A King to Judge Us. . .

1 Samuel 8. “Give Us a King to Judge Us”

In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites want to appoint a King to rule over them.  Samuel goes to the Lord with this petition and the Lord gives the people warnings regarding if a King was appointed.  These are some of the things that the Lord warned the Israelites about, should a king be appointed:

-The people would continue to forsake him

-The king would take their sons and appoint them for himself, as servants

-The king would take their daughters and make them servants as well.

-The king would take their fields and vineyards and land.

-The king would take all of their servants for himself.

-He would take a tenth of their sheep.

-He would make all the people his servants

-Israel will cry out because of the King, but the Lord would not hear them.

After reading and comparing in Mosiah, it became quite evident of the dangers that come into play when a king is appointed.  Mosiah feared what it would do to a man.  Any man that is given that much unchecked power is prone to being led astray by pride and vanity.  David and Saul are both examples of this.  They were men of God, but after being in power, they lost sight of what was good and right.

  Having lived in Europe for the last three years, I have toured many cities and countries, and have been fascinated to see the beauty of the castles that were built for their royalty.  However, it is also interesting to learn of the plights of those that had no choice but to serve these kings and queens all the days of their life. 

  If Mosiah worried about his son, Aaron, being led astray by such power, then we need to keep that in mind when it comes to our own vanity and search for power.  Israel wanted a king in order to be like other nations.  The Lord knew what in their best interest though.

Choose Ye this day

Choose Ye this Day:

It is interesting to read the events that took place in Joshua 10:12-14.  It talks about the sun standing still at God’s command, in order to accommodate the Israelites in Battle to prevail.  As we study further, we learn that it was more likely that the Lord commanded the Earth to stand still in order to bring about his purpose. 

One thing skeptics need to always be careful about is to not think something is impossible merely because they do not understand it.  It would be silly to tell our college professors that they are wrong because we don’t yet understand the concept they are attempting to teach.  The Lord is the greatest teacher, and we need to keep that in mind instead of assuming in our pride that it’s impossible, because surely we are smarter than he is.

  The Lord parted the water, and caused light to reign on one night, and dark to reign another.  The universe will obey his command and it is important that we have faith in that.

From Joshua 7-22:

Israels Successes:

                Defeat Amorites and their allies               

                Sun and Moon stand still for them

                Lord fights for Israel

                They destroy many cities and nations

                They conquer 2 kings on East of Jordan, and 31 on west.

                They are given many inheritances

                Lord fulfills all his promises unto them   

                The Lord gives Israel rest.

                They are given a blessing.

               

Israels Failures:

                Defeated by people of Ai

Joshua’s final discourse seemed to be centered around choosing right, and CHOOSING to serve the Lord.  Israels successes in comparisons to their failures seemed to lay out an undeniable proof that benefits come from choosing the Lord’s side.  It is also important to point out that choosing the Lord’s side has the same amount of freedom as choosing the adversary’s side.  The main difference comes from the Lord’s side having more freedom AFTER the choice is made.  I think that Joshua really wanted to emphasize that, and remind his people that blessings beyond measure would pour themselves out, if they but follow the Lord.

Destruction of the Wicked

 Deuteronomy 2-3, 7, 9, 20, 25.

Israel Commanded to Destroy the Wicked 

The following list contains the nations that the Lord commanded the Israelites to destroy:

-Hittites

-Amorites

-Canaanites

-Perizzites

-Hivites

-Jebusites

-The Lord commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the people.  In a very straight forward manner, \they were told not only to smite them, but to not covenant with them and show no mercy unto them. They were also told to destroy all the places in which these nations served their own gods, and also to destroy all the items in them.

 “Why Did the Lord Command the Israelites to Utterly Destroy the Canaanites?”

            The Lord ordered the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites, because their level of iniquity and evil had reached a level that it was all consuming.  It was affecting too many others and the only way to stop it was to destroy it.  When such evil practices will greatly lead others down the path of unrighteousness than the Lord has commanded it to be destroyed.

Many of the sins found among the people living in Canaan are prevalent in today’s society. Write a paragraph explaining how you think we can protect ourselves from these sins.

                        I think this is such a difficult topic to take on.  First of all, the sins mentioned in the student manual (Idolatry, immorality, etc) are found all around us.  All you have to do is look at the magazines displayed in the checkout aisle of most supermarkets to see all of these things displayed in a way that makes them see so desirous and glorious.  Models in skimpy clothes and article headlines discussing ways to be better at immorality scream at us.  Fancy luxury items flash in front of us proclaiming that we NEED more and more (thus, emphasizing idolatry:  the worship of something other than God).

            It is easy to think at times that we don’t stand a chance.  Then I look at the amazing impressionable generation of young ones, and see the most pure spirits just waiting to be taught the truths of the gospel and of God’s love.  By teaching them constantly what is right and what is wrong, they gain the foundation needed to take on bigger and scarier things.  And by being diligent in teaching them, we ourselves gain stronger fortitudes and testimonies to take on the growing problems.  By helping protect our must vulnerable, we protect ourselves.

The Brazen Serpent

Numbers 21:4-9. The Brazen Serpent

•        What did the children of Israel do that resulted in the curse of the “fiery serpents”?

They murmured about the difficulties of their journey, and “spake against God and Moses”

•        In what ways are people today sometimes like unto the children of Israel anciently? (See also 1 Nephi 17:45.)

They ignore the word of God.  It is there, and there have been witnesses.  But they prefer to do iniquity, and not “bother” with things dealing with the Lord.

•        According to Alma 33:18-22, what did the brazen serpent symbolize?

It symbolizes Christ’s atonement.  One merely needs to look at Christ for healing, but some refuse to do so.

•        How does one “look to” Jesus Christ for healing?

We look for spiritual healing.  By calling upon his atonement, and repenting and asking for forgiveness of our actions, we are looking unto Christ.  It is through that we are truly healed.

•        Aside from physical healings, how can “looking to” the Savior heal a person in other ways?

It brings the peace of mind that only a clear conscience can bring.  This clear conscience can only be achieved through repentance and striving to be like Christ.  Looking to the Savior can also heal relationships with others that can only be achieved with the Spirit present.

•        Where else do people sometimes turn for healing other than the Savior?

I’ve personally witnessed others turn to things such as alcohol to heal their aching hearts, or guilt.  A healthier outlet though would be turning to family and friends for help and understanding.  One must be careful that turning to others does not replace that special bond we must retain first and foremost with our Savior.

•        What are simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that can heal us?

Partaking of the sacrament.  Going to church regularly.  Singing hymns.  Reading Scriptures.   Praying.   All of these things have brought my heart and mind much healing when they so desperately need it.

•        How have you experienced the healing power of the Atonement in your life?

There is an amazing peace that comes upon me when I’m struggling and reach out to my Savior for understanding.  Just like everyone else, I have endured my fair share of struggles.  I remember specifically two years ago, my husband was getting ready to deploy for a year.  I was pregnant, and had five kids at home, and was praying constantly for the power and strength to make it through.  The night after he left, I was crying, and suddenly realized that I couldn’t even FORCE myself to cry anymore.  Not because of exhaustion, but because of the comforting spirit of my Savior that suddenly surrounded me. I felt warmth unlike anything I had ever known.  I knew the Savior was comforting me, and it brought the surest sense of peace.  And I knew this was only possible because of his atonement, allowing me to repent of my many mistakes and partake of his perfect spirit.  I couldn’t stop smiling, and it will always remain dear to me as a sign of my Saviors presence in my life. It healed my broken heart when I needed it most, and reminded me that even in my imperfect state, I mattered.