The great example of Cornelius in Acts 10

Reading about Cornelius in Acts 10, it is easy to see why he got to be the first Gentile to receive the gospel without first converting to Judaism.  He was an amazing man.   The scriptures describe him as

·      devout (v2)

·      one that feared God (v2)

·      (all his house feared God as well (v2), which indicates he had taught all of them what he believed and why in such a way that they accepted and adopted those beliefs themselves)

·      gave much alms to the people (v2)

·      prayed to God always (v2)

·      obedient; he immediately does what the angel tells him to do (v7-8)

·      has great hopes of what God will do for him, such that he wants to make sure all his friends and family are in on it too (v24,33)

·      fasts 4 days to prepare himself while waiting for Peter to come (v30)

·      great respect for Peter, who he is told to listen to (v25, 33)

This is the man to whom an angel was sent.  When we consider the level of righteousness Cornelius had attained even out of the church, it is obvious that his faith was sufficient for it.  It causes me to ask myself whether I am at that level, or whether I have some improving to do.

 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.  (Acts10:3-6)

The angel tells Cornelius, “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” (v4)  What commendation!  What would it be like to have an angel say this to us?  It makes me ponder whether I have a commendable level of alms and prayers.

I think it is significant that when the angel came to Cornelius, he pointed him to the leaders of the church.  Could the angel have preached to Cornelius?  Possibly.  But it shows how anxious the Lord is that people follow the earthly church authority according to the pattern revealed.  Thus, true spiritual manifestations to nonmembers sincerely seeking the truth will always point to the church in such a way that the seeker will recognize the church as having what they are looking for.  True manifestations from God will not point anywhere else.

It is neat to me that as soon as Cornelius has this vision from the angel, he does several things:

·      He obeys and sends people to fetch Peter

·      He starts fasting and doesn’t stop ‘til Peter gets there, which takes 4 days

·      He tells all his friends and family and gathers them all together so they can be there to share in the glorious message of what must be done.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. Acts 10:25-26)

No doubt Peter is chagrinned to come in and find himself the object of Cornelius’s worship.  But Cornelius can be forgiven for this mistake.  After all, if an angel comes and tells you that you need to listen to a certain person, it would be easy to believe that the person was greater than an angel!  (That God gives men priesthood power shows His great condescension to mortal men that angels also speak with respect of church leaders..)

There is a bit of humor in this story as well.  If you read closely, neither Peter nor Cornelius know what is going to happen when they meet.  Cornelius knows Peter is going to tell him something very important, and Peter knows he has to go to Cornelius without doubting or disputing to tell him something, but doesn’t know why. 

Peter: Why are you come?

Soldier messengers: Cornelius wants to hear words from you.

Peter: Okay.  (goes to Cornelius)

Peter: For what intent have you sent for me?

Cornelius: We are all present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

This is funny to me because usually when we speak, we want to say something that addresses a problem or concern the audience has.  Cornelius, however, was open to anything and everything.  Thus, Peter had to have revelation that it was time to preach the gospel to the Gentiles so he could know what to do with the “blank check” opportunity given him.

I really like this story because it reminds me that this is the Lord’s work and He prepares the way for it to be accomplished.  He prepares the people who will be part of it, and He prepares the conditions.  I bet if we were to examine the history of the church and its new entrances into new countries, we’d find amazing stories of miracles of preparation and acceptance.  (Ever heard the stories of gospel pioneers in Africa?  Amazing stuff.)  The Lord’s work is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Lest there was a plan laid to lead them on to destruction

And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching towards the land of Zarahemla, they were exceedingly afraid, lest there was a plan laid to lead them on to destruction… (Alma 58:24)

This is the story when Helaman and his small army execute a plan of distraction to entice the Lamanites from their stronghold so they can take possession of the city Manti in the Lamanite absence.

I enjoy reading these stories of tactics because it is fun to see the cleverness of the Nephites.   Of course, I also realize that only my great distance from the events makes it fun, and for all those actually involved it was a matter of deadly earnestness, a matter of life and death.  Therefore, to show respect to those who fought and bled out their lives so long ago for the cause of truth and to preserve the peace, it behooves us to also take these stores very seriously and use them by gleaning the lessons we find represented by either side—Nephite or Lamanite.

One thing I get from this story is that the Lamanites were enticed out of their stronghold and led away from the city, but after a while of chasing the Nephite army, they noticed the direction they were headed and they started to worry that there was a plan laid to lead them on to destruction.  In this particular story there was no massive Nephite army waiting for them ready to jump out on them, but the worry they had is one that we should keep in mind too.  Just as the Lamanites noticed the direction they were going and worried there was a plan laid for their destruction, we need to notice the spiritual direction we are going and realize that if it is away from God, there is most certainly a plan the devil has laid for our destruction, and we need to take immediate steps to turn around.

If we are not actively moving toward God, we are not standing still; we are being pulled away.  One problem I noticed in myself recently has been a tendency toward hard-heartedness.  I can see that will lead me on to destruction, so I’m fighting it as best I can.

Now in this story, the Lamanites only became worried when they realized they were headed in the direction of enemy territory.  What they didn’t know was they had already lost simply because they left the city to chase the Nephite army.  There were two other little Nephite armies that had attacked the city and taken it over as soon as the Lamanite army was gone.  All the Nephites wanted was for the Lamanites to chase the main Nephite army with the whole Lamanite army and leave little or no protection at the city.  I think we can learn several things from this.

First, there’s the obvious lesson of don’t get distracted from your stronghold.  Our strongholds are family, home, church, and the temple.  I’ve noticed that when family life feels like a struggle, it is hard to get excited about focusing on it, and I’m liable to want to escape rather than engage myself deeper in it.  Things tend to get worse before they can get better, so I just have to stick to my guns and be patient and long-suffering.

Second, if the Lamanites had known there were three armies of Nephites to defend themselves against instead of just one, they would have taken different measures besides just chasing the one.  Likewise, there are not just one threat to us and our families, but multiple threats.  The pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth” can give us an idea of the different “enemy armies” that may try to lead us on to destruction or draw us away from our strongholds.  It also gives us very practical counsel as to how we can minimize our exposure to temptation and build strength to resist.  The scriptures and the words of the prophets can help us recognize and fortify against additional threats.

Third, there’s a very telling phrase about the Lamanites a few verses on: “they took no thought concerning the city of Manti..”  In their rapid chase, the Lamanites didn’t worry about the welfare of the city they left, nor did they consider it would be wise to get back to it pronto.  If they had gone back quicker, they could have dealt with the problem of it having been taken by small Nephite detachments, but their slackness gave the Nephites time to get there first and make sure their prize.  Small scale occupation is followed by large scale occupation, whether enemy or friend.  This shows us that we have to neutralize small enemy victories at home quickly, otherwise bigger enemy victories and occupations will follow.

Will you tell me of a time when you realized you were headed in the wrong direction and turned around?  Or can you remember a time when you were able to keep your home from falling into enemy hands because you took thought for your "city" and returned in time?

Why did Alma discuss priesthood with the Ammonihah people?

It always seemed odd to me that while Alma was preaching to the very hardhearted people of Ammonihah, in between his calls to repentance he discoursed on the premortal foreordination of the priesthood and the purposes of the priesthood.  It almost seems like he is throwing pearls before swine.

Eventually I realized he talked about those things specifically to address their previous objections to him teaching them.  If you remember, they withstood Alma at the beginning on the grounds that 1) he was no longer the chief judge so he didn’t have civil authority over them and 2) they didn’t share his religious tradition, so he didn’t have religious authority over them.

Alma addresses these objections in chapter 13 by pointing out that

·      Priesthood authority was given for teaching the principles of redemption to the people (Alma 13:1)

·      Priesthood authority was given to the faithful because of their faith, good works (Alma 13:3-5) to enable them to enter the rest of the Lord (Alma 13:12).

·      Priesthood was given so that others would know how to look forward to the Messiah for redemption (Alma 13:2) (by learning from the symbolism associated with the priesthood and its ordinances) and be able to enter into the Lord’s rest (Alma 12:6).

·      Melchizedek was a king over a wicked people (who ostensibly didn’t share his religion), yet he preached repentance to them and they repented.  (Alma 13:18) (Melchizedek did not force them to repent with his civil authority; instead he preached and persuaded.)

This way, Alma establishes that priesthood authority encompasses not just those in the church, but those out of the church as well.

Lessons from the parable of Lazarus and the rich man

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man is one that can be really uncomfortable, and it is easy to want to forget it as quickly as possible or else ignore it completely, but there are important things to learn from it.

19 ¶There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:19-21)

Lazarus is in such abject poverty that he is acting like a dog, waiting for leftovers.  That image of dogs licking his sores is really disturbing and makes it clear just how wrong it is for humans to be in that kind of condition.  He is considered a second-class person.  This is like the story of the Good Samaritan, but unfortunately it doesn’t end happily while in mortality. 

 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:22-24)

The positions of Lazarus and the rich man have been precisely reversed.  The want the rich man ignored in Lazarus, he begins to suffer.  Unlike Lazarus, who merely desired to feed from the leftovers—Lazarus’s sense of his own worthiness had been beat down under the ground you see—in contrast, the rich man kicks up a serious rumpus and takes his complaint as high as he can.  “Have mercy!  Can’t you see I am tormented!?” he cries to Abraham, who is often considered father of the faithful.  (By the way, it is interesting that the rich man recognizes Abraham, even from afar off, though having never met him in mortality.  What does this teach us about what we will know after death?)

It is also curious that when the rich man finds himself in hell, he discovers he is thirsty.  He has no body, yet he is thirsty.  This suggests to me that his thirst is actually spiritual rather than physical.  I think that his thirst may represent the desire to do good that he squelched all his life.   In the eternities he finds the thirst still there, but with no way of satisfying it; all his wealth has been left behind in mortality.  This reminds me of Isaiah’s words that everyone who fought against Zion would be as those who dreamt they drank and then awake thirsty.

Another thing I noticed recently in this parable is even after death, the rich man still thinks of Lazarus as a second-class person and only meant to be a servant.  We can tell because the rich man only talks to Father Abraham to ask for things, not Lazarus, implying he assumes Lazarus is only there on Abraham’s sufferance, rather than as an equal in Abraham’s estimation.  Also, the rich man wants Lazarus to be sent to serve and comfort him.

This gives us an important warning—that riches have a tendency to cause people to forget the inherent equality of each soul’s worth, and that mistake continues beyond death. 

 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luke 16:25)

The positions of Lazarus and the rich man have been reversed because there is a huge amount of inequitable treatment that happened on earth that has to be made right.  Heaven is fair after all, and unfairness on earth, if never remedied on earth, must be remedied in heaven.

 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luke 16:26)

In mortality there was no obstacle standing in the way of the rich man helping Lazarus.  There was no gulf between them, but the rich man made one by completely ignoring Lazarus’s existence.  Might it be too much to say that by doing so, rich man made the very gulf that in the afterlife prevented any comfort coming to him?

 27 Then he [the rich man] said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him [Lazarus] to my father’s house:

 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (Luke 16:27-28)

We see that when the rich man begins to suffer, his sympathy and feeling for others begins to grow and he begins to wish to save others from suffering what he is currently in.  For him that’s a start, even though his anxiety for others only extends at this point to his five brothers who still live in as rich abundance as he did.  (This shows that concern for our siblings is the beginning of charity.)

But at the same time, the rich man still doesn’t understand what he’s doing wrong; he still wants to send Lazarus hither and yon, if not to serve him, then to serve his rich brothers, not realizing how fully things have changed. 

 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16: 9-31)

Abraham shares the principle that unless people already listen to the witnesses they have in this life in the form of the writings of prophets and the words of living oracles of God about helping the poor, no heavenly messenger can do any good in sharing what conditions are like on the other side and what needs to be done to prepare.  If the rich man still didn’t recognize Lazarus’s equality of worth in heaven, no way would his brothers on earth heed any message from Lazarus, if their perception of Lazarus was anything like the rich man’s.

I think this is a warning for me too; if I don’t pay attention to this account or the other scriptures about building Zion and helping others, no angelic visitation that warns will move me either.  I'm not rich, but come on, how rich do we have to be before we feel obligated to help?

Now, we might not have starving sore-ridden people laying at our driveways, but we will know people in need when we see them.

One of my friends told me she learned that one of her classmates didn’t have enough money to buy the book for the class because she barely even had money to buy food.  This friend of mine was shocked, and rather than ignore it, decided to take action.  Although my friend couldn’t spare much money herself, she decided she wanted to anonymously send some money to her classmate.  She asked the major’s administrator for her classmate’s address, and when the administrator found out what for, she made an exception to the privacy rules, on condition that the teacher also be notified.  My friend’s teacher was surprised to learn about such want among one of his students and gave a textbook to the classmate.  My friend heard later that a scholarship was spontaneously bestowed upon her classmate not long afterward, and she gave it as her opinion that the teacher had been behind that.

I’ve tried to help when I have seen needs, but I still feel I have done less than I should have.

Here are some thoughts from other Christian writers about the meaning of this parable:

"This parable targets the violence of apathy and neglect which is widening the chasm between rich and poor. The trouble is that even such abstractions [of “rich” and “poor”] become easy to live with.  We need some first hand experience of encountering the real people whom we will then not be able to dismiss as relative statistics. And if that cannot be first hand, we need to help people engage in active imagination of what it really means to be poor, to be a refugee, to be caught on the wrong side of the chasms…" ("First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 18, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia. [http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/LkPentecost18.htm])

One way we engage in active imagination of what it really means to be poor and hungry is when we fast.  Our experience with hunger can guide our giving.

"If our hearts are closed to hearing the cry for justice, mercy and bread, the words of the resurrected One will not be convincing, but convicting." ("No Way Out," Mark Harris, The Christian Century, 2001. Religion Online. [http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2129])

 “The greatest deception is that people start to believe they are owed a privileged status.  They actually think they are exceptional and believe that they have become more valuable because they have more valuables.”  ("The Man Who Wore Purple and Linen," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. [http://onefamilyoutreach.com/bible/Luke/lk_16_19-31.html])

“Some chasms cannot be crossed. Some things harden…. Even Abraham cuts no ice with a God determined to be just.”  ("Send Lazarus," J. Mary Luti, The Christian Century, 1998. [http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=624])

"We would do well, I believe, to explore those things which our culture highly esteems, and then to consider whether or not these things are well pleasing in the sight of God." ("The Rich Man and Lazarus," Hampton Keathley IV, a study from the Biblical Studies Foundation. [http://bible.org/seriespage/rich-man-and-lazarus])

What inner obstacles do you struggle with when you are confronted with people in desperate need?  How have you overcome them?

Abinadi as a type of Christ

Here are the factors that make Abinadi a type of Christ:

·      He came to preach to a corrupted society

·      He was outside the priestly establishment

·      He cried repentance

·      He was rejected by the priests and the king

·      The priests lifted up their voices against him for reviling the king

·      The king was about to release him but was persuaded not to

·      He died for his testimony

Image: http://inthecavityofarock.blogspot.com/2011/03/could-king-benjamins-angelic-visitor.html

 

When we wonder about the truth

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen. (D&C 6:36-37)

 The context of this section is the Lord speaking to Oliver Cowdery, who had wondered about and already received a divine manifestation of the truth of Joseph Smith’s testimony.  In section 6 the Lord gives instructions about how peace coming to our hearts is a witness of the truth and such like.  The section ends with the verses above.

I wondered why the Lord says, “behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet” when the Lord didn’t appear to Oliver at that time.  What was the purpose behind those words? 

I realized that it was a reference to the story of doubting Thomas in the New Testament, who would not believe that the other apostles had seen the resurrected Lord unless Christ appeared to him.  The reference to Thomas was to show Oliver the necessity of believing Joseph’s testimony and beholding with an eye of faith the evidences that had been presented earlier in the section.

I also like that it says “look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”  It is a nice formula for choking off paralyzing doubts and fears by determinedly choosing instead to think about the Lord and what He would do.  The times that I have remembered to do this, I have been very blessed.

Not understanding the word of God and other obstacles to bearing fruit

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (Matt 13:19)

This shows us how important it is to understand God’s words.  The things we hear and don’t understand are easily taken away and discarded.  This also suggests how important it is to teach the gospel plainly and simply.

When I was reading this from the parable of the sower, I also started to see that the four types of ground not only illustrates four different ways that different people respond to the word of God, but also illustrates the obstacles we are all up against to receive it.

The first obstacle, of course, is understanding it.  The Lord tries to make this obstacle as small as possible by making the gospel simple and easy to understand because if we don’t understand, we lose it really fast.

The second obstacle is tribulation and persecution.  If we can’t stay steadfast, we lose our place in the kingdom and the gospel seems like a fair-weather philosophy.  (Thank goodness it is not though.; it can get us through hurricanes.)

The third obstacle is competing concerns of the cares of the world and the temptation for gain and riches, which can certainly steal our energy and commitment—“choking the word.”

The fourth obstacle is simply us and our limitations and weaknesses. 

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matt. 13:23) 

Bearing fruit thirty or sixty-fold doesn’t seem like a problem or an obstacle, but if the goal is bearing a hundredfold, we see there is still some obstacle in the way.  Maybe it isn’t really a limitation in us; maybe the obstacle has to do with how much seed we sow and grow.  Maybe there is something about the law of the harvest here.  The fourth obstacle we have to overcome is lack of commitment, which determines how much we put into obedience and discipleship.  

Who can find a virtuous man?

Proverbs 31:10-31 has a pretty great description of the ideal virtuous woman, whose price is far above rubies.  It seemed to me that we need a male counterpart, so I took it upon myself to write one, though considerably modernized. ;-)

Who can find a virtuous man? For his price is far above emeralds.

The heart of his wife safely trusts in him, so that she will have no fear of betrayal, neglect, abuse, or pornography.

He will do her good and not evil all the days of his life.

He seeketh resources and worketh willingly with his hands.

He is like the merchants ships; he bringeth home the best deals from afar.

He riseth while it is yet night, and repaireth the broken appliances.

He considereth the yard, and moweth it.  With the tools of his garage, he trims the bushes and the trees, and planteth a garden.

He girdeth his loins with strength, and strengtheneth his arms at the gym.

He layeth his hands to the hammer, and his hands hold the nails and the screwdriver.

He stretcheth out his hands to the poor; yea, he moveth families with the elders quorum and passeth along job opportunities.

He is not afraid of the weather for his household: for all the house is in good repair.

He picketh out coverings of cotton and fine knit; his clothing is denim or a spiffy black suit and tie.

His wife is known in the city, when she sitteth among the women to talk.

He starteth a business and buildeth it.  He delivers excellent goods and services to his customers.

Strength and honour are his clothing; and he shall rejoice in time to come.

He openeth his mouth with wisdom; and in his tongue is the law of kindness and integrity.

He looketh well to the ways of his business and employment, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

His children arise up, and call him awesome; his wife also, and she praiseth him.

Many sons have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and rugged good looks are vain, but a man that feareth the Lord, he shall be praised.

Give him the fruit of his hands; and let his own works praise him on the news.

What would you add?

Review: Satan’s War on Free Agency, by Greg Wright

Satan's War on Free Agency, by Greg Wright is a book that you must read.  We have traditionally viewed Satan’s plan as an attempt to force others to be good, but this book examines additional ways that agency may be taken away, such as attempts to remove negative consequences.  He explains well enough that you will find your view of agency and appreciation for agency greatly enhanced, and you will find yourself understanding the challenges of current events at a much deeper level and how the adversary is still working to try to take away our agency.   This book was such a revelation to me that I think I was completely blind before I read it. 

Parents will greatly appreciate the very practical examples that Wright includes of how to raise happy and successful children using an expanded understanding of the doctrine of agency.   I feel that I grew up with wonderful parents who taught according to gospel principles, but I was exceptionally impressed with the examples that Wright shared.  I am convinced his examples and stories will give a huge amount of hope and confidence to any parent who is trying to raise a child in this difficult world. 

Let me see if I can summarize the main idea that he presented.  In order for us to have agency, we must have four things:

1.     Knowledge of right and wrong

2.     At least two options from which to choose

3.     The options must have different consequences

4.     Ability to choose for ourselves

Traditionally we have believed that Satan’s plan was to force everyone to do the right thing so they could come back to Heavenly Father.  Wright demonstrates in a startling manner that this traditional view is not scriptural!   Wright explains with great clarity that another way Satan could have tried to destroy agency is if he could convince Heavenly Father to allow everyone back into heaven no matter what they did, in effect creating a “no fail” situation opportunity.  (Amulek and Zeezrom debated about this “saved in your sins” versus “saved from your sins.”)

Wright describes how Satan continues his war on earth by tempting us to try to get rid of negative consequences for our actions.  He says if both good actions and evil actions are rewarded the same way, then it doesn’t matter what we choose.  If our choice doesn’t matter, then our agency has been destroyed, and our behavior will deteriorate every time.  The examples and thought experiments Wright uses to illustrate his points are very helpful and illuminating.

I whole-heartedly recommend Greg Wright’s book, and I advise that you get a copy to read as soon as you can to prepare you for when your kids’ summer vacation begins.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have NOT received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The individuality of revelation and what’s of most worth

I was reading D&C sections 15 & 16, which happen to be identical except for the person to whom they were addressed.  Here’s section 15:

1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

 2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

 3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone—

 4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

 5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

 6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. (D&C 15)

Section 15 was addressed to John Whitmer, and section 16 was addressed to Peter Whitmer Jr.

When I was reading the two sections together, I thought it was amazing that both revelations were included in the D&C and not just one of them.  I began to wonder what instructive purpose was served by that decision.  The church could very well have decided that only one was needed.  (I know if I had been on the committee selecting revelations to be included, I would have voted for section 16 to be kept out.  That shows you how uninspired I am. ;-) )

Verse 3 says “I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone.”  This catches our attention and we become curious about what the Lord could say He knew more than anyone about John.    And after reading section 16 that duplicates this confidential phrase exactly, I begin to wonder if this choice of words was a form that appealed to Joseph Smith’s mind…  but the fact that both sections are there demonstrates that the truth can be repetitive and can even seem boring if we think of it as an entertaining story.  It reminds me that it is revelation, since one of those sections could easily have been left out so as to seem more interesting.

For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you….the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. (v4,6)

I know I have often wondered what would be the best thing for me to do in my life, and this counsel—declare repentance--is a great guide.  That it is repeated twice to two separate people shows the answer doesn’t change; it is the same for everybody.

I think it is interesting that we get to see that two brothers were wondering the same thing, wondering what would be the best thing for them to do in their lives.  Don’t we find ourselves wondering the same thing?  Also, since these two revelations tell of sharing something known only between the Lord and them, we see that these brothers hadn’t talked to each other about the questions they had about what would be of most worth for them to do.  It reminds us that there are things family members may not know about each other, even while living together.  Family members may not know the good desires that each other have.

Another thing these sections show is that the Lord knows what we most want, and listens to our prayers.  And He answers them.

And too, the Lord gives the tough answer, even if it is one that will put a lot of responsibility on us.  The answer that declaring repentance to people will be of most worth isn’t an easy answer.  It is one that requires lifelong commitment and work.  I suppose this is what makes it of such great worth.