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 Alma addressed the people living in the city Zarahemla and warned them against pride, "he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church" (Alma 6:1). This mandate issued to priests and elders to watch over the church is particularly meaningful to me as I transition to a new calling (responsibility) in our ward (congregation). In my old calling as a counselor in the bishopric (the lay clergy of our congregation) I had a responsibility to advise and assist the bishop in caring for the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of youth of our ward, new members, and those who have not participated in church meetings and activities for a while. Now as the president of the high priest group (a group of seasoned priesthood holders in our congregation) to "watch over the church," specifically to support the strong and active members of our congregation and ensure they remain spiritually healthy and involved in church service.
Alma summarize the process of calling priests and elders by saying "And thus they began to establish the order of the church" (Alma 6:4). I am struck by the dual meaning of the word "order." On first reading I interpret this phrase to mean, "the church got organized." I drew associations to work I am doing now to schedule classes, arrange meetings, make assignments for members to visit each other in their homes (home teaching). It involves spreadsheets and phone calls and emails to coordinate and plan. But when I read this phrase again in context, as it immediately follows Alma's account that "he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order of God," I am reminded that "the order of God" is a term often used to describe the priesthood. The full name of the priesthood is the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, the ancient church called that priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood. When Alma established the "order of the church," he was establishing priesthood authority and power among the people.
The priesthood is the power and authority of God (delegated to man) to accomplish God's work. While the authority to act in certain priesthood ordinances or to hold priesthood offices is delegated exclusively to men, the power of the priesthood is available to be used by all God's children, men and women, to bless the entire human race. This idea was beautifully summarized by Linda Burton, then leader of the Relief Society (the women's organization of the church) in an address at Brigham Young University. “There is a difference ... between priesthood authority and priesthood power. Priesthood authority is conferred by ordination; priesthood power is available to all ... Righteousness is the qualifier for each of us to invite priesthood power into our lives.” - Linda K. Burton, “Priesthood: ‘A Sacred Trust to Be Used for the Benefit of Men, Women, and Children’” (Brigham Young University Women’s Conference address, May 3, 2013)
An apostle of God, Elder Russel Ballard, echoed the same sentiment that fall in General Conference: “The power of the priesthood is a sacred and essential gift of God. It is different from priesthood authority, which is the authorization to act in God’s name. The authorization or ordination is given by the laying on of hands. The power of the priesthood comes only when those who exercise it are worthy and acting in accordance with God’s will.” - M. Russel Ballard, “This is my Work and my Glory” April 2013 General Conference
By "establishing the order of the Church" Alma did more than create a administrative mechanism for the church, he availed the people of Zarahemla with saving and strengthening power. He also instructed them to meet together regularly. "Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God. Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God" (Alma 6:5-6). While our most important purpose in attending weekly Sacrament Meetings is to worship God and renew the promises we made at baptism, it is telling that Alma specifically instructs that fasting and prayer for those who "who knew not God" was to be a significant part of their meetings.
Application Questions
How can you use priesthood power in your life to bless yourself and others?
What aspects of the priesthood are confusing or create conflict for you? Where can you find more information and inspiration to address your questions?
Who can you invite to church this week? How can you reach out to and include others not of your faith into your social life?
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