I was pretty sure this would be my first topic, because I knew there was something here. As I was getting to it - still reading in order because it's hard for me to do things any other way - I found two other things that seem significant.
Those might be the next two weeks, and there might be other things I find before I get to the wedding in Cana, which I originally thought would be the second post. My point is that it is always good to go back to the scriptures, because no matter how many times we have read them and how much we remember, there is always more.
(And, just in case anyone reading along does not have the non-Bible scriptures, they are online too: https://www.lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng)
3 Nephi, chapter 17:
1 Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand.
2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.
3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.
4 But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them.
5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
When we get to parables, I might write about how sometimes the best and most loving thing you can do for someone is not give them knowledge they are not ready for. That is not what is happening here.
These people are eager to learn, and they can handle more knowledge, but not today. They are still mortal. They are tired. Their minds and bodies both need to rest, and taking some time to ponder what they have already heard will help the next round of learning go better. It is for their own good that they pause.
They also just don't want to lose this feeling. They don't want him to go. I can understand that.
He understands it even better, and finds a way to make it work. He calls up all of their sick and afflicted and heals them. He allows time for personal contact. That would still be something where you want to pay attention because it is wonderful to see, but it is a different way of engaging. Then he takes and blesses their children.
I believe that even in the pause in teaching he is teaching us something. Service can be better than a lecture - depending on the needs - and it does still teach. And even though we do not have the same abilities to bless and heal, we have some abilities.
Perhaps there are difficulties that we can remove, or there is work we can do. I cannot give you the ability to walk again, but I can give you a ride here, or take your laundry and get it done for you today.
I know there is a lot of love that is felt when you take time for children. They respond to it, and it means a lot to their parents.
We may want to be missionaries all the time, preaching to people and showing them a better way. That has merit, but it can wrong if we are showing that we feel superior (often incorrectly), or wearying people who have other things to deal with. These are stressful, disheartening times.
I still find that there are often many ways to serve and cheer and to make the time we spend together good. If we wish to be like Jesus, that is something to consider.
No comments:
Post a Comment