Piety from the Teeth Outward

Jeremiah 12
Piety from the Teeth Outward

“Piety from the teeth outward is no difficult thing,”said Matthew Henry.  How true!  What a great title for today's blog and such a fitting quote in reference to the treachery that surrounded Jeremiah in his day and thrives still, in our lives today.

JEREMIAH 12:1-2

1 Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? 

2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

Jeremiah was concerned, and genuinely inquisitive, about the mortal prosperity of the wicked.  He saw how their happiness seemed to attract and magnify and bear fruit despite the evilness of their ways and wondered why God suffered their pious masquerade.  It's a good question and one that I too have pondered at great length (far too much I think).  Why indeed does it seem that those who cast aside the teachings of Christ prosper and bear fruit while professing Christianity?

There's the whole agency argument – God won't intervene in the choices of man – but lately I am leaning more toward the simple argument that “…it mattereth not.”  Seriously, the more time I spend whining and complaining about my lot and my righteousness in comparison to others, whom I deem with less moral stature but an abundance of mortal treasures, the less time I will be blessed with the reality of true happiness.  Jeremiah figured it out in due course but how perfect it would have been for The Lord to respond as He did when Moroni asked God to give charity unto the Gentiles…

ETHER 12:37

37    And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.

There it is…why am I, we, bothered with it?  We see the wickedness around us.  We see through the façade of piety that so many project and therefore have to know that God is not blind to it – we are mere mortals and He is The Almighty God.  Let the judgements and things of God be His and let us worry about ourselves - our own weaknesses.  I have plenty of chinks in my armor that need attention and have no cause to waste one more second in thought of another's issues…it mattereth not!

Where does my piety begin?

~Kipling

You and Your Works Shall Be Found

Reading:   Isaiah 13

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life ("Jesus Christ--Gifts and Expectations," New Era, May 1975, p. 20). 

Turning your life over to God is a far better choice then turning to your own people (v.14) and fleeing to your own land (v.14).  I decided to make this point first, before revealing the dark words of prediction from the prophet Isaiah, because I wanted to show, again, the importance of God versus man and how we can avoid the darkness of the last days with our faith and good works...

ISAIAH 13:14-16, 18

14    And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. 

15    Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. 

16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished. 

18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. 

The lesson that Isaiah is trying to teach beginning with the roe (deer) metaphor is simply this: there is no place to run and if your works are worth nothing (you're as the unwanted sheep) you will be destroyed.  Turning to your people will not save you! Fleeing to your land, your guarded earthly fortress, will not save you!  The time of man will be at an end!  You will be found and thrust through along with all those you love and all those you've ultimately led to this day of quickening - you and your works will be found and dealt with!

Now, if you turn not toward man but instead attend God and your garment of works are good then the reward will not be so grisly.  You will instead receive a glory immeasurable.  So, pointing back to the last blog (We - The Dwelling Places), make yourself a dwelling place in Zion and rely on faith because, as President Benson said, "God...can make a lot more out of [your life] than [you] can."

~Kipling

We - The Dwelling Places

Reading:   Isaiah 4

The dwelling places of Zion, hmm, this is an interesting topic.  I have several ideas swimming around in my head but I can't seem to align them into a clear understandable path (often is the case with my ramblings and blog but sally forth I shall continue to do).

The bottom line here is that we, each of us, is a dwelling place in Zion.  The Saviour taught, "...the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21)."  Anything can be achieved if we hold fast to faith - the first principle of power (see Faith: Principle of Power ).  The kingdom of God is a vast, unmeasurable, immovable, mountain of a force that bows and yields only to the power that is our faith in Jesus Christ.  We are bearers of the kingdom! Understanding that can give so much more meaning to...

ISAIAH 4:5

5    And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

The Lord will create a defense upon every dwelling place in Zion.  If my faith is strong I can and will be a dwelling place of Zion!  A place where others will come to feast upon the spirit and partake of the offered defense until such time as their faith has enflamed and created another dwelling place, another haven of faith, and strengthened our collective assembly.

President Harold B. Lee shared this story...

I recalled an experience that we had with a group of students from Brigham Young University ... sixteen students, representing sixteen foreign countries, were asked to stand and tell how they came to know about the gospel and accept it, ... and to bear their testimonies. It was a most intensely interesting evening. We heard from young men and women from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the Scandinavian countries, France, and England. The story was the same. When they began to relate how they came to find the gospel, it was this: They were yearning for truth. They were seeking for light. They were not satisfied, and in the midst of their search, someone came to them with the truths of the gospel. They prayed about it and sought the Lord intensely, intently, with all their hearts, and came to receive a divine testimony by which they knew that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. ... So within the heart of everyone, every honest seeker after truth, if he has the desire to know, and studies with real intent and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God may be within him, or in other words, the power to receive it is his. (In Conference Report, Oct. 1953, 26-27.)

How important is our faith...

~Kipling

Guise of Bravery

Reading:   Isaiah 3

Who are we?  Do the people we are acquainted with know who we are by our clothing, money, job, and other masquerades of the natural man or are we known by our works, our spirit, our faith.  Do your closest friends, your wife, your children know who you are, really?  Have you told them?  Can you tell them?  These are serious questions that need personal contemplation and more then likely action.

I know that my close friends know me as someone completely different than those who don't.  My appearance does not lend itself to being an approachable guy and I'm okay with that, my kids seem to be okay with that, and, for the most part, my wife is okay with it (although I'm sure she would like me to be more social).  The question for me, and all of us, is whether or not our personality changes when stripped of all the trappings (clothes, jewelry, cars, accolades, titles, etc)?  Will we lose our sense of being?  Will our confidence be diminished?  Who will we become?

The scripture I chose from today's reading really brings to light the need to confront who we are, what others see in us, and ultimately, who we are when we stand before God - without the excess of man...

ISAIAH 3:18

18    In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 

I love the idea that all theses trappings are a source of bravery, it is so true!  For so many the clothes we wear, the car we drive, the school we attend, food we eat, our bank account and many other things are a representation of who we are and give us psychological confidence and strength over those of less material worth.  But we are not better!  When we stand soul-bared before God we are only the sum of our works.

Who are you?

~Kipling

Derived and Depending

Reading:   Isaiah 2

At the end of this chapter there is a sweet throw back to Solomon and the brooding book of Ecclesiastes.  The inevitable truth that man is but mortal and limited while God is infinite and eternal.  Only folly can be found in the temporal worship of man because all men cease breathing.  Through God we can redeem spiritual gifts and obtain glories beyond measure - even after death.

ISAIAH 2:22

22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? 

The natural man is an enemy to God because men fall prey to that which is easy and known. It takes effort to have faith and believe in that which is not seen.  Let's give the last hammer smash to Matthew Henry - drive it home brother Henry!

Put not your trust in man, nor make even the greatest and mightiest of men your confidence; cease to do so. Let not your eye be to the power of man, for it is finite and limited, derived and depending; it is not from him that your judgment proceeds. Let not him be your fear, let not him be your hope; but look up to the power of God, to which all the powers of men are subject and subordinate; dread his wrath, secure his favour, take him for your help, and let your hope be in the Lord your God.

Man is "derived and depending" - got to love Brother Henry!

~Kipling

Never Give In

Reading:   Isaiah 1

In the first half of this first chapter, Isaiah really hammers down the wickedness of Israel and how far the chosen people had fallen from righteousness, "...The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint (v. 5)." The Israelite disregard of faith and heritage was so ensconced that their religious ceremonies and acts of prayer were considered blasphemous by God...

ISAIAH 1:13, 15

13    Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 

15    And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 

An interesting thing happens in verse eighteen, despite their heinous acts, a calmness occurs in Isaiah's speech, almost a pleading for Israel to give heed - there is still hope...

ISAIAH 1:18

18    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

Here is where I want my emphasis to reside; the simple truth that all can be and will be forgiven if repentance is honestly sought.  There is a plethora of articles, speeches, videos, and wisdom available  in regards to this scripture but the one talk that really captured my desire for insight included a Peanuts comic strip...

Doesn't that lay it out quite succinctly?  The address that brought this idea of resolutions and moving forward without the weight of regret was given by Robert L. Backman at the 1989 October General Conference (Priesthood Session) in a speech titled, Chastity: The Source of True Manhood.  Elder Backman pleads, with the subtlety of Isaiah, for our resolve to avoid pitfalls and look steadfastly ahead...

...Take control of your life. It is your body-the clothing of your spirit-you are dealing with. Don't become a slave to your appetites or passions. Be mature enough to have the spirit control your body. Self-control is vital when you are resisting what you know is wrong, especially when a friend insists. This self-control comes with practice, so it's important to build your inner strength. Constantly remind yourself that you are a son of God with great things to do.  

Winston Churchill, that courageous World War II statesman, gave sound advice to all of us. He thundered his conviction: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty-never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." (Address to Harrow School, 29 Oct. 1941, in John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, 15th ed., Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1980, p. 745.) 

We must, after accepting the cleansing power of repentance, move forward with a thundering conviction to "...Never give in!"  Let our past transgressions be ladders of learning not weighted crosses of self reproach.  You have been forgiven!  I have been forgiven!  Wisdom is the result and strength to move on, never give in, and to forever fight forward, must be our mission!

~Kipling

Lovely Carmel Head

Reading:   Song of Solomon 1-8 (All)

First off I want to emphasize that this is ONE SONG, not "Songs" and, though poetic and lovely in parts, I cannot imagine blundering through 1004 more of these?  Solomon supposedly penned 1005 songs -YIKES- unfortunately (or not) we are only privy to one.  Is this his best song...eh...hope not.

There are some good lyrics though (chapter:verse).

...Behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes (1:15).  Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn...(4:2)...Honey and milk are under thy tongue...(4:11).  Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies (7:2).  Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple...(7:5).  And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak (7:9).

My critique:  The interplay of voices is too confusing and hard to keep up with.  Verses not only change gender but also point-of-view throughout.  There are numerous allusions to things I needed Wikipedia to decipher.  Also, there are many suggestions for whom the doting lovers represent - one of the more prominent being the Savior and his church .

I choose not to dwell...why...see below...

SONG OF SOLOMON (Bible Dictionary)

Sometimes called Canticles (as in Latin) or Song of Songs (as in Hebrew). Whether Solomon is actually the author is doubtful. The composition has many beautiful phrases and lyrical prose, often quoted in nonreligious literature. The JST manuscript contains the note that "the Song of Solomon is not inspired scripture." Both Jews and Christians have at times been reluctant to accept it into the canon of scripture because of its romantic content, but have permitted it on the basis of its being an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or of the Church.  

There you have it...authorship doubtful, really?

~Kipling

Ecclesiastes - Dum Spiro, Spero

Reading:   Ecclesiastes 1-12 (All)

Ecclesiastes is a fascinating ride on the train of vanity.  We are taught that we know nothing and would do well to enjoy each day without over-thought and over-exertion in vain pursuits.  God's gift is the breath of life and from birth we are destined to die so it is imperative that we use this probationary state in the happiness of the moment.  Solomon advises that true joy is not found in riches, possessions, or even in vast stores of wisdom and knowledge.  All becomes negligible at the point of death and without daily efforts to spread our wealth, knowledge, and talents, and share our lives with others, we are simply missing out.

There is a lot in these chapters that can be stretched and debated and really expounded upon but for the sake of brevity (which doesn't really happen because this blog is still quite lengthy), I will attempt to explain my summation with a few verses...

ECCLESIASTES 11:5

5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 

We don't know the works of God and though we can study and grow closer to Him we cannot fathom the depths of what He truly is and really should not try.  To that end it is important to also understand that all will come around, in a grand karma-esque rotation, and we should not doubt it.  The first eight verses of chapter three expound on the idea of seasons; here is the first (for clarity)...

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  

The seasons, in every form, are subject only to God and though we can conjecture and assume educated positions on what/when/where/how and why they might change, we can never do more then guess - in God's due time.

Understanding or accepting these truths will aid us in our pursuit of joy because we will not waste away digging for knowledge that gains us nothing and likewise we will not allow ourselves to be weighed down by the the anxieties of what may come to pass.  I know - easier said then done, right?

There are many debates on the merits and origins of the saying, "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die." But after reading Eccleciastes I'm definitely more inclined to lean toward Solomon, the preacher, as the primary source, albeit not interpreted as man would read it.  Here is one example of many...

ECCLESIASTES 2:24

24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 

Yes, find joy in your labor because life is a gift from God and the pursuit of happiness the goal.  This is absolutely true but not in the perverted sense that Satan would have us believe.  Selfishness does not play a part in the joy of a "soul". We are not talking about the joys of the flesh but having our "soul" delight in our "good" labor.  Merriment of the flesh is more often found in selfish desires and pursuits and gives rise to the eventual change of season which brings sorrow, self-loathing, and a desire to return to Satan's version of joy to escape reality.  Joy of the soul can only be achieved by absolute selflessness and righteous companionship...

ECCLESIASTES 11:1, 4:9-10

11:1   Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 

4:9    Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 

4:10   For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 

If you have the means, and we all have something whether it be wealth, wisdom, talent or otherwise, cast it out there!  Feed whomever you can with whatever you have and you shall find it again as the seasons change.  Let the crumbs float where they may and full loaves will return to you in God's time.    And, even better, cast your charities with the support and love of a companion and reap a greater reward!

Happiness needs to be acknowledged and enjoyed daily, now, without the stress of what tomorrow might bring.  The greatest happiness is achieved through companionship and selfless acts of sharing with those in need - that is our labor and source of joy.

At the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gave a great and basic summation (which he could have said at the beginning to save us a lot of confusion over all the other stuff he poetically peppered us with)...

ECCLESIASTES 12:13-14

13    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 

14    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

Okay, so, fear God and keep his commandments - there you have it, haha, thanks Solomon.

But seriously, none of this is relevant unless we fear God; it is imperative that we have faith and an undying hope in Him.  Then, as we live and breath, no matter what our circumstance (farmer, billionaire, prisoner, warden, king, or serf), we can eat, drink, and be merry in the feast of our selfless acts - that is our only labor!

Dum spiro, spero—While I breathe, I hope.

~Kipling

Sparks of Passionate Response

Reading:   Proverbs 22

Passion is no trivial device of humanity, it is a tool easily manipulated by fatigue, hatred, desire, pride, and ultimately the whisperings of grandeur.  Passion, given time, is the seedling of war and the casket of death.

PROVERBS 22:24-25

24    Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 

25    Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 

I had a great deal more written here, including instances of anger that have occured in my life and the lessons learned, but my iPad died before I could save it and all was lost.  I allowed the throws of passion to overcome me and I put aside the blog for a time because of my frustration at losing my thoughts.  Anyway, important lesson!  I will close with a great bit of explanatory advice from Matthew Henry...

Those we go with we are apt to grow like. Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them that it is dangerous conversing with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.

Quite true and as reluctant as I am to refrain from anger and brutish behaviour I can't help but accept the reality that my children might catch a spark of my passion and go quick to flame as well.  I am under constant scrutiny and must learn to control my passion...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaa!!!!!  

Let's just get that out so I can concentrate on a more passive existence?

~Kipling

Prepare Your Horse

Reading:   Proverbs 21

It was a difficult task today, choosing a verse that is, but I settled on...

PROVERBS 21:31

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. 

Here we are essentially being advised that it is prudent to prepare for battle (in all it's many forms).  Having a horse prepared is forethought and wise.  Arming ourselves with the proper weaponry is also essential as is the appropriate training in the tactics of combat and the strategies of war - these are all great enhancements and keys to ultimate success (on paper).  Then comes the monstrous, shattering, unavoidable...

"but"

...and how are we to read this caveat?  It's quite plain, yes, we are to prepare, but if God is forsaken in our haste to amass the best tools, training, etc., we are not prepared sufficiently.  Without the acknowledgement that The Lord is the ultimate shield we are setting ourselves up as Goliath and a pebble, propelled with the blessing of God, will bring us to the grave.

Regarding this subject, I read a fantastic address by Ezra Taft Benson, Our Priceless Heritage (General Conference 1976), where he discusses a patriotic picture that had great meaning for him.  I found the picture (America on Her Knees) and here is President Benson's very applicable quote...

In the 1940s while serving as the executive officer of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C., I saw in a Hilton Hotel a placard depicting Uncle Sam, representing America, on his knees in humility and prayer. Beneath the placard was the inscription, "Not beaten there by the hammer and sickle, but freely, responsibly, confidently. ... We need fear nothing or no one save God."  

That picture has stayed in my memory ever since: America on her knees in recognition that all our blessings come from God! America on her knees out of a desire to serve the God of this land by keeping His commandments! America on her knees, not driven there in capitulation to some despotic government, but on her knees freely, willingly, gratefully! This is the sovereign remedy to all of our problems and the preservation of our liberties. 

We have nothing to fear.  We are prepared and can hold our heads up high: but forgot not The Lord and be quick to kneel in humility for our safety lies with Him!

~Kipling

Choose to Be Different!

Reading:   Proverbs 20

I have a lot of experience when it comes to the follies of intoxication, not from the perspective of a drunk mind you, but as a bouncer.  So many experiences, stories, anecdotes, and memorable moments that I could write a novel (I did in fact, BOUNCER, buy it, read it).  Anyway, I've seen the stupidity of intoxication up close and personal - this verse is right on!

PROVERBS 20:1

1    Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. 

Earlier today, as I contemplated which of my more interesting stories to relate as a sort of compactor to the veracity of the verse, I heard an anecdote from the book Endurance, which fits perfectly (I was listening to the book on Audible).  As a quick background, Shackleton, the leader of a trans-Antarctic expedition, overheard some of the crew members discussing their predicament (the ship was frozen solid in ice and had not moved in 5-months).  The men seemed confident that the immobile ship could withstand the extreme pressure from the thickening ice and, though frightening, all would be well.  Shackleton sat down next to the men and shared a story (I shall paraphrase as I could not find the script to copy).

A hungry mouse found an unattended tankard of beer, dove in and drank his fill.  Thoroughly smashed, the mouse exited the tankard of ale, puffed out his chest and said, "Where's that cat?"

After relaying the story, Shackleton looked at his men and walked away.  How perfect is that?  Alcohol is indeed, without doubt or question, one of the greatest deceivers!  In closing I want to share a quote from Russell M. Nelson taken from his address, Addiction or Freedom (1988 October General Confernce)...

 Choose to be different; you will be blessed both physically and spiritually. 

That is it...

~Kipling

A Continual Dropping

Reading:   Proverbs 19

I have come across so many gems of verse over the last few months and have been unable, for often not the best of reasons, to blog about their meanings.  It's been so long my desire to continue has been overshadowed by my feeling of regret for my extended absence; however, forget what is not and commence with what is, right? Of course right!

PROVERBS 19:13

13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 

This simple verse is not one that I can relate to because I am blessed with sons that are respectful, upright, and strong of spirit.  My wife is incredibly hard working, filled with a compassionate desire to help others and always driven to improve our family.  And, although the verse makes no mention of daughters, my girls are the brightness of my day and bring me joy unceasing.

So why did I choose this verse?  It's the end, "...a continual dropping."  What does that mean?  You may already know, but, like me, probably not.   I love a good metaphor and this turned out to be quite a spectacular one (my scholarly friend, Matthew Henry, helped me unravel the puzzle).   It's like this, "dropping" is used to note the fall of rain. We can all appreciate how frustrating "...a continual dropping," might be.  Comparing then "a continual dropping" to "the contentions of a wife" is very fitting because what manner of man, child, or otherwise, wants to live in a house of continual contention?  Henry explains...

A cross peevish wife is as great an affliction [as a foolish son]: Her contentions are continual; every day, and every hour in the day, she [always] finds some occasion to make herself and those about her uneasy...it is a continual dropping, that is, a continual vexation, as it is to have a house so much out of repair that it rains in and a man cannot lie dry in it. That man has an uncomfortable life, and has need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to enable him to bear his affliction and do his duty, who has a sot for his son and a scold for his wife.

I have neither a scold for a wife or sots for sons.  I count myself lucky and pray for those of lesser fortune - may the rains cease in your bedrenched, soggified, marshiferous, households!

~Kipling

What Just Happened?

Reading:   2 Kings13

This is one of those chapters that goes something like this:

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah -lightning bolt- blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah ....

In-other-words, a lot of droning, snooze-worthy, genealogical, can't recall, blandness but smack dab in the middle -BAM- there is a bit of magical wonder that leaves you confused, "...What just happened?"  This chapter was a terrific example of such an occurrence.  In the middle of the, uh, I honestly can't remember and don't care to reread, bland stuff, hidden like a cleverly laid trap, are these two verses...

2 KINGS 13:20-21

20 And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. 

21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. 

Seriously...the chapter went from a mundane list of kings, successors, their acts of blah blah blah then those two incredible verses and right back into another chain of who cares (okay, I'm being harsh.  I do care and I'm sure I will find meaning and noteworthy sustenance in these other verses on another day but today they just wore me down).

Elisha died!? Really...why was this not a bigger event? And why was it smothered in a chapter of mud?  Oh, and thought I might mention, yeah, a dead guy was hidden in the grave and he came back to life when he touched Elisha's bones - thought you might like to know.  UNBELIEVABLE?!!  I think the death of Elisha and the incidental brought-back-to-life bit are two pretty awesome events and it is sad that they are buried.

Also, with all the fiction out there about the searches for the Holy Grail, Solomon's Temple, Ark of the Covenant, etc. I am overwhelmingly aghast that there has been no search for the bones of Elisha (here proven to revive the dead).  I may just add, no, I am adding, Elisha's Bones to my list of book ideas.

~Kipling

Jehoash the Ill-Advised

Reading:   2 Kings 12

The tale of King Jehoash (aka Joash) is somewhat short, especially considering the great pomp and circumstance surrounding his birth (2 Kings 11).  In his forty years as king, Jehoash did manage to repair the much dilapidated temple of Solomon and taught the priests therein an important lesson in humility.  He was an honest God-fearing man and king, well, that is while Jehoiada, his aged advisor, teacher, tutor, prophet and councillor, was alive, then, not-so-much...

2 KINGS 12:2

2 And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 

After reading chapter 12 of 2 Kings, it is easy to deem the works of Jehoash good, and they were, but, the rest of the story is revealed in 2 Chronicles 24.  It seems that after the death of Jehoiada, the good king lost his way and began listening to the advise of the not-so-wise kind; even to the point where he ordered the stoning of a prophet who spoke for The Lord (a prophet who was also the son of Jehoiada)...

2 CHRONICLES 24:21-22

21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord. 

22 Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it, and require it. 

Shortly thereafter, Jehoash was conspired against and murdered by his own servants.  So, yes, Jehoash did do "...that which was right in the sight of The Lord all his days..." but the second part of the verse must be understood.  Jehoash only did that which was right while "...Jehoiada the priest instructed him."  When Jehoash lost his prophetic councillor he also lost his way and his salvation - forty-six years of righteousness, one act of wickedness, done!

~Kipling

God Save the King

Reading:   2 Kings 11

Although "God Save the King" has been used in verse prior to this (5 times in fact), it jumped out at me today and demanded my attention...

2 KINGS 11:12

12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

I was confident I would find something interesting about "God save the king" on the interweb and I must say, I wasn't disappointed. I discovered some outright unruly displeasure for the phrase in regards to its usage in the King James Version of the bible...crazy, right?  Anyway, there were also some impressive articles refuting the ignorant, self-aggrandizing, buffoons.  The article I found most akin to my beliefs, and well written to boot, was God Save the King, by Will Kinney.  Here are some highlights from the article...

A modern version proponent recently wrote... [that] the King James Version translators used a dynamic equivalence method in which they inserted God's name where it is not in the original. This is in the phrases "God save the king" and "God save king [king's name]" in 1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Kings 1:25,1 Kings 1:34, 1 Kings 1:39, 2 Kings 11:12; and 2 Chronicles 23:11. 

This person then goes on to say that the King James translation of "God save the king" is "DEPLORABLE" because 1. a literal, word-for-word translation method was not used 2.the translators used colloquialism and idiom 3.they deceive the reader into thinking that these words are in the original 4.they take God's name in vain. 

I am often amazed at the criticisms against the King James Bible that the modern version proponents bring up. They don't usually discover these things for themselves but copy and paste them from some anti-KJV site, like those of Doug Kutilek or James White.

They profess a great love for God's words, yet if you ask them where we common Christians can get a copy of the infallible words of God, they soon reveal that the only "infallible bible" they have exists solely in their minds and imaginations. They don't believe any translation can be the infallible words of God nor do they have any "Hebrew and Greek texts" that completely represent the originals. Their mystical bible is made up of their own personal opinions and preferences, and of course, their "bible" differs from the "bible" the next scholar has dreamed up for himself. Each man becomes his own final authority... 

"The word, “God (אלהים)” is not in the Hebrew, which says, “live (subjunctive) the king.” The subjunctive mood expresses a wish. The translators understood this passage as the invocation of the providential preservation of the life of the king. Thus “God” was added  

to convey the meaning of the utterance. If not to God, who else would God-fearing Hebrews address this plea to? To an impersonal "fate"? Such would be a Pagan attitude. Whereas contemporary English speakers might say, "Long live the king" without necessarily having God in mind, the preservation of life and God were intrinsically linked in the mind of a God-fearing Hebrew." 

Realize that the King James Bible and all these other versions are English translations, written to English speaking persons (the target audience) expressing what this Hebrew phrase means in English. We do not have kings here in America, but those God fearing nations that had or continue to have kings or queens to this day still say 'God save the king' or 'God save the queen'. 

The fact is directly implied and recognized that it is God who gives and preserves the life of the king, as well as everyone else on this planet.

Bravo, Mr. Kinney!  Not exactly where I thought today's blog would go...I thought I would find a nice story, poem, or lyrical verse to share and instead discovered a debate.  That's okay, much more interesting and I always love a good scrape!

~Kipling

A Great Sacrifice to Baal

Reading:  2 Kings 10

Before we destroy poor old Baal, let's get a handle on who exactly he was and why he had so many worshippers.  The Encyclopaedia Brittanca explains the erstwhile deity as such...

Baal, god worshiped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites, who apparently considered him a fertility deity and one of the most important gods in the pantheon. As a Semitic common nounbaal (Hebrew baʿal) meant “owner” or “lord,” although it could be used more generally; for example, a baal of wings was a winged creature, and, in the plural, baalim of arrows indicated archers. Yet such fluidity in the use of the term baal did not prevent it from being attached to a god of distinct character. As such, Baal designated the universal god of fertility, and in that capacity his title was Prince, Lord of the Earth. He was also called the Lord of Rain and Dew, the two forms of moisture that were indispensable for fertile soil in Canaan. In Ugaritic and Old Testament Hebrew, Baal’s epithet as the storm god was He Who Rides on the Clouds. In Phoenician he was called Baal Shamen, Lord of the Heavens.

So there we have the basic bio of Baal and from it we can gain an understanding of why so many people chose to worship him (fertility and all).  Of course there is the tiny matter of, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3). ...

2 KINGS 10:18-19

18 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 

19 Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 

Sneaky, sneaky, Mr.Jehu!  So he gathered together all of the Baal worshippers; all the prophets, priests, servants, disciples, "...All their wives, and all their children, and all their sheep, and all their cattle, and all their cats and dogs. All of them..." Okay, maybe not all that other stuff but I had to give a nod to Vulcan from the classic film, Baron Munchausen.  Anyway, they were all gathered together in the house of Baal and to ensure a complete tactical success Jehu went as far as to threaten his own men with their lives if the allowed anyone to escape... 

2 KINGS 10:24-25, 28

24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. 

25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. 

28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. 

Well done, right?  Uhh...well, umm, yeah, good job Jehu but uh, why did he continue to worship other idols (v.29).  Concerning don't you think?  Oh well, let's not find fault in one so brazen as to accomplish such a heavy task for The Lord.  He did destroy the house of Ahab and he did destroy Baal out of Israel and he did gain a promise from God that his seed would reign for four generations but how much more could it have been if he were but righteous till the end...

~Kipling

Treachery of Hazael

Reading:   2 Kings 8-9

It's one thing to premeditate a murder but to premeditate a murder, get called out from a man of God who has seen your future action, and then commit the murder anyway - quite on another level of wrong!  Yet here, in chapter eight, we are witness to such an occurrence.

The king of Syria was sick and, curious as to what the future held, he sent his right hand man, Hazael, to inquire of the Israelite prophet (after so many encounters with Elisha, I'm sure the king had much respect for the man).  Hazael went forth as requested but, in the dark chambers of his heart, planned to slay the king upon his return...

2 KINGS 8:10, 14-15

10 And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 

14 So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover. 

15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead. 

Now let me add some additional spiritual shackles to good 'ol Hazael.  I'm sure you noticd there are a few missing verses (11-13), I wanted to let the actual murder happen in verse so that you could see how conniving and deceitful Mr. Hazael ("I'm in a mist, I'm in a mist," a little nod to Watership Down) was when confronted.  Elisha prophesied that the king would recover but also stated that "...he [would] surely die."  Hazael, no doubt, was a bit shocked by this statement and wondered if Elisha might know of his murderous intent.   Elisha then started to weep, having seen the truth in Hazael's reaction (v.11).  This is where Hazael had to be quick on his toes in order to mask his surprise...

2 KINGS 8:12-13

12 And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.  

13 And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria. 

Hazael asked, with dramatic concern, why the prophet was distressed and was probably not prepared for Elisha's lurid response.  Back pedaling, Hazael sputtered a retort, "What, why? Am I a dog...why would I do such a thing?"  But Elisha stuck it to him, "...Thou shalt be king, that's why!"

At that point, Hazael had no more reason to continue the ruse and responded by shrugging his shoulders, maybe even pointed a finger at Elisha and winked as if to acknowledge his prophetic prowess, then, with a smirk on his face and excitement in his heart (after all, a man of God just told him he would be king), he simply departed.

Hazael was so full of himself and so locked on his endgame (the crown) that he couldn't see the spiritual noose tightening around his neck and though I'm sure he gave some credence to the man of God, he went ahead with his plan and cared not who knew (even God).

Wo be unto the foolish who mock God!  Benjamin Franklin said,

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools,
that don't have brains enough to be honest.

Amen, brother Benji!!

~Kipling

Choice - Stripped Down by Lepers

Reading:   2 Kings 7:3-20

The way is not always clearly marked but there are some choices that make themselves known by a default of end result.  If the options equal a similar situation to that of the status quo or one of a less desirable result, then the best option is that which affects humanity in the least obtrusive manner; however, if there is an option that might elevate the situation, no matter how minuscule the possibility, that choice is, and must be, the best option!

In this chapter the Samarians are suffering from an intense famine.  There is no food anywhere and the poor, diseased, and sickly, have few options...

2 KINGS 7:3-4

3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? 

 4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. 

The lepers had three options:

1)   Stay and die (no one brought food into the gate as everyone was suffering)
2)   Go into the city and die (no food inside to beg for either)
3)   Approach the enemy (they will either be killed or shown mercy)

Option three was the absolute best.  Yes, the probability rested with the enemy most likely killing the men but at least their suffering would not be drawn out, "...we shall but die."  Spoken as if it were a foregone conclusion but a quicker, more merciful, end to their miserable condition.  There was no choice, they had to act as they did and, as luck would have it, the odds paid dividends - quite high dividends!  The Samarian army had been spooked and left all there tents, provisions, and jewels where they stood, unguarded.  The lepers became wealthy men and ultimately ended the famine within the city by proclaiming the desertion of the enemy...Elisha's prophecy fulfilled (see yesterday's blog).

There is a "choice" quote (pun intended) I like from Michael J. Fox,

I have no choice about whether or not I have Parkinson's. I have nothing but choices about how I react to it. In those choices, there's freedom to do a lot of things in areas that I wouldn't have otherwise found myself in.

There are always going to be new and exciting issues, events, roadblocks, and problems and, more often than not, there will be little you can do directly but there will always be freedom in how you react and how others perceive your reaction - and it trickles down from there!

~Kipling

Windows in Heaven

Reading:   2 Kings 7:1-2

I only managed a couple of verses and reread them several times because my eyes refused to stay open.  Anyway, a couple of verses can be sufficient and amply feeds the soul with much more spiritual sustenance then an ignorant dosage of nothing.

Although the verses were a prophesy from Elisha of things to come on the following day, there was still a phrase that tickled my mind, "...if the Lord would make windows in heaven."

2 KINGS 7:2

2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. 

I'm not going to spend time on the meaning of the verse as it wholly pertains to the realization of Elisha's prophecy; but, in regards to the "windows in heaven," I discovered a very applicable General Conference talk by James E. Faust entitled, Opening The Windows of Heaven (October 1998).  The talk is primarily concerned with the importance of tithing and how the windows in heaven will be opened to those who commit themselves to providing that which is God's portion.  I don't think it too far fetched to stretch this promise back to the days of Elisha and, on the flip side, see how the opposite might occur.  What I mean rests with the decided lack of faith and tithes being observed by the Samarian people and the subsequent famine which plagued them as a result.

Basically, the man hoped that there were windows in heaven so that the miracle of sustaining provisions might come to pass.  The windows were there and the miracle did come true but I am saying, if the Samarians were faithfully giving The Lord his due portion, the windows would have already been opened and the famine never realized.

Here is a cool little anecdote from Faust's talk...

 Sister Yaeko Seki experienced part of this precious promise. She writes: 

 "My family and I were spending a day at the Japan Alps National Park . . . . I was pregnant with our fourth child and was feeling rather tired, so I lay down under the trees. . . . I began thinking about our financial problems. My heart became overwhelmed, and I burst into tears. 'Lord, we are full-tithe payers. We have sacrificed so much. When will the windows of heaven open unto us and our burdens be lightened?' 

 "I prayed with all my heart. Then I turned to watch my husband and children playing and laughing together. . . . Suddenly, the Spirit testified to me that my blessings were abundant and that my family was the greatest blessing Heavenly Father could give me." ("The Windows of Heaven," Tambuli, Mar. 1992, 17) 

Had to slip that story in because it definitely makes a point about blessings and their many guises.  Look around and see the whole picture don't equate all blessings with financial or physical results.  Pay your tithing and the windows, which are already there, will be opened and blessings abundant.

~Kipling

They That Be With Us

Reading:   2 Kings 6

The unseen veil between mortality and the spirit world is always an exciting subject.  I have had occasion in my life where that visual barrier has been somewhat lifted and, as a result, my faith in God and the reality of a "bigger picture" has been cemented.  My book, Bouncer, deals with a lifting of the mortal veil and, although it is a fictional story, I can't help but embrace the reality of guardian angels and even spirits of a darker nature.  They do exist.  We cannot see them but they are there and as real as the sunrise.

Because of my experiences and personal belief, I found great excitement in this chapter and a rising of the neck hairs, if you will.  A war between Israel and Syria loomed and Elisha interceded a bit with some advice to the king of Israel.  This advice allowed the Israelites some ability to evade the grand army of Syria and therefore frustrated the king of Syria.  The king figured out Elisha's role and decided to squelch his advice by surrounding his dwellings with his vast army.  This maneuver greatly concerned the servants of Elisha as it appeared they would be overcome and destroyed; but Elisha had no worries whatever...

2 KINGS 6:15-17

15    And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 

16    And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 

17    And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 

Did you feel it, the raising of the neck hairs?  Intense right?  The veil, the mortal blindness, was lifted from the young man and he could see the spiritual armies of God vastly outnumbering the army of Syria.  I am certain an army of warriors and countless chariots of fire are there for us as well.  Gordon B. Hinckley, a modern day prophet, testified of this truth also...

This Church, I submit, is far more than a social organization where we gather together to enjoy one another’s company. It is more than Sunday School and Relief Society and priesthood meeting. It is more than sacrament meeting, more even than temple service. It is the kingdom of God in the earth. It behooves us to act in a manner befitting membership in that kingdom. 

You men who hold the priesthood have such a tremendous responsibility. You must avoid the sultry siren voice of the world. You must rise above it. You must stand in the stature of the priesthood of God. You must eschew evil in all of its forms and take on the nature of goodness and decency, letting the light, the divine light, shine through your actions. 

There is no way that a home can be a place of refuge and peace if the man who resides there is not an understanding and helpful husband and father. The strength to be gained from our homes will make us better able to face the world, more acceptable to the society in which we move, more valuable to those who employ us—better men.

I know many such men. It is evident that they love their wives and their children. They are proud of them. And the marvelous thing is, they are tremendously successful in their chosen professions. They are magnified and honored and respected. 

And to you women. I spoke at length to the women of the Relief Society a week ago. That talk represented my heartfelt views concerning you. You too can take on the luster of Christ. You too can be strong and encouraging and beautiful and helpful. 

I remind all of us that we are Latter-day Saints. We have made covenants with our Heavenly Father, sacred and binding. Those covenants, if we keep them, will make us better fathers and mothers, better sons and daughters. 

I believe that others will rally around us if we will do so. We can stand for truth and goodness, and we will not stand alone. Moreover, we shall have the unseen forces of heaven to assist us. 

~An Ensign to the Nations, A Light to the World (General Conference, October 2003)

There it is.  A prophet of God councils us that "...we shall have the unseen forces of heaven to assist us."  Why then do we fear?  The armies of God are there for us if we but allow faith to work its power within our frightened, mortal, minds.

~Kipling