I've been reading in 3 Nephi chapter 26 lately, and in verse 9 there's something really interesting.
Up until this point the resurrected Jesus Christ has been teaching the people all that he taught the Jews back in Jerusalem (because the Lamanites/Nephites need the info just as much as their brethren in the Middle East).
But then the Prophet Mormon, who is compiling the record, basically says, "But I'm not going to tell you everything. I was going to, but Heavenly Father stopped me."
And the reason why is explained in verse 9:
"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them."
Aka:
"You know what, let's see if they believe this first part and trust God, and if they do then they will get some more information."
This is basically the standard rule of faith, applied!
The way that the Lord works is that first we are put in a position to "try" (test, exert, prove that we can do it) our faith, and only THEN, after we believe and trust in God and Jesus Christ, do we receive more knowledge and assistance.
It seems so easy at first! "Just have faith, it gets results!" But with faith comes our willingness to trust enough to let go of our own wills and desires.
It's like the scene from The Princess Bride when, at the end of the film, she leaps out of a window to be caught by Fezzik. But she knows that she can trust him to not drop her, so she jumps out without any worries.
This is the perfect analogy for our own trust in God.
I'll be honest, sometimes I don't know if I want to jump out if that window! The concept is scary and paralyzing, even (especially as I hate heights. And being out of control of my life).
But like they talk about in yet another movie, Kate and Leopold, "love is a leap!" And sometimes the focus is on loving the Lord enough to give up something we want (like security) for something better.
No comments:
Post a Comment