Saturday, September 11, 2004
They did not believe that it would heal them
"Behold, [Christ] was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.
"But few understood the meaning of those things .... But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them."
Many of God's commandments guide us to act in ways that naturally lead to happiness. However, some of the things that God asks us to do are not important in an of themselves, but are either symbolic of things that we will benefit from understanding, or are given to give us opportunities to exercise our faith, from which we benefit, and in response to which God can bless us.
When the reason for a commandment is not obvious, consider what it might symbolize. And in all cases, obey, even if you cannot see how your obedience might be beneficial.
"But few understood the meaning of those things .... But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them."
Many of God's commandments guide us to act in ways that naturally lead to happiness. However, some of the things that God asks us to do are not important in an of themselves, but are either symbolic of things that we will benefit from understanding, or are given to give us opportunities to exercise our faith, from which we benefit, and in response to which God can bless us.
When the reason for a commandment is not obvious, consider what it might symbolize. And in all cases, obey, even if you cannot see how your obedience might be beneficial.
