1 Samuel 10

Alma, in speaking of his father's repentance taught that -

"...according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 5:12)

Samuel, the Lamanite said of his people -

"...that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—" (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:7)

The mighty change of heart takes place as one repents and demonstrates faith in Jesus Christ. We don't change our hearts, Alma taught of the Savior -

"...he changed their hearts..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:7)

We see this same principle with Samuel prophesied to Saul -

"...the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee..." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 10:6)

and -

"...when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart..." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 10:9)

More than anything, I believe the final judgement will greatly be hinged on the nature of our heart.

1 Samuel 8

As I read the Old Testament, so many of the stories seem current to our day. As Samuel and his sons judged the people (the sons did so unrighteously by takeing bribes and perverting judgement), the people came to Samuel saying -

"Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 8:5)

It was the desire to be "like all the nations" that seemed to jump out at me this morning. The people had turned from the judgements of the Lord and His prophet to becoming like other ungodly nations. The Lord even said to Samuel -

"Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 8:7)

It seems the people of our day have rejected the scriptures, His prophets, and therefore God. The people of our day at times seem to want to become like other nations.

1 Samuel 2

Today, I was touched deeply by the prayer of Hannah -

"...My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.
9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:1 - 10)

What could I say more?

Ruth 1

Though many may consider the story of Ruth to be one of loyalty and love, what I sensed this morning was a story of a true convert. When and how it happened, we are not told. But at some point, Ruth was converted to the true faith, even declaring to her mother-in-law -

"...for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God..." (Old Testament | Ruth 1:16)

I believe Ruth was willing to give up all, home, family to be true to the faith she had converted to. Even Boaz recognize this sincere converstion as he tells her -

"...It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." (Old Testament | Ruth 2:11 - 12)

Her conversion is apparent as she had come to trust the Lord. Because of her example, her great grandson would someday write -

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Old Testament | Proverbs 3:5 - 6)

Judges 21

The period of the Book of Judges, reflects what can happen to a group of people where -

"...there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
11 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
12 And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger." (Old Testament | Judges 2:10 - 12)

Though it is apparent that the Lord still loved these people as he strived to raise up righteous judges and miracles, still it seemed to have little affect in the long run. I think the final book in the Book of Judges tells it all - it even reminds me of our society today -

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Old Testament | Judges 21:25)

In other words, they did what they (natural man) wanted to do and not as the Lord would have them do.

Judges 16

As a Nazarite, Samson had made special covenants to the Lord. The Lord takes serious the covenants that He makes with us for He will not be mocked. Samson was blessed with many gifts including the gift of strength, but in personal weakness he failed to keep his covenants when he was seduced by Delilah as -

"...he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man." (Old Testament | Judges 16:17)

The consequence was great with this serious violation of his covenants. He lost his gift, had his eyes put out, and was placed in prison. It seems the Lord extended mercy to him allowing his strength to return as -

"...Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.
30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life." (Old Testament | Judges 16:28 - 30)

As I read the story of Samson, what came to my mind was the writings of Alma as Korihor was run over and trodden down until he died -

"...and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:60)

Judges 6

As the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon as he was in hiding threshing wheat for food, Gideon asked a very interesting question -

"Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?..." (Old Testament | Judges 6:13)

He continues to inquire -

"...where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." (Old Testament | Judges 6:13)

From these questions, I sense Gideon to be very humble and one that has studied the teachings of the prophets. Much like Joseph Smith had been troubled with the teachings of the different denominations, Gideon seemed to have been troubled with the manner many of his relatives and associates were living and how this compared to his ancestors. It is obvious Gideon had pondered the miracles of the past now being captivity. We are reminded -

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:12)

Gideon demonstrated great faith following the instructions of the Lord to destroy the alter of Baal, as a result, other miracles were shown to him including the miracle of the dew and fleece.

And finally, in preparation for one the greatest demonstrations of faith and miracle, the Lord instructed Gideon -

The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me." (Old Testament | Judges 7:2)

So the Lord reduced the army of Israel from 32,000 to 300 and by stratagem, wond the battle.

Had miracles really ceased amongst Israel? Moroni taught -

"..if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust." (Book of Mormon | Mormon 9:19 - 20)

Judges 2

We read of the people of Joshua -

"...the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel." (Old Testament | Judges 2:7)

But what I find interesting is that -

"...there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." (Old Testament | Judges 2:10)

Why was this so?

It was the same in the Americas as we read -

"...that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 26:1)

Even -

"...because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 26:3)

It seems that the example and the teachings of the the parents has the greatest impact on the rising generation. Though parents cannot force the children to believe, they can teach and be good examples. We are taught -

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Old Testament | Proverbs 22:6)

I think the greatest teaching device is example. Our children must know that we love the Lord first and foremost.

Joshua 24

As Joshua painted a picture of all that the Lord had done for the children of Israel, like Moses, he emphasizes that we still have are agency to chooses to follow the Lord saying -

"...choose you this day whom ye will serve..." (Old Testament | Joshua 24:15)

"...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Old Testament | Joshua 24:15)

His people, remembering all the Lord had done, also declared -

"...God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods..." (Old Testament | Joshua 24:16)

"...but we will serve the LORD." (Old Testament | Joshua 24:21)

Joshua then basically declares a blessing and curse. If they serve the Lord, they will be blessed. If they serve other Gods, they will be cursed. Lehi taught -

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:27)

When we choose to serve God, we become Zion. Nephi described it with his people as -

"...we lived after the manner of happiness." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:27)

Joshua 5

To Joshua, the Lord provided this counsel and promise -

"Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Old Testament | Joshua 1:6 - 8)

And then he added this strong promise -

"...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Old Testament | Joshua 1:9)

As Joshua is about to embark on his mission to acquire the promised land, we read that -

"...it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" (Old Testament | Joshua 5:13)

And in answer, the soldier confessed -

"...Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come..." (Old Testament | Joshua 5:14)

The Lord had promised that if Joshua was strong and of good courage, the Lord would be with him. In this case, it became apparent that the armies of the Lord were with Joshua.

Joshua 1

Before Moses's departure, he said to Joshua -

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 31:6)

And in his last discourse -

"...he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 31:23)

And then -

"...after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead..." (Old Testament | Joshua 1:1 - 2)

And now with Moses' death the Lord called Joshua to lead the people saying -

"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Old Testament | Joshua 1:5)

Even though previous instruction had come throug his servant, the prophet Moses, the Lord said directly -

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Old Testament | Joshua 1:9)

It becomes more than apparent that -

I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:38)

Whether it came from the Lord or the mouth of His servant, it was the same charge to Joshua, to "be strong of and of a good courage" - Why? for in all cases he promises that "thy God is with thee".

Is not this same charge and promise given to all those that God calls?

Deuteronomy 6

Even in the days of Moses, the Lord commanded -

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 6:4 - 5)

And with that came the commandment -

"...these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 6:6 - 7)

I commented in a blog on the 22nd chapter of Genesis, that I thought the commandment of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac had as much impact on Isaac as it did on Abraham. By obedience, Isaac knew that his father loved God for than him. I believe this is what Moses meant with "thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children". There is no question that our children know we love them. But in a world of entitlements and selfishness, it is more important that they know that their parents love the Lord first and foremost. For -

"...when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?" (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 6:20)

You can say -

"...the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.
25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 6:24 - 25)

One other point as we struggle in this current economy, Moses wrote -

"...thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish." (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 8:18 - 19)

What a profound statement - "he that giveth thee power to get wealth". In modern day the Lord commanded -

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 59:21)

Numbers 24

One of the more interesting experience related in the Old Testament is the fall of Balaam. It is apparent that in the beginning of the story, that Balaam is a righteous man, a prophet, upon which the local people know is the Spirit of the Lord. What seems to be the fall of Balaam, seems to be the fall of many men, the seemingly reward of the riches of the world. Much like the story of Martin Harris and the lost manuscripts, Balaam couldn't take no for and answer.

Balaam seemed to continue to deliver the word of the Lord, blessing Israel, even prophesying of the Savior saying -

"...there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel..." (Old Testament | Numbers 24:17)

and -

"...Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion..." (Old Testament | Numbers 24:19)

If Balaam had left it as that, maybe he would of have fallen. But in puruit of riches, he counseled Balak how Israel may not receive the promised blessings and be overcome through sin. This becomes apparent as -
"...Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
3 And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor..." (Old Testament | Numbers 25:1 - 3)

With the fall of Balaam, we witness -

"...Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword." (Old Testament | Numbers 31:8)

Balaams fall was legendary as later prophets commented -

"...following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:15)

"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward..." (New Testament | Jude 1:11)

And also -

"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." (New Testament | Revelation 2:14)

Numbers 13

Moroni taught -

"...if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:12)

Nephi said to his bothers -

"...how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 7:12)

It is any wonder why the Lord would seem so frustrated when the spies sent by Moses returned to report -

"...We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." (Old Testament | Numbers 13:31)

It was only Joshua and Caleb that demonstrated faith saying -

"...Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it..." (Old Testament | Numbers 13:30)

As the people murmured, siding with ten of the spies, the Lord explained what he was going to do and why -

"Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it..." (Old Testament | Numbers 14:22 - 23)

And even their -

"...children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise." (Old Testament | Numbers 14:33 - 34)

The Lord desired to bring these people into the promised land, but He could not because of their lack of faith. It would take forty years to develop the faith required to overthrow the wicked people of the land.

Numbers 11

As Moses continues to feel the burden of being the prophet and leading the children of Israel -

"...Gather unto me aseventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and bofficers over them; and bring them unto the ctabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone." (Old Testament | Numbers 11:16 - 17)

We learn that as these elders gathered -

"...the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease." (Old Testament | Numbers 11:25)

Not only did these brethren prophesy but there were also to other elders that did not gather -

"But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp." (Old Testament | Numbers 11:26)

What is interesting is that -

"...there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp." (Old Testament | Numbers 11:27)

To which Moses teaches a great principle -

"....Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" (Old Testament | Numbers 11:29)

Even though Moses was the prophet, it has always been given that others may receive direction and inspiration in their callings and personal lives. In contrast, there are those that have a tendency to believe that since the Spirit has fallen on them, that they are just as important and may counsel their leaders. This becomes apparent in the following chapter. Herein Miriam and Aaron question Moses worthiness. Miriam and Aaron may have received of the Spirit of prophecy, But Even though Moses may have had some weaknesses and have made some mistakes, it is not the place of others to speak evil of the Lord's annointed. What would be a reason the Lord had called Moses. We learn that -

"(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)" (Old Testament | Numbers 12:3)

Meekness, the opposite of pride, is one of the attributes of leadership in the Lord's kingdom. We learn that Miriam was chastised and forgiven as she became leprous and then was healed after seven days.

In summary, all men may receive of the Spirit and prophesy. But that does mean that they are called to lead others. That calling comes from God, through priesthood keys, which also requires meekness in doing the Lord's work.

Exodus 33

As Mormon abridges the records, he comments -

"...thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.
4 O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!
5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths!
6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:3 - 6)

Probably one of the most disturbing examples in all of scripture of a people that are "quick to do iniquity" is the record of the children of Israel and the golden calf. One cannot read this story without marveling how quick these people were to do iniquity. Even so, we see this many times in our day. Just a short time before that Moses -

"...told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do." (Old Testament | Exodus 24:3)

And in such a short time, they violated there covenants. The Lord told Noah -

"...My spirit shall not always strive with man..." (Old Testament | Genesis 6:3)

And so are His covenants and promises. As a consequence to their inability to keep their covenants -

"...the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two other tables of stone, like unto the first, and I will write upon them also, the words of the law, according as they were written at the first on the tables which thou brakest; but it shall not be according to the first, for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore my holy order, and the ordinances thereof, shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them.
2. But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage." (JST | Exodus 34:1 - 2)

Exodus 19

In a recent blog, I shared my opinion that whenever a holy temple or the Lord's House was not available, the Lord used mountains as his temple to instruct His children. As the children of Israel came to Mount Sinai, you can sense the desire of the Lord to reveal more knowledge and covenants if His people were prepared to receive it, for -

"...Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel..." (Old Testament | Exodus 19:3)

"...if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."
(Old Testament | Exodus 19:5 - 6)

In modern day, the Lord said the same -

"For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:41)

But this desire was conditionalfor -

"...Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people..." (Old Testament | Exodus 19:14)


All people must be sanctified to have revealed things that have been kept hid for the before the foundation of the world.

Exodus 18

President Gordon B. Hinckley said -

...Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with “the good word of God” (Moro. 6:4)... (Ensign, May 1997, 47)

A responsibility or a calling develops ones faith and helps one grow. Moses teaches some great lessons of the importance of callings in his travels in the wilderness. As Joshua was fighting Amalek, we learn that -

"...when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed." (Old Testament | Exodus 17:11)

Holding ones arms and hands up for an extended period is a very difficult thing to do. So it was for Moses, so -

"...they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." (Old Testament | Exodus 17:12)

What a great analogy this is for those who serve as counselors in the Church. It is very difficult for a priesthood leader to bear the entire uburden. One of the signs of the true Church is the concept of presidencies where there is a president holding keys with two counselors that counsel and provide support just as Aaron and Hur did for Moses. We see this same concept in the meridian of time with Peter, James, and John.

We learn even more about leadership and delegation as Moses's father-in-law visits the camp of Israel. Jethro observed -

"...that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening." (Old Testament | Exodus 18:13)

Seeing this great burden placed on Moses, Jethro asks -

"...What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?" (Old Testament | Exodus 18:14)

Moses seems to be attempting to everything he can in serving the Lord responds -

"...Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws." (Old Testament | Exodus 18:15 - 16)

Even though it is obvious that Moses loves the people and his desire is pure, Jethro teaches -

"...The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 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." (Old Testament | Exodus 18:17 - 18)

Jethro is trying to teach that many others need a responsibility which will benefit them. If Moses does it all himself, it does not benefit others. Moses was to learn to delegate his responsibilities. So Jethro explained -

"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 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.
21 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:
22 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.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace." (Old Testament | Exodus 18:19 - 23)

Jethro taught that those things others have authority to administer in should do so and Moses should only reserve those responsibilities that he himself should do. This proved to be a great blessing for all of Israel.

Exodus 14

As the children of Israel were backed into a corner where there seemed to be no escape -

"...Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." (Old Testament | Exodus 14:13 - 14)

In modern day, the Lord has again said -

"...dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:17)

The Lord tends to try our faith. It is when we have done all that lies within our power, when there seems to be no escape and answer, it is then the Lord promises us -

"...Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD..." (Old Testament | Exodus 14:13)

"...behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 105:14)

Exodus 12

With the introduction of the passover, Moses instructed -

"...ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever." (Old Testament | Exodus 12:24)

And then Moses explains why -

"...it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped." (Old Testament | Exodus 12:26 - 27)

Such ordinances were introduced to keep their mind on the mark, the coming of and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. During His mortal ministry, even during the passover, the Savior introduced a new ordinance of the sacrament of the emblems of His flesh and blood. The ordinance by which our children may ask "What mean ye by this service". It is during this ordinance of our day, where we bow our heads weekly, and remember and worship Him.

Exodus 5

To Isaiah, the Lord made it clear -

"...my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:8)

As the Lord called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage, you can sense Moses's feelings of inadequacy as he responeded -

"...Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Old Testament | Exodus 3:11)

To which the Lord answered -

"...Certainly I will be with thee..." (Old Testament | Exodus 3:12)

So with great faith, Moses returned and as commanded went to Pharaoh saying -

"...Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." (Old Testament | Exodus 5:1)

And Pharaoh responded -

"...Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." (Old Testament | Exodus 5:2)

I wonder what Moses must have thought. Having obeyed the commandment of the Lord, he only receives full rejection from Pharoah. To make matters worse, Pharaoh greatly increases the burdens on the Israelites which didn't make them necessarily happy with what Moses did. It seems Moses is between a rock and a hard place. You can sense Moses's discouragement as he -

"...returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all." (Old Testament | Exodus 5:22 - 23)

But what is most important is Moses continues in faith obeying the Lord and striving to magnify his calling. After rejection upon rejection, something important begins to take place. We read later -

"...Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people." (Old Testament | Exodus 11:3)

What seemed to cross my mind this morning is the manner in which the Lord seemed to mold Moses into becoming one of the greatest leaders of record. We read in several instances of scripture where prophets have referred to individuals as "like unto Moses". Do we at time in our own callings as we experience rejection sense that the Lord is also molding us into becoming what he knows we can become.

Exodus 3

In my reading this morning, two thoughts seemed to be impressed upon my mind. The first being the response of Moses after the Lord told him -

"Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt." (Old Testament | Exodus 3:10)

It is to that call, Moses responded -

"...Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Old Testament | Exodus 3:11)

I think that is the way most of us feel when a call from the Lord is extended to us -

"...Who am I..." (Old Testament | Exodus 3:11)

How the Lord responded to Moses would be the response to all -

"...Certainly I will be with thee..." (Old Testament | Exodus 3:12)

Suggesting -

"...Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" (Old Testament | Genesis 18:14)

In modern day, the Lord has promised -

"...there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:88)

The second thing I thought of was whenever there was not a temple found on the earth, the Lord used the top of the mountains to teach His people. The Lord instructed Moses -

"...this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain." (Old Testament | Exodus 3:12)

As a token to His people, the Lord said He would teach them and they would serve in His earthly temple, the top of the mountain if they proved faithful.