2 Nephi 15:21
"Wo unto the wise in their own eyes..." This is a clear condemnation of those that profess to be wise according to their own ideas and perceptions. Wisdom comes from God. To profess wisdom otherwise, is to publish a false doctrine as truth--relative, absolute, or however one wishes to frame it. Truth is eternal and can only fully emanate from the divine fountains of life itself.
"... and prudent in their own sight!" This is the part of the verse that truly strikes me as curious this morning. "Prudent" according to their own making. It perhaps the first time that I've considered that the world's ultra-conservative idea of prudence might be off or too extreme. There is a footnote on "prudent" which leads to the topical guide listing for prudence.
From there we learn that prudence for the most part is a desirable trait for a man of god. Yet, there are verses only in Isaiah and the Gospels that specifically call out the prudent as being unable to perceive the works of God. "...For the foolishness of God is wiser than men;" (1 Cor. 1:25).
10 July 2009
07 July 2009
"Them That Call Evil Good," 2 Nephi 15:20
2 Nephi 15:20
"Wo..." The list of condemnations that Isaiah pronounces against the house of Israel in his day continues. Yet, these condemnations are so applicable to me in my day.
"unto them that call evil good..." There are footnotes on both "call" and "evil". The footnote that emphasizes "call" condemns those that would take judgment upon themselves, assuming that they know better than the Lord what is good and what is evil.
Moroni reminds us in chapter 7, verses 14 &18 that we should not judge wrongfully, judging the evil thing to be of God, or that which is of God to be evil. Most importantly, at the end of verse 18, Moroni states, "For with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." This is a very interesting thought, that as I choose to treat and perceive others, so shall I be treated and perceived by God in the end. There is something of a secret in becoming like God in this simple observation.
"and good evil..." This happens when we are unable to perceive the works of God, not understanding their purpose or the intent for which a thing is given. One such thought is the calling of inexperienced persons to fulfill positions of leadership within the church. From the outside, one would never manage a business in such a fashion. Yet, the work of the Lord is brought to pass when man's weakness is refined. The purposes of God are completely different than any other worldly organization.
"that put darkness for light..." The footnote on "darkness" leads to 1 John 1:6 which reads, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" This verse is a measuring stick. To have fellowship with Christ is to walk in light. If we are in darkness, confused, it is because we are lying (to ourselves at least) and do not what is right or true, or in other words, we do not that which Christ would do. We have in a few words "put darkness for light."
"and light for darkness..." That is to say that the light does not work, or that the light doesn't really produce the desired results. Therefore, the light, which is in Christ, is discounted as ineffective, irrelevant, or useless. Faith is assumed to be vain. These are the results of those that will put "light for darkness."
"that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" This last part of the verse reminds me of some of the erroneous "bitter" doctrines that have been adopted into Christian churches that are neither Christian nor the substance of hope. Such teachings as the eternal nature of the family unit, redemption for the dead, and sinless nature of little children are all "sweet" and beautiful doctrines that are only had through the restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
"Wo..." The list of condemnations that Isaiah pronounces against the house of Israel in his day continues. Yet, these condemnations are so applicable to me in my day.
"unto them that call evil good..." There are footnotes on both "call" and "evil". The footnote that emphasizes "call" condemns those that would take judgment upon themselves, assuming that they know better than the Lord what is good and what is evil.
Moroni reminds us in chapter 7, verses 14 &18 that we should not judge wrongfully, judging the evil thing to be of God, or that which is of God to be evil. Most importantly, at the end of verse 18, Moroni states, "For with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." This is a very interesting thought, that as I choose to treat and perceive others, so shall I be treated and perceived by God in the end. There is something of a secret in becoming like God in this simple observation.
"and good evil..." This happens when we are unable to perceive the works of God, not understanding their purpose or the intent for which a thing is given. One such thought is the calling of inexperienced persons to fulfill positions of leadership within the church. From the outside, one would never manage a business in such a fashion. Yet, the work of the Lord is brought to pass when man's weakness is refined. The purposes of God are completely different than any other worldly organization.
"that put darkness for light..." The footnote on "darkness" leads to 1 John 1:6 which reads, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" This verse is a measuring stick. To have fellowship with Christ is to walk in light. If we are in darkness, confused, it is because we are lying (to ourselves at least) and do not what is right or true, or in other words, we do not that which Christ would do. We have in a few words "put darkness for light."
"and light for darkness..." That is to say that the light does not work, or that the light doesn't really produce the desired results. Therefore, the light, which is in Christ, is discounted as ineffective, irrelevant, or useless. Faith is assumed to be vain. These are the results of those that will put "light for darkness."
"that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" This last part of the verse reminds me of some of the erroneous "bitter" doctrines that have been adopted into Christian churches that are neither Christian nor the substance of hope. Such teachings as the eternal nature of the family unit, redemption for the dead, and sinless nature of little children are all "sweet" and beautiful doctrines that are only had through the restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
03 July 2009
To "Draw Iniquity with Cords of Vanity," 2 Nephi 15:18-19
2 Nephi 15:18-19
Vs 18- " Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope;" The word "draw" in these verses means to pull. This is a visual image of an abstract concept. The image is of someone pulling on a cord to drag behind them some large burden. It is interesting that it is called "vanity". One might ask himself, why would someone knowingly be so attached to their iniquities as to drag them behind them; it is because of their vanity. Vanity, in other terms, maybe known as pride or vain ambition. Vanity is the result of placing our hopes and dreams in our own wishes and not in valuing or accepting the will of the Lord.
In different, yet similar terms, the same idea is expressed again in the second half of the verse. In Spanish, it this part of the verse that offers a footnote on this passage suggesting that sin is compared to the bond between the beast and its cart. The visual in my head is of an ox, slowly plodding along, strapped to some old, inefficient wooden cart.
Vs. 19 - "That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it." This verse illustrates the effect of the vanity that causes the proud to drag their burdens of sin, in all their many forms. This first statement suggests utter disregard for the works of God. They are the vain expressions of sign seekers - "that we may see it."
The second statement shows even greater contempt for Son of God himself. If they had repented of their sins, the liberation from their sins --their "cords of vanity" --could have been witness enough of the Lord Jesus Christ and his doctrine. The last footnote for this verse as found in Isaiah reads, "They will not believe in the Messiah until they see him."
It is an interesting assumption that the wicked make-- that they can only see God if he chooses to reveal himself to them. Quite to the contrary, the righteous see God and walk with Him on a frequent, regular basis. They know the Lord Jesus Christ lives and that His works are being accomplished just as much today as when He was present in mortality.
Vs 18- " Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope;" The word "draw" in these verses means to pull. This is a visual image of an abstract concept. The image is of someone pulling on a cord to drag behind them some large burden. It is interesting that it is called "vanity". One might ask himself, why would someone knowingly be so attached to their iniquities as to drag them behind them; it is because of their vanity. Vanity, in other terms, maybe known as pride or vain ambition. Vanity is the result of placing our hopes and dreams in our own wishes and not in valuing or accepting the will of the Lord.
In different, yet similar terms, the same idea is expressed again in the second half of the verse. In Spanish, it this part of the verse that offers a footnote on this passage suggesting that sin is compared to the bond between the beast and its cart. The visual in my head is of an ox, slowly plodding along, strapped to some old, inefficient wooden cart.
Vs. 19 - "That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it." This verse illustrates the effect of the vanity that causes the proud to drag their burdens of sin, in all their many forms. This first statement suggests utter disregard for the works of God. They are the vain expressions of sign seekers - "that we may see it."
The second statement shows even greater contempt for Son of God himself. If they had repented of their sins, the liberation from their sins --their "cords of vanity" --could have been witness enough of the Lord Jesus Christ and his doctrine. The last footnote for this verse as found in Isaiah reads, "They will not believe in the Messiah until they see him."
It is an interesting assumption that the wicked make-- that they can only see God if he chooses to reveal himself to them. Quite to the contrary, the righteous see God and walk with Him on a frequent, regular basis. They know the Lord Jesus Christ lives and that His works are being accomplished just as much today as when He was present in mortality.
26 June 2009
The Lambs Shall Feed and Strangers Shall Eat, 2 Nephi 15:17
2 Nephi 15:17
"Then..." After the destruction of the wicked and after the Lord is exalted in righteousness.
"shall the lambs..." The disciples of Christ; the followers of the Good Shepherd.
"feed after their manner..." The real question here is whom does "their" refer to? It is in reference to the wicked who had been destroyed. We've read in earlier verses that the unrighteous have these great feasts, but their indictment was that they did not remember the Lord their God. The sheep then, the followers of Christ, are the privileged recipients of those blessings that were first enjoyed by the wicked.
The second half of the verse reaffirms this point even more clearly: "And the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat." There is an interesting cross reference to this verse in Isaiah 10:16 which reads: "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
The use of the word "strangers" means that these are peoples who are not of the chosen people of God. Clearly, this is evidence that at the end of times, as many as will come to the table of the Lord to feast upon his word shall come to eat. Their inheritance, the inheritance of strangers that believe is to receive that part which was prepared for the house of Israel had they chosen to believe in and follow Christ.
"Then..." After the destruction of the wicked and after the Lord is exalted in righteousness.
"shall the lambs..." The disciples of Christ; the followers of the Good Shepherd.
"feed after their manner..." The real question here is whom does "their" refer to? It is in reference to the wicked who had been destroyed. We've read in earlier verses that the unrighteous have these great feasts, but their indictment was that they did not remember the Lord their God. The sheep then, the followers of Christ, are the privileged recipients of those blessings that were first enjoyed by the wicked.
The second half of the verse reaffirms this point even more clearly: "And the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat." There is an interesting cross reference to this verse in Isaiah 10:16 which reads: "Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
The use of the word "strangers" means that these are peoples who are not of the chosen people of God. Clearly, this is evidence that at the end of times, as many as will come to the table of the Lord to feast upon his word shall come to eat. Their inheritance, the inheritance of strangers that believe is to receive that part which was prepared for the house of Israel had they chosen to believe in and follow Christ.
24 June 2009
"Sanctified in Righteousness", 2 Nephi 15:16
2 Nephi 15:16
"But the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment," After all the condemnation which will be brought upon the children of Israel for their unrighteousness, Isaiah reminds us that the Lord and his work will continue. His ability to judge rightly will cause him to be exalted. I'm trying to consider how the judgments of God vary from man's judgment. Under the Topical Guide for Jesus Christ, Judge there are ample references to this aspect of his mission and character.
"For judgment I am come into this world." (John 9:39)
"He shall judge the world in righteousness."(Psalm 9:8)
(See also 2 Nephi 2:10)
"...And God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness." This second part of verse 16, explains the result of God's ability to judge rightly, he shall be sanctified in, or because of, his righteousness. This is offered in contrast to the destruction into which the house of Israel descends.
The Isaiah equivalent for this verse has a footnote on the word "holy". Its first reference is in Leviticus 19:2, "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."
Back in verse 16 from Isaiah, it is as much as to say: Oh house of Israel, you could have been here with me! But you had no interest in my work. My words were not found in you; nor were your hearts close to me. Behold, how I have been sanctified because I continued in righteousness. Now, I proceed forward with my work, which is holy.
"But the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment," After all the condemnation which will be brought upon the children of Israel for their unrighteousness, Isaiah reminds us that the Lord and his work will continue. His ability to judge rightly will cause him to be exalted. I'm trying to consider how the judgments of God vary from man's judgment. Under the Topical Guide for Jesus Christ, Judge there are ample references to this aspect of his mission and character.
"For judgment I am come into this world." (John 9:39)
"He shall judge the world in righteousness."(Psalm 9:8)
(See also 2 Nephi 2:10)
"...And God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness." This second part of verse 16, explains the result of God's ability to judge rightly, he shall be sanctified in, or because of, his righteousness. This is offered in contrast to the destruction into which the house of Israel descends.
The Isaiah equivalent for this verse has a footnote on the word "holy". Its first reference is in Leviticus 19:2, "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."
Back in verse 16 from Isaiah, it is as much as to say: Oh house of Israel, you could have been here with me! But you had no interest in my work. My words were not found in you; nor were your hearts close to me. Behold, how I have been sanctified because I continued in righteousness. Now, I proceed forward with my work, which is holy.
23 June 2009
"Man Shall Be Humbled," 2 Nephi 15:15
2 Nephi 15:15
We begin with this statement, "And the mean man shall be brought down..." The footnote on "brought" references similar passages from earlier in Isaiah where he says, "And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, " (Isaiah 2:17). In Spanish, the word "mean" is translated to mean "vile". This has the feel to me of a man who through lies and deceit has built up his pretended kingdom around him. His tactics are by force. All this shall crumble and be made to lie low in the dust.
"And the mighty man shall be humbled," These next two statements both end with "shall be humbled." I call on the true definition of "humble" or "humility". It is to acknowledge the hand of God in our work. For the wicked to be humbled, those who have up to that point not acknowledged God, and had thought to become a light unto themselves as they supposed, represents a complete destruction of all that is around them.
"And the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled." With eyes previously fixed elsewhere on their own pomp and glory, they are finally brought to consider their own relationship with God.
We begin with this statement, "And the mean man shall be brought down..." The footnote on "brought" references similar passages from earlier in Isaiah where he says, "And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, " (Isaiah 2:17). In Spanish, the word "mean" is translated to mean "vile". This has the feel to me of a man who through lies and deceit has built up his pretended kingdom around him. His tactics are by force. All this shall crumble and be made to lie low in the dust.
"And the mighty man shall be humbled," These next two statements both end with "shall be humbled." I call on the true definition of "humble" or "humility". It is to acknowledge the hand of God in our work. For the wicked to be humbled, those who have up to that point not acknowledged God, and had thought to become a light unto themselves as they supposed, represents a complete destruction of all that is around them.
"And the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled." With eyes previously fixed elsewhere on their own pomp and glory, they are finally brought to consider their own relationship with God.
22 June 2009
"Hell Hath Enlarged Herself... Without Measure," 2 Nephi 15:14
2 Nephi 15:14
This is a chilling description of the demise of God's people because of their failure to acquire testimony and live according to its precepts.
Vs. 14 - "Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself," These are the preparations that devil has made (perhaps preparations isn't the proper term) to receive the wicked, who should have been the righteous. "...and opened her mouth without measure;" It seems that void into which they are descending at this point is so hard to escape, and so all consuming, that to define its ends seems impossible, for they are "without measure."
"And their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it." It is as if one were stuck in a small paddle boat 50 feet from the edge of a great waterfall, realizing that everyone is going off a cliff into destruction. The reality of surviving such is unthinkable. Being stuck in the current of destruction, and powerful downward pull makes it hard to see the direction in which they are being pulled.
The irony of the situation is that it is the glory and the multitude and the pomp that makes it so hard to see the direction in which one is travelling is a straight ticket into the depths of despair.
This is a chilling description of the demise of God's people because of their failure to acquire testimony and live according to its precepts.
Vs. 14 - "Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself," These are the preparations that devil has made (perhaps preparations isn't the proper term) to receive the wicked, who should have been the righteous. "...and opened her mouth without measure;" It seems that void into which they are descending at this point is so hard to escape, and so all consuming, that to define its ends seems impossible, for they are "without measure."
"And their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it." It is as if one were stuck in a small paddle boat 50 feet from the edge of a great waterfall, realizing that everyone is going off a cliff into destruction. The reality of surviving such is unthinkable. Being stuck in the current of destruction, and powerful downward pull makes it hard to see the direction in which they are being pulled.
The irony of the situation is that it is the glory and the multitude and the pomp that makes it so hard to see the direction in which one is travelling is a straight ticket into the depths of despair.
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