The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 08:42 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
The purpose:
To help class members understand the symbols in the vision of the tree of life and the application of these symbols in their lives.
Scriptures:
1 Nephi 8–11; 12:16–18; 15
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/8
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/9
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/10
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/11
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/12/16-18#16
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/15
-----------------------------------------------
Teacher's Manual Link:
Student Manual Link:
XO
Whit
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 08:46 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
http://www.ldsliving.com/bom3.asp
Meridian Link(s):
http://www.ldsmag.com/gospeldoctrine/bom/080102bom3.html
BYU New Testament Series:
Episode 4 - "Lehi’s Dream and Nephi’s Interpretation" (1 Nephi 8-11)
http://www.byub.org/bookofmormon/episode.asp?id=4
Episode 5 - "Christ’s Ministry" (1 Nephi 9-15)
http://www.byub.org/bookofmormon/episode.asp?id=5
-Whit
PS
A reminder that there are some GREAT links if you click on the BYU BOM Series. They are listed as additional resources!
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 08:47 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Lesson 1 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/506812
Lesson 2 - http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/508456
New Testament
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 07:01 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 07:39 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
http://tinyurl.com/28yz9t
http://tinyurl.com/3buye8
http://tinyurl.com/35fjfa
I'm not CTR but do you still want these? I made a commitment to post them so I will continue to do so unless told otherwise.
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 08:52 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
i'm sorry I didn't get to meet you last week. :(
Posted: 15 Jan 2008 09:13 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
I LOVE all of the links, etc. I think that even though not everyone has the time to post thoughts we are more inclined to actually know what's going on in the lesson if we come post links, etc. :)
SURE, I'd LOVE it if everyone posted their thoughts - but I understand that not everybody has the time or inclination.
I'm glad you are all on this journey with me this year!!
XO
Whit
Posted: 15 Jan 2008 12:22 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
The great and spacious building represents "the pride of the world" and President Benson's talk on pride has always been one of my favorites, and one which I feel I have to return to periodically to be retaught the fundamental truths it contains. I posted the link to it above.
I also loved this quote on pride by Elder Maxwell (have you noticed he's one of my favorites?). This one seemed so applicable to the imagery of the vision, though, because of "walking the way" and holding onto the iron rod.
"Though on an infinitely smaller scale, when each man insists on walking in his own way, he is but mirroring our ego-saturated brother in the premortal world who wanted things his own way. In some twisted contemporary thinking there is likewise a connection between glory and "my way." In any case, to go on insisting on "my way" instead of THE way is to remain unrescued and unhappy." (Press Forward p. 46)
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 10:52 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Conclusion: There are four words in this dream that give imperative instructions about our relationship with the rod, the path, and the tree. They all begin with the letter “C”. The words are:
commence (1 Nephi 8:22)
catch hold (1 Nephi 8:24)
cling (1 Nephi 8:24)
continue (1 Nephi 8:30).
I testify that this is Lehi’s counsel for those of us who want to experience the Love of God with our families and fellow men. We must accept the ordinances of initiation (baptism, confirmation) and commence in the path.
Immediately thereafter, we must catch hold of the rod. If we begin in the path but neglect the security of the scriptures and the words of living prophets, the mists of darkness will certainly conceal our destination and confuse our efforts. But catching hold will not suffice. We are told in other places about floods (3 Nephi 14:25), about wind and rain (D&C 90:4), and about mighty winds and shafts in the whirlwind (Hel. 5:12).
We must cling to the rod. I tried out a rope swing once, when I had a broken rib. I had forgotten about the rib. Preceding days of pain had taught me a great deal of unconscious caution. I hardly dared to breath deep. But my Scouts had found a long rope swing in a grand tree near a towering waterfall. I was able to get to appropriate branch of the tree and grab the rope without thinking of what would happen when I hung all my weight on my arms and stretched those intercostal muscles around my rib cage. And so I picked up my feet and swung. The pain was like a lance in my side. I cried out in agony. But I was over the rocks 20 feet below. And so, in spite of terrible pain, I required of myself to cling to the rope until I was safely over the pool at the base of the waterfall. In that same way we must cling to the rod until we are safe.
And then we must continue. We must attend our meetings and we must attend to our duties. We must press forward until we arrive at the tree and partake of the fruit. No amount of effort will be sufficient if we leave the path before we partake of the fruit.
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 10:56 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 04:48 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 04:56 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Did you know that Nephi desired to see what his father saw and so he did? Do you know what the implications of that are as far as answered prayer, questions...
We agonize over getting answers to prayers, just simple yes or no answers. How much more complex is an entire vision, including many things he wasn't even allowed to write?
Just saying...we should have more faith. It is worth the effort to learn to listen to the promptings, to be tutored by the Spirit, to continue on, holding steadfastly to that rod. Seriously, maybe one day we can be taken to a higher plane where we can receive more complex answers. It's possible. At least I believe it is.
Maybe...maybe our biggest obstacle is our own condemnation of ourselves, which I am sure Satan delights in. Think of it. It keeps us not only from the top of Nephi's mountain, but from getting very simple answers and encouragement He so desires to send.
End of share. :)
E
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 08:04 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 08:44 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
1 Nephi chapters 6-10
http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/bm-in-sm1996/bm1996-02-1ne.htm#2-2
1 Nephi chapters 15-17
http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/bm-in-sm1996/bm1996-02-1ne.htm#2-4
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 08:48 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
I had a friend who had an adopted child who suffered from severe nightmares. She was having a difficult time understanding him when he would try to explain them to her. She prayed to have his dreams - and she did.
You are right. We should have more faith.
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 08:54 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
In 1 Nephi 8, verses 21 through 23, we learn about a group of people who pressed forward and commenced in the path that led to the tree of life. However, as the people encountered the mist of darkness, which represents the temptations of the devil (see 1 Nephi 12:17), they lost their way, they wandered off, and they were lost.
It is important to note that no mention is made about the rod of iron in these verses. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior. Consider that this group obtained the path and pressed forward, exhibiting a measure of faith in Christ and spiritual conviction, but they were diverted by the temptations of the devil and were lost.
In verses 24 through 28 of chapter 8 we read about a second group of people who obtained the strait and narrow path that led to the tree of life. This group pressed forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. However, as this second group of people was mocked by the occupants of the great and spacious building, they were ashamed and fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Please notice that this group is described as clinging to the rod of iron.
It is significant that the second group pressed forward with faith and commitment. They also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with faith, commitment, and the word of God, this group was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional “bursts” of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God.
In verse 30 we read about a third group of people who pressed forward continually holding fast to the rod of iron until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree. The key phrase in this verse is “continually holding fast” to the rod of iron.
The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the words of Christ. Perhaps it was the constant flow of living water that saved the third group from perishing. This is the group you and I should strive to join.
Hmmm... Good stuff. I love Elder Bednar. Here's a link to the entire talk:
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-4040-1,00.html
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 09:01 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
I also love this part:
Through normal activity each day, you and I lose a substantial amount of the water that constitutes so much of our physical bodies. Thirst is a demand by the cells of the body for water, and the water in our bodies must be replenished daily. It frankly does not make sense to occasionally “fill up” with water, with long periods of dehydration in between. The same thing is true spiritually. Spiritual thirst is a need for living water. A constant flow of living water is far superior to sporadic sipping.
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 09:13 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 16 Jan 2008 09:56 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Strange I know.
Ever been mountain climbing? Probably not...
Bear with me for a moment. I've tried to explain this to some people before. But I've been urged to contribute...
It's easy to believe that a rope is good and strong if you're only using it to tie up a box. But when you're hanging off a precipice and the only thing holding you is that rope... wouldn't you discover how much you really trusted it?
It seems that extreme situations really pull out the faith in you. Do you really trust God. Really? It's easy to say, "Yes, of course I do." when you're safe at home munching chocolate. Quite a different affair when you're broken down on a lonesome road needing assistance and don't have a cell phone. Or begging for comfort after the loss of a loved one.
It's interesting because in this case, the rope IS strong enough. You just have to trust it... so the problem isn't the rope. It's us.
Or in my case, because that's the only case I can speak of really, it's me. Do I have faith? Do I trust it? Can I? The blessings have been promised. I just have to trust...
Ok... done rambling. Disregard if you will.
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 08:23 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
E
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 11:03 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
A few thoughts as I read today...
1 Nephi 10:19 - For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost...
In Sheri Dew's book, God Wants a Powerful People, she writes about how diligently seeking increases the power of God in our lives. She says:
Notice that God never said, "Seek me a zillion times. Beg again and again. And maybe, just maybe, if you're lucky, if you jump through enough hoops enough times, and if I feel like it, I'll help you a little." To the contrary, the two greatest of all Beings are ever ready to help us. No call waiting. No voice mail. No capriciousness or uncertainty or whimsy. Theirs is the most instant of instant messaging.
Nephi is such an example of seeking - and having the mysteries of God unfolded to him. And we need to remember that Nephi is en example, not an exception. Sheri Dew also quotes Alma 42:27, "Whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely..." She says, "Notice it doesn't say that just the popular ones or the smart ones or the ones who have nine children who all served missions may come. It says whosoever will - meaning, it is our choice."
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 11:27 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 11:39 AMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
The only past link so far is the one where we talked about who does what. Here is the link:
http://deseretbook.com/time-out/forum/time-out/500594
I'm glad it's not gone forever!! Here are the assignments:
CTR - Posting Institute Manual Links
bennetsister - Posting Seminary Manual Links
For links, quotes, or WHATEVER:
Monday - meg85242
Tuesday - luwenn
Wednesday - verily
Thursday - melaniemom
Friday - pam
Hope you guys are still here and still interested. :)
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 04:31 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
On his mission he said this was very powerful. He said missionaries were crying. It was amazing to see so many off the path and wandering aimlessly.
How are we? Are we holding to the rod? Or are we off somewhere else?
Can'[t wait to hear how it goes. He is so pumped about this.
Posted: 17 Jan 2008 09:14 PMSubject: The Vision of the Tree of Life - BOMSG - Lesson 2
I AM BACK, and so sorry to be gone so long...I had to take an emergency trip to Utah to help with my cousins death....got back mon night, and then the memorial in washington was yesterday! What a nightmare! but also, with the gospel, bearable! I will write more on that in that thread. I have not had much time on the computer, let alone being able to do any research...but I did read, and have a few comments for both weeks....
I have been rapelling and rock climbing...and along with trusting the rope, is trusting the knots, and those things that connect the rock to the mountain, and those holding the rope! and your own abilities!
I have been in that situation....where I should be heading down the mountain...and being scared!
I also have anxiety issues...and have had the struggle of thinking I had total faith and still worrying. when I realized it was a mental thing, and not spiritual related, I didn't worry so much about it, and things got better...and my anxiety improved...go figure!
Now, didn't we learn in the Revelation study that the visions that Lehi and Nephi had were also the visions of John? or at least in part? I love that and I guess had not realized it. I think it might be the part in 1 Nephi 9:1 where he says....'and also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.' I think the BYU scholars mentioned that they couldn't record them here, cause it was John's calling to record that vision.
I love 1 Nephi 8:8...
'I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.'
multitude of tender mercies! don't you love it! we have a Heavenly Father with a multitude of tender mercies! and I am sure we have felt many in our lives. these last weeks I have been especially grateful for tender mercies amongst trials. I REALLY feel loved! and know that things will work out the way they should! we just need to trust that! I also love
1 Nephi 9:6
'he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is.'
multitude of tender mercies, and all power to fulfill his word! LOVE IT!