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  • “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple. Dr. Suess

Saturday, March 30, 2013

I BELIEVE


In Ether 3:9 an interesting question is recorded. 

Jesus asked the brother of Jared (after he saw the Lord’s finger), “Sawest thou more than this?” Since we know that Christ knows all things, we know he already knows the answer to that question.

I wonder if the reason he asked was to facilitate the agency of the brother of Jared, who answers “Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me (Ether 3:10).”

 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak? (Ether 3:11)” Again we know that the Lord knows the answer and again the brother of Jared is given the chance to exercise his agency. He is being asked how much he believes and trusts: how much faith he has. Does he believe what he does not know, that has not even occurred yet? How much does he trust Jesus Christ?

Moroni teaches, "faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith (Ether 12:6).”

 And the Lord [asks me]: 
Believest thou the words which I shall speak? (Ether 3:11)”

“Do I believe the words of Jesus Christ?
Even words we may not have heard him speak yet? 
Do I believe the words of prophets?
Do I believe things that I do not know?  
Do I trust that the Lord is omnipotent? 
Do I recognize his love for me? 
Do I accept it? 
Do I believe?

And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie (Ether 3:12).”