Soap Box Sunday

This Sunday, I had the privelage of teaching Gospel Doctrine again. It is a privelage because, of course, as always, I AM the one who learns the most! And this time, I especially needed it because the Savior was quoting...none other than...Isaiah. Yes. The prophet who's writings we are supposed to know and understand like the back of our HAND! Yes. That is true. Be very afraid if you're an Isaiah-dummy like I am!! (although I did see a book called "Isaiah for Dummies" or something like that by John Bytheway. I think I need that.)

But today, I learned some great things.

The Savior tells us how important it is to "search" not just read the words of Isaiah:

3 Nephi 23:1-3

1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.

2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.

Elder McConkie said:

"If our eternal salvation depends upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them – and who shall say that such is not the case! – how shall we fare in that great day when with Nephi we shall stand before the pleasing bar of Him who said: Great are the words of Isaiah? It just may be that my salvation (and yours also!) does in fact depend upon our ability to understand the writings of Isaiah as fully and truly as Nephi understood them. For that matter, why should either Nephi or Isaiah know anything that is withheld from us? Does not that God who is no respecter of persons treat all his children alike? Has he not given us his promise and recited to us the terms and conditions of his law pursuant to which he will reveal to us what he has revealed to them?"

And why do we need to understand Isaiah's words? Well, because his prophecies really do pertain MAINLY to US in the Latter-days. Understanding the "signs of the times" comes from Isaiah's words, understanding the "gathering of Israel" comes from Isaiah, and knowing our role as members of the church in these last days, comes from studying Isaiah. (Ok now, I'm realizing I REALLY need to get that "Isaiah for Dummies" book...)

Another concept that Isaiah points out in his poetic way of teaching is that the Savior is the "husband" of the "married wife," or, the "members of the church." In chapter 22, Jesus quotes Isaiah as saying that as the stakes of Zion are expanded, the Lord of Hosts is with the children of the covenant--He is with the faithful members of the church who assist in the expanding of His gospel. A great way to understand the Savior's role as a "husband" to us is this, according to Cynthia L. Hallen, a Book of Mormon scholar:

"The Savior of the whole earth is her husband. The etymology of the English word husband is "one who prepares or builds a house." The Lord is Zion's husband or "house builder" because he makes the earth as a home for all creatures, he creates bodies as temples for spirit children, he builds temples as places of worship, and he prepares heavenly mansions for his children."

To me, this is a wonderful description of who the Savior is to us. He is the creator of the world, the creator of our places of worship, and the creator of the eventual world that we will live in if we so desire and do our part to attain.

And if we feel forsaken, let us remember that though we may feel this way at times, He is always there to succor us in our time of need. His "kindness shall not depart" from us. This video sums up what I think the Lord wants us to know in these times--from the words of Isaiah...one of the most beautiful songs I know, written by Rob Gardner, from his "Joseph Smith, the Prophet" music fireside I once had the opportunity to be a part of. Since then, this has been one of my favorite songs.