Sunday, August 08, 2010
Alma 7:11-13
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and aafflictions and btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to csuccor his people according to their infirmities. 13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
I like that he first mentions that Jesus will suffer our pains, infirmities, and illnesses, before he mentions that He will also suffer for our sins. While I do believe that Jesus suffering for our sins is a very important part of the Atonement, I think that far too often we overlook the fact that He also suffered our weaknesses, our pains, our illnesses, our infirmities, too. We do not suffer anything by ourselves, save that Jesus suffered it first, with us. I find comfort in that. Hopefully you guys do, too.
15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth abeset you...
First, according to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, "beset" means "trouble or harass." Second, I really like that Alma says "come and fear not." Don't be afraid to set your sins, those things which maybe you are troubled about but are not sure you want to give up, don't be afraid to set them aside. It's OK (and good!) to not do things the way the World does them.
23 And now I would that ye should be ahumble, and be bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
This is a good road-map of what we need to do to stay on the Strait and Narrow. I believe that to be submissive means to give your will over to the will of the Father without argument. If you entreat someone to do something, you ask them very politely and seriously to do it. (That's Google's definition.) Some sources also say that being easy to be entreated means to be agreeable, and teachable (which goes along with being humble?) I also like that God wants ask to ask for those things which we stand in need of, and not just the spiritual things. He wants to take care of us in all ways possible, like a good Father does. And if we have faith, hope, and charity, we can do little wrong. I like that.
As far as Alma 10 goes, I've always wondered where the story is of Aminadi (Amulek's great something) "who interpreted the writing which was upon the wall of the temple, which was written by the finger of God." I'd love to read about that.
Labels: Book of Mormon, Religion, Svithe
