Skip to main content

"The Spirit of the Lord," 2 Nephi 21:1-5

2 Nephi 21:1-5

At the beginning of this chapter there is a yet another descriptive prophecy of Chirst's coming and of the nature of his righteousness. The personal application is that as Christ was and is, so I can also become through faith in Him. This comes with the hope that I may one day be worthy to be called a son of Christ (see Mosiah 5:7). 

What stands out to me in this reading is the definition of the Spirit of the Lord found in verse 2 and then the results of having the Holy Spirit as a companion that follow in subsequent verses. Parenthetically, this is for me one of the most unique and empowering doctrines of my "Mormon" faith, in contrast with the rest of modern Christianity. I am blessed to enjoy the continual companionship of the Spirit of the Lord, as long as I prove faithful to the baptismal and sacramental covenants that I have made, which covenants entitle me to be the recipient of such a blessing as this. This companionship is very real, constant, and consistent. Yet, this definition of the Spirit of the Lord is vastly greater than I have previously considered.

In teaching about the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost, or the Spirit of the Lord, as He is called in these verses, I will point people to understand how the Spirit feels and what his mission is. But herein are six words that define what the Spirit of the Lord is:
  • The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding
  • The Spirit of Counsel and Might
  • The Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the Lord
In regarding these lines of scripture, this helps me to discern even more the purposes and influence of the Holy Ghost, and allows me to consider ways in which I could be employing His companionship that I do not currently use. For if the Spirit of the Lord is wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, and knowledge and fear of the Lord, then one filled with the Spirit of the Lord is empowered to work great works.

In my own words, this is how I would define these attributes of the Spirit.
  • Wisdom - The capacity to act in such a way that results in greater love and peace, usually possessed by one that can see the full picture and act in such a way that is both merciful and just.
  • Understanding - The ability to feel with the heart and mind, through communication, the situation and experience of all parties involved involved.
  • Counsel -The ability to discuss a situation in a group setting and come to a peaceful/agreeable decision that results in action and unity.
  • Might -Power, Energy, courage, and confidence that comes when acting in righteousness and truth.
  • Knowledge - Similar to Understanding. Comprehension of the wider scope of history. Learning in all the graces.
  • Fear of God - Respect and reverence for the source of all light and truth. Realization that all things depend upon His time and purposes.
Isaiah 61:1-3 offers an interesting comparison to these verses and the thoughts that I've just considered.  This is yet another way of viewing the outcomes of communing with the Spirit of the Lord.
      Labels:

      Comments

      Post a Comment

      Popular posts from this blog

      "An Awful Death," Alma 40:22-26

      Alma 40:22-26 Ezekiel 37:6-14 - This prophecy of Ezekiel is a key indicator of divine priority. These last few verses at the end of the chapter are a testimony of the reality and nature of the resurrection, and the consignments of the wicked and the righteous thereafter. What questions should I be asking about these verses? Continue in verse 26 tomorrow. There are a number of footnotes on "the death of the wicked," or that death which "pertains to the things of righteousness." So I have spent the morning studying this death of the wicked, by reading the footnotes on "death" as referenced in title of this post, or "an awful death of the wicked."  Doctrine and Covenants 29:41 truly illustrates the seriousness of that predicament. He first is talking about the spiritual death that came upon Adam when he was cast out of the Garden of Eden: ...wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same death which is
      Post a Comment
      Read more

      "Behold, Here Are Six Onties of Silver," Alma 11:1-22

      Alma 11:1-22 I finally arrive at chapter 11 of Alma. We have at the beginning of the chapter an explanation of the currency of the day among the Nephites. It is laid out as such: Nephite Coinage Chart Gold Silver Value limnah onti ( vs.22 ) Equal to a senine, a seon, and a shum of gold combined, or equal to a senum, an amnor, and a ezrom of silver combined. (7 senines, 7 senums, or 7 days of work) ( vs. 10, 13 ) shum ezrom 2 seons (4 senines) or 2 amnors (4 senums) ( vs. 9, 12 ) seon amnor 2 senines or 2 senums ( vs. 8, 11 ) antion 3 shiblons, which means it should be 1½ senine ( vs. 19 ) senine senum This is the base measurement from which all other coins are valued. A day's wages for a judge. Also, the worth of a measure of barley and every other kind of grain.( vs. 3, 7 ) shiblon half a senum, half a measure of barley ( vs. 15 ) shiblum half a shiblon (4 shiblums = a senum) ( vs. 16 ) leah half a shiblum (8 leahs = a senum) ( vs. 17 ) In verse 20 , we learn that the motivation
      3 comments
      Read more