100
th – only 1 in 100! – just one penny of every dollar?
I was
somewhat surprised as I read in 3 Nephi 26:6 that,
“… there cannot be
written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did
truly teach unto the people;” but that the plates of Nephi contain,
“…
the more part … (v.7).”
Is that the lost manuscript?
Verse 8-10 (3 Nephi 26) teach us that
this part, that
Mormon is recording in 3 Nephi, is the ‘lesser part’ to be given to us
first to see if we will believe the teachings of Jesus. If we accept and
believe this part, THEN the ‘greater things’ will be given, but if we do not
‘believe’ the lesser part the greater things will be withheld.
Jesus commands us, “
Search the prophets, for many there be
that testify of these things (3 Nephi 23:5).” I remember when President
Benson pled with us constantly to remember to read our scriptures, particularly
the Book of Mormon, and carefully taught about the blessings of obedience, and
condemnation of failure to obey (Oct 1984, April 1986, 1987, 1988 etc).
President Benson often quoted from D&C 84:54-61 (and other scripture) and said we rest under the condemnation of
unbelief spoken of there. We also read about this same condemnation in 2 Nephi
27:8; 32:7, here in 3 Nephi, and - as we continue to read the Book of Mormon - will again hear about our ‘sin’ and negligence
in Ether 4: 8, 14-16. The prophets then and now beg us to read, accept
and
do these things as Jesus taught and set an example of.
DO - ah - there is the important kernel - no?
Jesus explains (for several prior chapters) and then commands, and
immediately repeats his command to us in 3 Nephi 27:21. He explains, expounds
scripture, and demonstrates his expectations to us, and then 2 times reiterates,
“… ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works
which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me
do even that shall ye do ….”
Do I love and believe his words, searching
them diligently, obeying them and following his example?
NOT ENOUGH, not
enough!! (3 Nephi 10:14; 20:11; 23:1;
1 Nephi 5:10,21; Mormon 8:23; Alma 14:1;
17:2; 33:2,
Jacob 4:6;7:23; Mosiah 1:7; Moroni 7:19, etc)
