Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte...
After prophesying of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the church, Isaiah praises the Lord with a two psalms of rejoicing. He describes the Lord as "my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation" (2 Nephi 22:2).
Strength
How is Jesus Christ our strength? The enabling power of His atonement increases our capacity. As we try to live righteously we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost and the nature of our spirits is changed. Our old behaviors and ways of thinking wither on the vine as we are made new creatures. In Christ's power we can find deeper wells of resilience, patience, and love. We can find deep and lasting sources of energy and personal commitment. Our faith in him can quiet fear and build our confidence to act according to His will. Lastly, he has promised to protect us and pave the way before us (1 Nephi 3:7). Not only do we become stronger, but at time Christ will remove obstacles before us.
Song
How is Jesus Christ our song? Knowledge of Christ's victory over sin and death fill our heart with hope, joy, and peace. Through the Holy Ghost, we can have our hearts lifted and rejoice regardless of our circumstances. Everything good, virtuous, and lovely flows from him. The beauty of the earth, the myriad creations of man, art, music, and modern conveniences all flow from His work, the agency He has purchased for us, and His promptings and inspiration.
Salvation
How is Jesus Christ our salvation? Jesus Christ performed an everlasting atonement so that all people could live again after death, and that all would have the opportunity to repent of their sins. By overcoming death and hell, Christ "has become [our] salvation." Because of Him, "with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (2 Nephi 22:3).
One of my favorite metaphors for the Savior is the living water. Water is cool and refreshing, and without it we cannot survive more than a few days. Speaking to a woman of Samaria, Jesus highlight the distinction between physical water, and the saving power He offers. "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (John 4:13-15)
He offers salvation to all freely. That is not so say, however, that salvation is "free" to us, and certainly Christ paid an infinite price to obtain it. "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely" (Revelation 21:6). While we cannot obtain salvation without effort on our part, Christ offers it willingly and liberally.
Christ is merciful and stands ready and waiting to bless us. He has the ability and desire to meet our greatest and most urgent needs. "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water" (Isaiah 41:17-18).
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