How Abraham was taught the Law of Sacrifice.

Hello.
A little time ago, we reviewed the beginnings of Abraham's life, his family tree and the covenants he made early on in his life.  Ok, a not so little time ago.
We also looked at the great man who ordained Abraham to the priesthood, and studied the blessings of the priesthood.
Yeah yeah, I've been slack at posting.  It has been a good while, but we did do it, I swear.
More recently, and my personal favourite, we studied the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and how Abraham tried to intercede on the wicked peoples' behalf.  Such great lessons to be learnt there.

This brings us up to chapter 18 of Genesis, when Abraham finally received his promised son, Isaac.
Yeah,  we're still in Genesis.  Shh.

Do you even remember all the promises that were made to Abraham?  How about the four categories of blessings?
Quickly look back here, because it's important to remember not only what we're entitled to (um, yay!) and how these blessings have/will come to pass, but to also remember that Abraham had been promised a great posterity .. and he was still waiting.  In fact, the majority of these promises were to come through this great posterity.

Wait, what posterity?

Good point.
Most know that Abraham finally got his posterity.  This is how is happened:
In Genesis 16:1-6, we read that his wife Sarai gave her handmaid to Abraham for this very cause.  This was according to the custom of the time, so it was an expected and logical act.  This is how Ishmael came about.  And then, a little later, Isaac was born to Sarai.  Abraham also had several sons by Keturah.

(Note: It was around this time that Abram and Sarai have their names changed to Abraham and Sarah.)

So.  Ishmael was born.

And what became of Ishmael?
Well, the Lord promised blessings to Ishmael.  He may not have been the covenant son of Abraham, but he certainly wasn't forgotten.  You can read about the blessings promised to Ishmael in Genesis 16:7-16 and 17:20.

After the birth of Ishmael, the Lord reaffirmed His promise with Abraham - that Abraham would be a father of many nations and kings.  The Lord then blessed Abraham with the prophecy of a son:

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
(Genesis 17:15-21)

Even some mysterious messengers visited Abraham and reiterated the prophesy about the birth of a son, in Genesis 18:1-19.

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
(verses 12-14)

And then .. drum roll .. in Genesis 21:1-8, Isaac was finally born.

Later in this same chapter, Isaac was given the birth right as the covenant son of Abraham and Ishmael was given the great blessings he was promised.  We understand that the birthright was given to Isaac because he was the first son of the first wife (i.e. he was born under the covenant of marriage between Abraham and Sarah), even though Ishmael was about fourteen years older than Isaac.  The Lord made it clear that in accordance with the original promise Abraham’s son by Sarah would bear the covenant responsibility.


We now jump over to Genesis chapter 22.  The big guns.
Basically, as we all know, Abraham was commanded by the Lord to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord.

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
(Genesis 22:1-2)

(I can't seem to find the institute video to post here ... but it is well worth your viewing time.  In the meantime, knock yourself out with this fun one. Talk about time travel.)
UPDATE:  I found it!!  This video is definately worth your viewing time.

What a severe test for Abraham.  Especially when you remember that Abraham himself was saved from a similar fate when he was very young, all instigated in wickedness by his own father.  After such an experience, you can imagine that Abraham must have abhorred the practice of human sacrifice.
So why on earth with the Lord require such a trial of Abraham's faith?

Let us look to the law of sacrifice.
What is the law of sacrifice?

“The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for the truth’s sake – our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our house, lands, and families: all things, even our very lives if need be.” [1]

It is a celestial law (just like the law of consecration); “a prerequisite to a godly life”. [2]

The prophet Joseph Smith said:  “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation.” [3]
He also said:  “It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those … who have offered their all in sacrifice … unless they, in like manner, offer unto him the same sacrifice.” [4]

I love that.  And the law of sacrifice applies to gospel living today.
Have a good look at the following scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 88:22:

For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

“We are not always called upon to live the whole law of consecration and give all of our time, talents, and means to the building up of the Lord’s earthy kingdom.  Few of us are called upon to sacrifice much of what we possess, and at the moment there is only an occasional martyr in the case of revealed religion.  But what the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so.  How, for instance, can we establish our ability to live the full law of consecration if we do not in fact pay an honest tithing?  Or who can we prove our willingness to sacrifice all things, if need be, if we do not make the small sacrifices of time and toil, or of money and means, that we are now asked to make?” [5]

So what are some of the ways that we can live the law of sacrifice?

President Ezra Taft Benson actually listed four ways the principle of sacrifice may be practiced today.  Handy.


1. To sacrifice, deny yourself all ungodliness.

“To deny oneself of all ungodliness is to come to Christ by ordinances and covenants to repent of any sins which prevent the Spirit of the Lord from taking precedence in our lives.  To deny oneself of all ungodliness is to “offer sacrifice unto the Lord they God…, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (D&C 59:8)”. [6]

Moroni described the way: read Moroni 10:32.

Q: How is this applicable to you?  How can you deny yourself all ungodliness?
Perhaps it means “to forgo personal bad habits … habits which cause us, the children of God, to be less than our destiny.”


2. To sacrifice, be willing to serve a mission.

Not just a 2 year mission…

President Kimball said: “How selfish and thoughtless would it be for a young man to grow to maturity, spend his time preparing for his life’s work and his occupation and be unwilling to serve his Creator in this, the most important service in the world.” [7]

“While you reap the benefits of prosperity unprecedented in the history of mankind, do you ever think that one of the reasons the Lord sent you to earth under such favourable circumstances is that you could use your talents, education, and money to bless others with the gospel?” [8]

This kind of sacrifice is an investment.


3. To sacrifice, solemnise your marriage in the house of the Lord.

“No sacrifice is too great to have the blessings of an eternal marriage. To most of us, a temple is easily accessible, perhaps so conveniently that the blessing is taken too casually.” [9]

Q: So what can you do?

“Don’t trifle away your happiness by an involvement with someone who cannot take you worthily to the temple.  Make a decision now that this is the place where you will marry.  To leave that decision until a romantic involvement develops is to take a risk, the importance of which you can’t calculate now.  I would urge you further to pray about this matter.” [10]

And this may be a sacrifice for some … remember “by this act of faith, we show our love to God and our regard for a posterity yet unborn.”


4. To sacrifice, serve with all your time and means to build the kingdom of God on earth.

In Matthew it says:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.(Matthew 16:24-25)

“If you would find yourself, learn to deny yourself for the blessing of others.  Forget yourself and find someone who needs your service, and you will discover the secret to the happy, fulfilled life.” [11]

President Harold B. Lee said: “I [am] persuaded of one great truth: Whenever the Lord has a great blessing for one of his children, he puts that son or daughter in the way to make a great sacrifice”. [12]

The overriding principle = sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!

President Harold B. Lee said: “I bear witness that not until a person has been willing to sacrifice all he possessed in the world, not even withholding his own life if it were necessary for the upbuilding of the kingdom, can he claim kinship to Him who gave his life that men might be.” [13]


So, the question is ... what are some of the specific sacrifices we are asked to make today?

I testify that sacrifice is a prerequisite to faith.


[1] Bruce R. McConkie “Obedience, Consecration, and Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1975
[2] Ezra Taft Benson, “This Is a Day of Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1979
[3] Joseph Smith, Lectures of Faith, 6:7
[4] Joseph Smith, Lectures of Faith, 6:8, italics added
[5] Bruce R. McConkie “Obedience, Consecration, and Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1975
[6] Benson, This Is a Day of Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1979
[7] Spencer W. Kimball, Regional Representatives’ Seminar, 30 Sept. 1977, as cited by Benson, “This Is a Day of Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1979
[8] Benson, This Is a Day of Sacrifice”, Ensign, May 1979
[9] Benson, ibid
[10] Benson, ibid
[11] Benson, ibid
[12] In Conference Report, Apr. 1947, p.50, as cited by Benson, ibid
[13] “A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee”, Ensign, Feb. 1974, p.79

The Book of Mormon will answer your questions – part 5.

Most of us have some hard questions in the back of our minds – the kind no one else can really answer for us.  Some are far-reaching questions about the nature of our existence …

Note:  These questions are GOLD.  When chatting with someone, even just casually, and you feel you could offer them guidance, advice, or words of encouragement, the Book of Mormon can be PRICELESS.


How can I balance my family and career?

My advice would be to re-prioritise.  Simple enough?  What do the scriptures say?

In the Book of Mormon, we are taught to lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth (3 Nephi 13:19–24).

It was the Saviour Himself who said these words, as He taught the people AFTER His resurrection.  Yup, He visited His sheep, wherever they were, and taught them the same things.  You can read all about it here – He taught them about the sacrament, how to pray and say the Lord’s Prayer, and set up His church.

And He was teaching His apostles about the temporary nature of earthly treasures.

“Our affections are often too highly placed upon the paltry perishable objects. Material treasures of earth are merely to provide us, as it were, room and board while we are here at school. It is for us to place gold, silver, houses, stocks, lands, cattle, and other earthly possessions in their proper place.

“Yes, this is but a place of temporary duration. We are here to learn the first lesson toward exaltation— obedience to the Lord’s gospel plan.” [1]

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break though nor steal.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


Sounds familiar?  Of course it does – the Bible and Book of Mormon teach the same principles!  See Matthew 6:19–21 for where the Saviour the same.

A living Apostle of the Lord, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, has given us insight regarding the treasures we may lay up for ourselves.  He clarifies WHAT to prioritise:

“In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.” [2]


How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse?

The Book of Mormon teaches us the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ.  Plain and simple.  So it’s not surprising that the Book of Mormon and the Bible overlap and sometimes read the same.

When Jesus Christ visited the Americas (see here) after His resurrection, He ensured all of God’s children were taught the same gospel – the same blueprint for our lives.  Makes sense.  We read about it in 3 Nephi.

At one point, Jesus commands the people to Judge not.  So important for everyone to hear this message, that it was taught and recorded on both continents – see Matthew 7 and 3 Nephi 14.  It is this message that helps answer our question.

Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Any why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother:  Let me pull the mote out of thine eye – and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (3 Nephi 14:1-4)

There is a difference between righteous and unrighteous judgments.

“I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. But as I have studied these passages I have become convinced that these seemingly contradictory directions are consistent when we view them with the perspective of eternity. The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles. . . .

“First, a righteous judgment must, by definition, be intermediate. . . .

“Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. . . .

“Third, to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship. . . .

“Fourth, we should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts.” [3]

Jesus then went on to teach ‘the golden rule’ for all mankind:  Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. (3 Nephi 14:12 – see Matthew 7:12)

It is a simple rule expressed in many theologies and ethic codes, one that encompasses “the moral code of the kingdom of God. It forbids interference by one with the rights of another. It is equally binding upon nations, associations, and individuals. With compassion and forbearance, it replaces the retaliatory reactions of ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’ [Matthew 5:38].” [4]

These teachings can be found in the Sermon on the Mount – teachings that were also taught in the Book of Mormon. “Christ came not only into the world to make an atonement for the sins of mankind but to set an example before the world of the standard of perfection of God’s law and of obedience to the Father.” His Sermon gives us a glimpse into His character, which was perfect. It is therefore an autobiography of His character and deeds, and thus “a blueprint for our own lives”. [5]



If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.


[1] Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, June 1971, 33
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1993, 75
[3] Dallin H. Oaks, “‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug. 1999, 7, 9–10
[4] Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov. 2002, 39
[5] Harold B. Lee, Decisions for Successful Living [1973], 55–56

Pain.

I am under the influence of much codine as I write this.

I'm not blogging for a few days.  I have loads of ideas and topics I want to blog about, and I am constantly jotting down quotes and thoughts as they come, when reading the Ensign or listening to devotionals for example, but now is not the time.  I have a few health issues to take care of first. 

One of the fruits of my current health is a really bad tooth infection, which has also sparked other problems.  Let's just say I empathise a little more with the Saviour and the pain He suffered.  So I have decided to re-prioritise things so I can become more nourished - both physically and spiritually.  Any suggestions on how to do that?  As I read Elder Perry's article in this month's Ensign, I realise the balancing act is still hard to do.

See you in a few days ..

Thought for Friday.

Almost the weekend, peoples.  Almost.  This weekend filled with almost NOTHING cannot come too soon for me.  I am in desperate need of drugs and sleep.  Mmm .. sleeeeep.

I want to know:  what matters most to you?

Is it your cat?  Your gym membership?  Your two year old? 
Are the things that matter most to you a priority in your schedule?

May we slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most.

Shall we diligently do the things that matter most?