Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?I think it is a bit startling that in a discussion of Gentiles who are so enamored with the Bible that they will reject and further revelation that the above observation is made. Seems like two inferences can be made from this statement. First, that they don't really appreciate the Bible as much as they claim to do. The second, is sweet to me. A sweet assurance to Paul, Timothy, Peter, James, John and others that their labors after his departure were indeed pleasing to the Lord. Surely, they've already been told this, but clearly we needed it. We Latter-day Saints. We need to know that the Great Apostasy did not come because of the 12, but because of those who, subsequently corrupted the truth with Greek philosophy, pagan rituals and outright lies.
While the Bible has been stripped of many plain and precious things, it remains a priceless gem and given The Book of Mormon to clarify the doctrine, the light it contains can more brightly shine forth. The Book of Mormon only enhances and edifies the value of the Bible. We who understand this are truly blessed!
I guess I always thought of this chapter as placing the Bible in a secondary role to The Book of Mormon, this little notion today, changed that. It is time I spent more time enjoying it's inspired pages.
I spent yesterday and will spend today, crossing the plains. I've been in a relatively comfortable car. By nightfall I'll have gone from Chicago to Utah in two days. As I have journeyed so swift and easily I've thought of the pioneers whose travails, labors and diligence are often, also under appreciated. Many, throughout the history of the world have sacrificed so much so we could enjoy such great blessings so easily taken for granted. Last night I wept for them and their suffering. Today I weep for me, for my carelessness disregard of their great gift.
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As one who has ridden over eleven hundred miles in a covered wagon on several successive Mormon Wagon Trains, and has also spent nearly a month sailing on a tall ship similar to the ones my ancestors sailed to this country from Europe on, I can say that I probably have a better understanding than most people about what my ancestors went through to bring the gospel to me and my family. However, even then, my experiences haven't come close to theirs because I always had a safety net somewhere in the form of an accompanying vehicle or even just a cell phone during those journeys.
I have thus learned to more greatly appreciate their sacrifices for me, but I must admit that I don't as often consider what Christ's original apostles, or the many early Christians, or even men like William Tyndale who helped make the scriptures available for common men and women to read, did to bring the gospel to me.
Since reading this chapter comes close on the heels of our family's recent Thanksgiving Celebration, it is a good time for me to give thanks to those I usually don't think about as I rejoice in the treasure their sacrifices have provided for me.
I too have a rich heritage of predecesors who sacrificed much to join the saints. I join with you in my heartfelt gratitude.
My thoughts on this chapter....
8.… Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another?
I have always anticipated the gathering in of each nation’s scriptures as well as their people. I know how very blessed I am to have the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible, and all the other words of prophets and apostles and even other inspired people. These words are like my own personal GPS system. They keep me from getting lost. They give me direction ahead of time, and the constant comfort to know that I am on course.
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