Reading pages 381 and 639-648 (minutes from February 17, 1834) of “The Joseph Smith Papers” was insightful. I cannot describe the feelings I get seeing the text in the original hand of early church leaders. Staring at scans of the original manuscripts instills such a sacredness and a greater sense of urgency for how important the gospel is.
Whenever I read of the prophesy of the Civil War in the Doctrine and Covenants, I get goosebumps. The “start of the rebellion beginning with South Carolina” is recorded 36 years before it actually occurred. I wonder if Joseph and the scribes realized what they were writing of when they recorded this revelation. Surely, unless one lived through it, the devastating impact would never be fully realized. Even with the knowledge of the past and the way the Civil War shaped our young country, we still will never experience the nature of trauma that nineteenth century America survived. I keep going back to a comment Dr. Holzapfel made in lecture a few weeks ago in regards to what Lincoln said in one of his addresses to the effect of: “It is not whose side God is on that is important; rather, it is critical that you are on God’s.”
The fact that the church has a “justice system” is an interesting subject for me. While the gospel teaches forgiveness and repentance, that does not and should not override the demands of justice. Behavior has natural consequences. In these notes it was revealed that the council would be made up of twelve high priests and one to three presidents, as the case required. After hearing both sides’ evidence, the President makes a decision which is asked to be sanctioned by the council.
It struck me over and over again how the church is trying to help people make the right decisions and repent of their sin. The MAJORITY of leaders must be present to vote, DISAGREEMENT leads to REHEARING, UNCLEAR CASE then President goes to the Lord, etc, etc—the Church is extending charity to people in any way it can, yet still submitting to the demands of justice. I thought it interesting that if the exception of an appeal was ever determined by the First Presidency, a trial would be redone without any mention of past trial history. God is doing everything in His power to bring us home.
Of course, this “church law” is only to “settle important difficulties … which could not be settled by the church or the Bishop’s council to the satisfaction of the parties.” The matters that arise before church court are clearly not trivial matters, but pertain to more serious sin.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Living Art
Visiting the Museum of Art was such a peaceful experience. Every time I walk in a museum or a gallery I feel so cultured, refined, sophisticated, and connected with myself—last week was no exception.
The most intriguing part of the exhibit was the opening resin creation by Franz M. Johansen, The Rod and the Veil. I really opened my eyes for how close the spirit world is. To me, the higher figure was clothed in the veil. He seemed to be uncovering the rod bit by bit for the mortal coming up beside him. He is close by, yet allowing our agency. The cloth veil showed me what a thin existence separates us from eternity. Life is so fragile.
One of my favorite paintings was entitled Daily Bread by Lee Bennion. The main focus of the painting is a housewife adorned with a traditional apron. Her outstretched hands clutch the apron corners and hold up a loaf of bread. She wears a somber expression and stands in front of a window with geraniums growing up in the background. The predominant colors are red, yellow, and blue.
Bennion’s painting came across to me as a child’s artwork taped to the already plastered fridge would. Innocent. In the gallery of life-like images and towering figurines, this piece seemed so mortal to me which allowed me to connect to the piece. It reminded me of the Neal A Maxwell quote of “members working out their own salvation.” The woman’s offering seems so whole and complete to me because her outstretched hands seem to be holding nothing back. In mortality she is recognizing her divine nature (bread is typically a feminine task). She is sacrificing everything, including her will, for the Father.
“Daily Bread” really summarized the entire exhibit for me in one word—home. All of the paintings taught me lessons of how to return to my heavenly home. I felt the love of my Heavenly Father throughout the entire exhibit. I know my meager mortal offering, my daily bread, will somehow be sufficient through Christ’s atonement.
The exhibit made me wonder how many of the artists were LDS. The fact that many were not (those in earlier centuries) reinforces the fact that there is SOME truth in all religion. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the entire restored gospel, it is wonderful to realize that others really have some sense of God. All of us have an inner longing to return “home.” The Museum exhibit presented so many things that are familiar to us because they are part of the plan which we learned of in the pre-existence. On a more serious note, I came to a better understanding of how crucial gospel ordinances are and the importance of missionary work while on the earth.
I cannot wait to go back to the exhibit this week and see all of the pieces. Seeing truths of the gospel in art presents so many new peaceful perspectives.
The most intriguing part of the exhibit was the opening resin creation by Franz M. Johansen, The Rod and the Veil. I really opened my eyes for how close the spirit world is. To me, the higher figure was clothed in the veil. He seemed to be uncovering the rod bit by bit for the mortal coming up beside him. He is close by, yet allowing our agency. The cloth veil showed me what a thin existence separates us from eternity. Life is so fragile.
One of my favorite paintings was entitled Daily Bread by Lee Bennion. The main focus of the painting is a housewife adorned with a traditional apron. Her outstretched hands clutch the apron corners and hold up a loaf of bread. She wears a somber expression and stands in front of a window with geraniums growing up in the background. The predominant colors are red, yellow, and blue.
Bennion’s painting came across to me as a child’s artwork taped to the already plastered fridge would. Innocent. In the gallery of life-like images and towering figurines, this piece seemed so mortal to me which allowed me to connect to the piece. It reminded me of the Neal A Maxwell quote of “members working out their own salvation.” The woman’s offering seems so whole and complete to me because her outstretched hands seem to be holding nothing back. In mortality she is recognizing her divine nature (bread is typically a feminine task). She is sacrificing everything, including her will, for the Father.
“Daily Bread” really summarized the entire exhibit for me in one word—home. All of the paintings taught me lessons of how to return to my heavenly home. I felt the love of my Heavenly Father throughout the entire exhibit. I know my meager mortal offering, my daily bread, will somehow be sufficient through Christ’s atonement.
The exhibit made me wonder how many of the artists were LDS. The fact that many were not (those in earlier centuries) reinforces the fact that there is SOME truth in all religion. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the entire restored gospel, it is wonderful to realize that others really have some sense of God. All of us have an inner longing to return “home.” The Museum exhibit presented so many things that are familiar to us because they are part of the plan which we learned of in the pre-existence. On a more serious note, I came to a better understanding of how crucial gospel ordinances are and the importance of missionary work while on the earth.
I cannot wait to go back to the exhibit this week and see all of the pieces. Seeing truths of the gospel in art presents so many new peaceful perspectives.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Filled with Light
Although the same revelations lie on both sets of pages, examining the material in two places almost leaves me with the feeling of two sets of scripture. What a blessing to have truth from two marvelous perspectives! The most recent modern 2007 edition that I have is beautifully typed and bound, extremely cost-effective, and it fits comfortably in my hands. The other, found in the newly released The Joseph Smith Papers Revelations and Translations book is a place where I can see the handwriting of the earliest leaders of the church. The pages were much larger, hand written, and expensive. The sweat, tears, and heartache of the manuscript pulls you into the page.
It increased my testimony to see the detail that went into the manuscript editing. What may seem like small changes done by Joseph Smith and others can have potentially huge doctrinal impacts. Reading the pages you can see obvious points (especially when turning pages) where it looks like a sentence was repeated by Joseph (for clarity when translating) but was accidentally copied twice by the scribe and had to be crossed out later. This reminded me of our class trip to Special Collections where we learned about the tedious and rigorous scribe process. This was an extremely time consuming process which reinforces the sacredness of the work of the Kingdom.
I really enjoyed being able to see the combination of original words, edits, and who changed what. Scratch-outs offer insights to other possible scripture pronunciations for our benefit and learning. For instance if I were trying to study a certain principle in the Doctrine and Covenants, I might try looking in the manuscripts to see what words were there originally. God made sure what He wanted was there in the end, but surely similar words and concepts were confused at first. (Footnotes, almost!)
Studying the actually manuscript increased my awareness of the words on the page. At one point it references the “curtain of heaven” being drawn and reading from the original pages drew my mind to the temple. This was a connection I hadn’t thought of before! Language can be such a powerful thing when not taken so casually. Words have actual meanings and implications. They have a history and tradition! For instance, on page 295, a change was made from “celestial spirit inherits celestial body” to “celestial spirit inherits body.” You get what you are! Certainly your body is made of whatever spirit you are.
One of my favorite passages on page 299 read: "that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” God opens our understanding as we fill our lives with His truth and goodness.
It increased my testimony to see the detail that went into the manuscript editing. What may seem like small changes done by Joseph Smith and others can have potentially huge doctrinal impacts. Reading the pages you can see obvious points (especially when turning pages) where it looks like a sentence was repeated by Joseph (for clarity when translating) but was accidentally copied twice by the scribe and had to be crossed out later. This reminded me of our class trip to Special Collections where we learned about the tedious and rigorous scribe process. This was an extremely time consuming process which reinforces the sacredness of the work of the Kingdom.
I really enjoyed being able to see the combination of original words, edits, and who changed what. Scratch-outs offer insights to other possible scripture pronunciations for our benefit and learning. For instance if I were trying to study a certain principle in the Doctrine and Covenants, I might try looking in the manuscripts to see what words were there originally. God made sure what He wanted was there in the end, but surely similar words and concepts were confused at first. (Footnotes, almost!)
Studying the actually manuscript increased my awareness of the words on the page. At one point it references the “curtain of heaven” being drawn and reading from the original pages drew my mind to the temple. This was a connection I hadn’t thought of before! Language can be such a powerful thing when not taken so casually. Words have actual meanings and implications. They have a history and tradition! For instance, on page 295, a change was made from “celestial spirit inherits celestial body” to “celestial spirit inherits body.” You get what you are! Certainly your body is made of whatever spirit you are.
One of my favorite passages on page 299 read: "that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” God opens our understanding as we fill our lives with His truth and goodness.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Liberty Jail: "a temple prison"
Since the moment Joseph saw God and Jesus Christ, extreme opposition came into his life. Satan knew the true gospel was entering its final dispensation and was trying everything possible to stop its progress. Joseph stayed constant—and on the run.
There is no doubt that the five months of 1839 the Prophet Joseph spent in Liberty Jail changed him forever. As mentioned in class, this was the first time he had been “stuck” in a single place. Although a Prophet of God, He still had to answer the “hard questions.” Liberty Jail brought Joseph to his knees in a way he could never have imagined. His body in the worst mortal condition imaginable, his Spirit was strengthened in its connection to God as he listened to reproves from the Lord and learned that all “was for [his] experience…[and] good” (D&C 122:7).
Jeffrey R. Holland spoke in General Conference once of the Atonement and how the Father withdrew so that Christ could feel (for a small moment) how we might feel left alone. To me, this is what Liberty Jail did to Joseph. It brought the average man out of the Prophet. It humbled him and increased his sincerity and love for the saints—(if that was even possible). It was a Prophet-specific Zion’s Camp. As soon as Joseph asks of the Lord “where art thou,” “how long,” “can you avenge my enemies,” the Lord answers him with comfort AND caution. His words of “My son, peace be unto thy soul” is followed by a short “Thou art not yet as Job.” Dr. Holzapfel mentioned loneliness and God-forsakeness as two different things. Perhaps this was a lesson Joseph had to feel personally—what the rest of us would feel like crossing the plains and following the gospel--susceptible and alone. You can tell loneliness was a concern when the Lord specifically addresses, verse 9, “thy friends do stand by thee.” This prophet of God had been pulled from the side of his wife and children, arrested, charged unlawfully, turned on by friends, yet God was over all.
To me, it seems Joseph became a more “reachable” Prophet. He became his own mouthpiece by preaching more (not just recording revelation). Since he was captive in jail, Joseph had plenty of time to communicate with God and articulate His will for the Saints.
Liberty Jail recommitted Joseph to the building of the kingdom. Temples became his life’s mission because he realized their saving power while he himself felt in the grip of death. It seems like events and ordinances following Liberty Jail were attacked with more vigor, speed, and urgency.
One lesson is taught repeatedly throughout D&C 121-123: “Jesus, who suffered no sin, suffered unfairly—so, it is not wrong for humans who do wrong to suffer.” D&C 122:8: The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” Certainly, all things experienced in mortality are for our benefit.
There is no doubt that the five months of 1839 the Prophet Joseph spent in Liberty Jail changed him forever. As mentioned in class, this was the first time he had been “stuck” in a single place. Although a Prophet of God, He still had to answer the “hard questions.” Liberty Jail brought Joseph to his knees in a way he could never have imagined. His body in the worst mortal condition imaginable, his Spirit was strengthened in its connection to God as he listened to reproves from the Lord and learned that all “was for [his] experience…[and] good” (D&C 122:7).
Jeffrey R. Holland spoke in General Conference once of the Atonement and how the Father withdrew so that Christ could feel (for a small moment) how we might feel left alone. To me, this is what Liberty Jail did to Joseph. It brought the average man out of the Prophet. It humbled him and increased his sincerity and love for the saints—(if that was even possible). It was a Prophet-specific Zion’s Camp. As soon as Joseph asks of the Lord “where art thou,” “how long,” “can you avenge my enemies,” the Lord answers him with comfort AND caution. His words of “My son, peace be unto thy soul” is followed by a short “Thou art not yet as Job.” Dr. Holzapfel mentioned loneliness and God-forsakeness as two different things. Perhaps this was a lesson Joseph had to feel personally—what the rest of us would feel like crossing the plains and following the gospel--susceptible and alone. You can tell loneliness was a concern when the Lord specifically addresses, verse 9, “thy friends do stand by thee.” This prophet of God had been pulled from the side of his wife and children, arrested, charged unlawfully, turned on by friends, yet God was over all.
To me, it seems Joseph became a more “reachable” Prophet. He became his own mouthpiece by preaching more (not just recording revelation). Since he was captive in jail, Joseph had plenty of time to communicate with God and articulate His will for the Saints.
Liberty Jail recommitted Joseph to the building of the kingdom. Temples became his life’s mission because he realized their saving power while he himself felt in the grip of death. It seems like events and ordinances following Liberty Jail were attacked with more vigor, speed, and urgency.
One lesson is taught repeatedly throughout D&C 121-123: “Jesus, who suffered no sin, suffered unfairly—so, it is not wrong for humans who do wrong to suffer.” D&C 122:8: The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” Certainly, all things experienced in mortality are for our benefit.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Salvation of the Dead
In Doctrine and Covenants 137 Joseph Smith records what is known as “Vision of the Celestial Kingdom.” Joseph sees Heaven. It struck me that he said he saw its “beauty” and that the gate “was like unto circling flames of fire.” Everything in the gospel is light related. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Joseph used “flames of fire” to describe the eyes of God. Other light connections: “I am the light of the world”; “don’t hide your light under a bushel”; 3 degrees of glory; God descends/ascends in light; light (God) ALWAYS wins against dark (Satan); etc. Fire and light to me are powerful analogies. They make me think of warmth, hope, brightness, and an unstoppable force. Light is something to be reckoned with!
I hadn’t realized before where Joseph’s concern came from. After Joseph sees the throne of God, Adam, Abraham, and his parents, he sees his brother Alvin. Alvin died before baptism, which left Joseph wondering why he was in the Celestial Kingdom. Joseph’s misunderstanding on judgement is cleared when the Lord reveals His mercy.
Verse 9, Lord saying “I…will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” The Lord really teaches an important lesson that yes, we are judged by what we DO, but what we DO is determined by who we are; thus, are eternal fate is left up to the condition of our hearts. That is why those “who would have received it [gospel] if they had been permitted to tarry” can be saved. Our test in mortality is a process of turning and coming back to Christ. It’s part of the plan that not everyone could be on the Earth when the gospel is restored.
Salvation of the Dead applies to ALL of the dead—members and nonmembers alike. While an important truth is revealed for those who did not hear the restored gospel, both members and nonmembers will be judged. Salvation can come to ALL. It is said that: “Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny.” How true it is! Our eternal destiny rests in our thoughts, which determines our activity in the gospel. Just as with the oil of the ten virgins, testimony, repentance, forgiveness, happiness, joy, mortality cannot be given away. These things must be personally attained.
It is so comforting to live with the knowledge that I will see those I love again. Death is just a step in this mortal test. Satan and death will not triumph in the end. While those who “died without a knowledge” can still be saved, it is so important to receive saving ordinances now. Just think of Oliver Cowdery. He personally received the restoration of the sealing power and yet never applied it in his own life. He was sealed to his wife years after death. Unless I decide to live the gospel, nothing I do matters.
I hadn’t realized before where Joseph’s concern came from. After Joseph sees the throne of God, Adam, Abraham, and his parents, he sees his brother Alvin. Alvin died before baptism, which left Joseph wondering why he was in the Celestial Kingdom. Joseph’s misunderstanding on judgement is cleared when the Lord reveals His mercy.
Verse 9, Lord saying “I…will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” The Lord really teaches an important lesson that yes, we are judged by what we DO, but what we DO is determined by who we are; thus, are eternal fate is left up to the condition of our hearts. That is why those “who would have received it [gospel] if they had been permitted to tarry” can be saved. Our test in mortality is a process of turning and coming back to Christ. It’s part of the plan that not everyone could be on the Earth when the gospel is restored.
Salvation of the Dead applies to ALL of the dead—members and nonmembers alike. While an important truth is revealed for those who did not hear the restored gospel, both members and nonmembers will be judged. Salvation can come to ALL. It is said that: “Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny.” How true it is! Our eternal destiny rests in our thoughts, which determines our activity in the gospel. Just as with the oil of the ten virgins, testimony, repentance, forgiveness, happiness, joy, mortality cannot be given away. These things must be personally attained.
It is so comforting to live with the knowledge that I will see those I love again. Death is just a step in this mortal test. Satan and death will not triumph in the end. While those who “died without a knowledge” can still be saved, it is so important to receive saving ordinances now. Just think of Oliver Cowdery. He personally received the restoration of the sealing power and yet never applied it in his own life. He was sealed to his wife years after death. Unless I decide to live the gospel, nothing I do matters.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Special Collections: Hands of the Scribe
Having class in the special collections section of the library was so neat! I have to admit that I’m a little bit of a history addict at heart and loved smelling and seeing pages that have passed through generations of hands. (haha and I thought my textbooks this semester cost a lot.) Old ink and paper just smells good!
I thought one of the most beautiful things we saw was old Medieval text. Made by Monks, it was complete with detailed decoration patterns around the page and bigger opening paragraph letters. The pages were so colorful, shiny, and detailed that just looking at the page took my breath away. Old books (accomplishments of any kind really) have such a sacredness to them because of the time and detail that went into them. One of the Medieval books took eleven years to make!
I feel more committed than ever now to keeping a journal and being the best “personal scribe” possible. Our collections guide expressed two very important reasons for journals. 1-personal growth and 2-posterity.
One thought I keep returning to has to do with my hands. During the presentation our collections guide was trying to compare a piece of hand-produced parchment with a piece of machine-produced parchment and requested a volunteer to hold up a plastic-cased copy. I jumped at the opportunity and raised my hand. Even though I wasn’t touching “the exact piece of paper,” I felt almost caught back in history. Carrying an ancient record between my fingertips sent chills up and down my spine. I was so close that I could see the erased pre-writing lines drawn on the sheet! Pretty soon my two minutes of heaven were up and I was back in my seat with a smile on my face. It wasn’t long after my volunteer experience that the presentation ended and I was walking up the library stairs texting my friend I was meeting for lunch. Suddenly I stopped. I stared at my hands in “time-warp” shock. All of the sudden it hit me that in a matter of five minutes my hands had switched to holding over one hundred year old parchment to the latest cell phone technology. I really felt like I’d felt through the walls of time with my hands. The past was a tangible thing for a minute.
It’s wonderful to think how the restoration of the gospel has opened the door to advancements in EVERY field! For centuries, select scribes were scrawling on bone, coal, wood, parchment, and papyrus. It took hundreds of years for the printing press to be developed and within the last twenty we’ve come up with cell phones!! Joseph Smith opened the gate of this last dispensation. The restored gospel has brought light and truth to the world that is manifest in ways that are plain to man in science, math, and the arts. God has a hand in everything and is preparing His people for when He comes again.
I thought one of the most beautiful things we saw was old Medieval text. Made by Monks, it was complete with detailed decoration patterns around the page and bigger opening paragraph letters. The pages were so colorful, shiny, and detailed that just looking at the page took my breath away. Old books (accomplishments of any kind really) have such a sacredness to them because of the time and detail that went into them. One of the Medieval books took eleven years to make!
I feel more committed than ever now to keeping a journal and being the best “personal scribe” possible. Our collections guide expressed two very important reasons for journals. 1-personal growth and 2-posterity.
One thought I keep returning to has to do with my hands. During the presentation our collections guide was trying to compare a piece of hand-produced parchment with a piece of machine-produced parchment and requested a volunteer to hold up a plastic-cased copy. I jumped at the opportunity and raised my hand. Even though I wasn’t touching “the exact piece of paper,” I felt almost caught back in history. Carrying an ancient record between my fingertips sent chills up and down my spine. I was so close that I could see the erased pre-writing lines drawn on the sheet! Pretty soon my two minutes of heaven were up and I was back in my seat with a smile on my face. It wasn’t long after my volunteer experience that the presentation ended and I was walking up the library stairs texting my friend I was meeting for lunch. Suddenly I stopped. I stared at my hands in “time-warp” shock. All of the sudden it hit me that in a matter of five minutes my hands had switched to holding over one hundred year old parchment to the latest cell phone technology. I really felt like I’d felt through the walls of time with my hands. The past was a tangible thing for a minute.
It’s wonderful to think how the restoration of the gospel has opened the door to advancements in EVERY field! For centuries, select scribes were scrawling on bone, coal, wood, parchment, and papyrus. It took hundreds of years for the printing press to be developed and within the last twenty we’ve come up with cell phones!! Joseph Smith opened the gate of this last dispensation. The restored gospel has brought light and truth to the world that is manifest in ways that are plain to man in science, math, and the arts. God has a hand in everything and is preparing His people for when He comes again.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Suffering of the Sparrow
One of the strongest points that hit me in class was that “to suffer” something means it has been “allowed” to happen. “Suffering” = “allowing.” In class we learned that it was Paul in Colossians that first received the revelation that suffering was not simply a punishment for personal wrongs, but could also be specific training from the Lord.
**Reason 1—personal consequence: In D&C 103: 5-6 the Lord teaches an important “if/then” principle of hearkening and prevailing. Triumph comes from obedience; therefore, if I act according to God’s commands (both what he says and when) then I will be blessed and avoid unnecessary pain. Stupid people make stupid decisions and must learn lessons the hard way. (ie: a child touching a hot stove)
**Reason 2—training ground: the Lord must teach lessons which sometimes push us out of our comfort zones. As mortals, we tend to stick with what is most comfortable. God has the entire plan and knows specific lessons that need to be learned in specific ways that will most benefit us. He is molding and shaping us for His purposes.
In Matthew 10: 29-31 it reads: “29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
To me, this is more of a confirmation that the Lord knows and loves each of us individually. If God has power over all, then anything that happens (our fault or His training) has to be “approved” in a way. The lecture in class brought a new perspective that it doesn’t say why the sparrow fell. My absurd list of possibilities could include: being hit by lightning; self-imposed starvation; drought-imposed starvation; diving out of the way of predators; tired feet; saving another sparrow; etc. Regardless of the reason, God knew of it happening and noticed.
I think we connect with the suffering sparrow the most because the Bible points out that it fell. In other words, the sparrow suffered. A trial came along and pushed him off of the branch. This scripture wouldn’t be half as comforting if it had said that “the sparrow lived out his days eating the fattest worms and whistled a happy tune while God noticed.” Instead, we find comfort knowing that God is aware of our pitfalls—whether these be self-imposed or for training.
Sometimes I connect a lot with that sparrow.
I am thankful for “sparrow moments” because they keep humility in my life. Seeing God’s hand in my life, both in the trial and resolution, strengthens my testimony and faith.
As Dr. Holzapfel stated, the Lord is not done with me yet.
**Reason 1—personal consequence: In D&C 103: 5-6 the Lord teaches an important “if/then” principle of hearkening and prevailing. Triumph comes from obedience; therefore, if I act according to God’s commands (both what he says and when) then I will be blessed and avoid unnecessary pain. Stupid people make stupid decisions and must learn lessons the hard way. (ie: a child touching a hot stove)
**Reason 2—training ground: the Lord must teach lessons which sometimes push us out of our comfort zones. As mortals, we tend to stick with what is most comfortable. God has the entire plan and knows specific lessons that need to be learned in specific ways that will most benefit us. He is molding and shaping us for His purposes.
In Matthew 10: 29-31 it reads: “29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
To me, this is more of a confirmation that the Lord knows and loves each of us individually. If God has power over all, then anything that happens (our fault or His training) has to be “approved” in a way. The lecture in class brought a new perspective that it doesn’t say why the sparrow fell. My absurd list of possibilities could include: being hit by lightning; self-imposed starvation; drought-imposed starvation; diving out of the way of predators; tired feet; saving another sparrow; etc. Regardless of the reason, God knew of it happening and noticed.
I think we connect with the suffering sparrow the most because the Bible points out that it fell. In other words, the sparrow suffered. A trial came along and pushed him off of the branch. This scripture wouldn’t be half as comforting if it had said that “the sparrow lived out his days eating the fattest worms and whistled a happy tune while God noticed.” Instead, we find comfort knowing that God is aware of our pitfalls—whether these be self-imposed or for training.
Sometimes I connect a lot with that sparrow.
I am thankful for “sparrow moments” because they keep humility in my life. Seeing God’s hand in my life, both in the trial and resolution, strengthens my testimony and faith.
As Dr. Holzapfel stated, the Lord is not done with me yet.
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