This week I have been studying the Tree of Life Vision.
Elder
David A. Bednar said, “You and I must look to and come unto Christ, who
is “the fountain of living waters” (1 Ne. 11:25; compare Ether 8:26;
12:28)... Father Lehi saw several groups of people pressing forward
along the strait and narrow path, seeking to obtain the tree and its
fruit. The members of each group had entered onto the path through the
gate of repentance and baptism by water and had received the gift of the
Holy Ghost (see 2 Ne. 31: 17-20). The tree of life is the
central feature in the dream and is identified in 1 Nephi 11 as a
representation of Jesus Christ. The fruit on the tree is a symbol for
the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement. Interestingly, the major
theme of the Book of Mormon, inviting all to come unto Christ, is
central in Lehi’s vision. (‘A Reservior of Living Water’, CES Fireside,
February 4, 2007)
A
few years later Elder David A. Bednar said: "The importance of reading,
studying, searching, and pondering the scriptures in general and the
Book of Mormon in particular is highlighted in several elements of
Lehi’s vision of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 8).
The
central feature in Lehi’s dream is the tree of life—a representation of
“the love of God” (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22). “For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thus, the
birth, life, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ are the
greatest manifestations of God’s love for His children. As Nephi
testified, this love is “most desirable above all things” and, as the
angel in his vision declared, “most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi
11:22–23; see also 1 Nephi 8:12, 15). Chapter 11 of 1 Nephi presents a
detailed description of the tree of life as a symbol for the life,
ministry, and sacrifice of the Savior—“the condescension of God” (1 Nephi 11:16).
The
fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement.
Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of
ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully
efficacious in our lives. The fruit is described as “desirable to make
one happy” (1 Nephi 8:10) and produces great joy and the desire to share
that joy with others.
Significantly, the overarching theme of the Book of Mormon—inviting all to come unto Christ—is paramount in Lehi’s vision.
Of particular interest is the rod of iron that led to the tree (see 1
Nephi 8:19). The rod of iron is the word of God." (Ensign, 'Lehi's
Dream:Holding Fast To The Rod', October, 2011)
Photos of the week......
Elder Houston & Raso returning to Nampula after Zone Conference.
A lady with a baby on her back and a bundle of lettuce on her head!
Mom passing out stickers on her last week in Dondo. The District
President has asked us to visit throughout the twelve (12) branches in
the Beira District.
Man painting the roof
Close up of the man painting the roof
Bananas!!
Mom after teaching her English class
Young girl carrying a baby on her back
I love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment