to turn the other cheek and seek progression instead of digression. I would remind him that the 2^nd great commandment is to love and would help him understand that love and hate cannot exist in the same heart.

·     Esau traded away his birthright—something of great value to him in the future—for something of little value that could be obtained right away and satisfied an immediate appetite. What ways do you see people today trading eternal blessings for something worldly, immediate, or something that satisfies an appetite?

These days, you see people trading something of great worth for immediate satisfaction, almost everywhere were turn. Some of the numerous ways that we see this done would be: Viewing pornography, getting into credit card debt, word of wisdom issues, etc.

·     How does the Institute Student Manual commentary for Genesis 27:1-40, “Jacob Obtains the Birthright from Esau” (pgs. 85-86) help clarify your understanding of the account found in Genesis 27?

It helps clarify by stating that Jacob reluctantly gave in to the will of his mother and that Isaac could have revoked the blessing but because of his imperfect nature, did not. It also explains that Jacob was now responsible to live worthy of the blessings (similar to our patriarchal blessings) or the blessing would not come to pass.

A Contrast in Choices

Genesis 13-14, 19. A Contrast in Choices

Read Genesis 13:10-12; 14:1-12; 19:1 and write your answers to the following questions:

Genesis 13:10-12

10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodam and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.

Genesis 14:1-12

1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the Salt Sea.

4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto El-paran, which isby the wilderness.

7 And they returned, and came to En-mishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezon-tamar.

8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;

9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.

10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.

11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.

12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Genesis 19:1

1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Why do you think Lot chose to live where he did?

I feel like Lot, while overlooking the land he chose, at first saw the land as beautiful and full of excitement. I also feel like Lot regretted his decision once him and his belongings were taken.

What do you think it meant to pitch his tent “toward” Sodom?

This is a symbolical way of showing that his heart was against the will of the Lord.

How does 2 Nephi 28:7-9 pertain to Lot’s choice to pitch his tent “toward Sodom”?

2 Nephi 28:7-9 demonstrates the attitudes of those who desire to dwell in Sodom. It states:

“7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.”

Theses attitudes and beliefs are that of self-destruction.

•      At first Lot lived “in the cities of the plain” outside Sodom, but he “pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). Later he lived in the city of Sodom itself (see Genesis 14:12). In what ways do people today “pitch their tents toward Sodom”?

This relates to those who believe that it is ok to watch rated R movies and that it won’t affect them. It relates to those who are ok with “just one” sip of alcohol because “one sip never hurt anybody”, etc. We live in a world where Satan knows that he cannot get us to sin all at once and that his best strategy is to get us to commit little sins that lead to big ones (baby steps if you will).

Read Genesis 19:2-11; Romans 1:24-27, 31 and the institute student manual commentaries for Genesis 19:4-11, “Why Did Lot Offer His Daughters to the Wicked Sodomites?” (pg. 76), and for Genesis 19:13, “What Was the Wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah?” (pg. 76). Explain in writing the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. Write a list of words from the scriptures and the Institute Student Manual describing how the Lord feels about homosexuality.

Unfortunately, Lot was following the wicked customs of Sodom when he offered his daughters. The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah was sexual sin. They committed whoredoms and engaged in homosexuality, which is contrary to the nature in which God created man and women. They also rejected their fellow men in need.

These sins are an abomination unto the Lord.

He see those who commit them as “Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful”

It is important that we keep our eye focused on the eternal perspective and change any sinful behavior that darkens our path.

b.  Contrast Lot’s choices with Abraham’s by reading Genesis 13:7-9, 18; 14:13-16, 21-23 and responding in writing to the following questions:

Where did Abraham choose to live?

Abraham chose to live where he could be close to the Lord. There, he focused his efforts on worshiping the Lord. He built an alter to gave sacrifice.

What did he do when he heard that Lot had been captured?

He armed his servant and went after them.

What does Genesis 14:22-23 reveal about Abraham’s values and commitment to God?

Abraham is very committed to God and will not break the covenants that he has made.

The city of Sodom was known for having wealth, abundance of worldly pleasures, and great wickedness. What could Abraham have gained from the king of Sodom?

He would have gained a ton of world riches and could have been esteemed among men but these are things that will not continue on with us through out eternity.

 How does Moroni 10:30 relate to Abraham’s actions?

It exhorts us to only lay our hands on the good gifts and not the bad ones. Partake only in gifts that have eternal benefit.

What can you do to be more like Abraham, who did not even desire a “thread” of what the king of Sodom had to offer?

I feel like the best thing that we can do to be like Abraham is remember that there is more to existence that what we see in this life. IF we have an eternal perspective we will be blessed with treasures beyond comparison. We will progress.

Whom God Calls, He Qualifies

Choice 2: Genesis 4-6 and Moses 6-7. Whom God Calls, He Qualifies

 

Read Moses 6:26-31 and answer the following questions in writing:

26 And it came to pass that Enoch journeyed in the land, among the people; and as he journeyed, the Spirit of God descended out of heaven, and abode upon him.

 27 And he heard a voice from heaven, saying: Enoch, my son, prophesy unto this people, and say unto them—Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their fears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off;

 28 And for these many generations, ever since the day that I created them, have they gone astray, and have denied me, and have sought their own counsels in the dark; and in their own abominations have they devised murder, and have not kept the commandments, which I gave unto their father, Adam.

 29 Wherefore, they have fore sworn themselves, and, by their oaths, they have brought upon themselves death; and hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not;

 30 And this is a decree, which I have sent forth in the beginning of the world, from my own mouth, from the foundation thereof, and by the mouths of my servants, thy fathers, have I decreed it, even as it shall be sent forth in the world, unto the ends thereof.

 31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

• How did the Lord describe the people of Enoch’s day?

o   Their hearts have waxed hard

o   Their ears are dull of hearing

o   Their eyes cannot see afar off

o   From the begging of their creation they have gone astray and denied God

o   They devise murder in their hearts

o   They do not keep the commandments

• What did Enoch say about his calling from the Lord?

            He doubted his ability to be an effective servant by stating: “Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?”

From Moses 6:32-39, 47; 7:13-18, 69; describe in writing how the Lord strengthened and sustained Enoch. Write a paragraph or two on how you have seen the Lord do similar things for you or someone you know.

Ultimately, the Lord promises Enoch that if he is obedient he will be blessed and become an effective instrument in the hands of God. He was promised that no man would be able to pierce him and that his mouth would be filled with what to say if he would just open it. He then taught Enoch what to say to the people. He taught him to see with spiritual eyes instead of worldly ones.

I have been blessed to serve a mission as well. At first, I was timid and had a difficult time bringing up the gospel to strangers. I had a choice to make. The choice was to either begin opening my mouth to share the gospel or to remain silent and waste time. I chose to pray and ask for my heavenly fathers help.  It was amazing to me how, after that prayer, I was put in situations that pulled me out of my comfort zone. This comfort zone began to expand and I was filled with courage. I began to understand the promptings of the spirit as it directed me on what to say.  It was awesome and still is.

The Bible does not say much about Enoch and his people — it contains 109 words about Enoch and his day. By contrast, the Joseph Smith Translation account of Enoch in the book of Moses contains 5,240 words about Enoch’s day. Read Genesis 5:22–24; Moses 6:27-29, 47; 7:1-21; and summarize, in writing, what you find.

Genesis was extremely vague. It basically tells that Enoch walked with God, had a family, walked with God once more and then was no more.  

Moses, on the other hand, goes into a little more depth. It tells of how God was angry with the people and that Enoch needed to warn them. It explains how God was preparing to deal with those who would not repent.

Enoch was faithful to Gods command and prophesied to the people. They trembled because of what they heard. Then the city of the righteous, Zion, was created and was taken up into heaven.