Sunday, October 22, 2017

Exodus 24:9-10 -- On Remembering

"Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."
Exodus 24:9-10


There are several scriptures that talk about seeing God, and it is always an amazing thing.  This one struck me today because two verses before this they promise God that they will be obedient... I've read it before and I know that about a month after this (while they are still waiting for Moses to come back) the people give up on the Lord and ask Aaron for a golden calf.  And Aaron makes them one... after having seen the Lord.

I obviously don't know any additional context outside the verses themselves, but that seems like a pretty short time to be willing to give up on the Lord after having actually *seen* him, and having that certain knowledge.  And you have to wonder, don't you, if someone could let go of this kind of a proof so quickly, how easily we could find reasons to fall away as well.

So, how do we guard against that?  How do we ensure that we aren't going to backslide into being who we used to be rather than continuing to follow God and becoming who we *want* to be?  And I think the answer is that we need a lot of reminders. :)  I think that is one reason that we go to church each week: to remember.  It's the reason that we pray as often as possible--to keep in touch with the Lord.  It's why we learn scriptures and hymns and put pictures of the temple up in our homes.  All of that, and much more, to remind ourselves every day of who we want to be, and how to find the path to joy.  All of this so that we don't forget, and start wandering off after some random golden calf, that no matter how shiny, IS NOT GOD.

Today, let's wait on the Lord, and continue to do as he asks, no matter how long it takes.  Let's remember the knowledge and the joy and the spirit that has filled our hearts, and not walk away if we don't feel that way 100% of the time.  Instead, if we miss it, let's get closer to the spirit.  Let's listed to a conference talk, or get on our knees and pray.  Let's do whatever it takes to stay on the path.

2 comments:

  1. "Or get on our knees and pray"I know this one is the correct one,remember it is said; Ask in Faith without any doubt and it shall be given to U;Today I have the Holy Ghost and it manifests all the things that need tobe.
    Another thing make sure you don't "Skip"the sacrament covenant because it's your signal that you are still in need of Light(the truth).The plan is to overcome;and you know what!.Umm! Good to me.👆

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  2. Since God is triune I believe the men saw the visible Son.

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