46 Rend That Veil of Unbelief
Rend That Veil of Unbelief
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
It is interesting to note that Jared himself had faith. He was inspired with the ideas; and then for some reason, he deferred to his brother, telling him to ask of the Lord. We read many things about the great faith of the brother of Jared, but we should also see that in Jared, who was prompted with things to ask for.
Ether 1:38–43 The
Lord granted their petitions, saying, “Thus I will do unto thee because this
long time ye have cried unto me.”
Do you take the time to
petition the Lord as the brother of Jared does? I think that you casually ask
and then go on you merry, sometimes not quite merry, way. Be more diligent in
prayer.
Ether 2:23 When
the brother of Jared was concerned that there wouldn’t be light in the boat,
the Lord asked him, “What will ye that I should do?”
Think about that. The Lord
wants us to study things out ourselves, and He also wants us to share our
thoughts and ideas with Him. He wants us to counsel with Him. When we do that,
He will listen and confirm our thoughts, or counsel us otherwise.
In order to become more
believing, we need to practice more faith. I need to increase the efficacy of
my prayers with my Father.
Ether 4:15 The
Lord will help rend my veil of unbelief as I seek Him more earnestly, seek
revelation from Him, and act upon the direction that He gives me. He has
blessings waiting for all of us, but we need to be ready to receive them. Find
out what the Lord is willing to do for you.
Video: The Lord Appears to
the Brother of Jared: I can’t find
this video.
As I cry
unto the Lord, He will have compassion on me.
Ether
1:33–43
Ether 1:33–43 contains three prayers of the brother of Jared and the Lord’s response to those prayers. What do you learn from those responses? What do you learn about the Lord? (See below)
Think about the times you have recognized answers from the Lord to your own prayers. See now to strengthen your relationship with the Lord through prayer and through counseling with the Lord.
For kids:
Heavenly
Father hears and answers my prayers.
Ether
1:33–37; 2:16–25; 3:1–6
Speak to the children in a different language.
Ether 1:33–37 Because
of the wicked choice the people had made, the Lord was confounding their
languages, or making it so that they could not understand each other. So the
brother of Jared prayed earnestly that their families could speak to each other
in the same language and understand each other. Then he prayed for their
friends as well.
The Lord had compassion upon
them and their language was not confounded.
I think it’s important for
us to learn the language of prayer, how to communicate with our Heavenly Father
and how to hear, feel, and receive answers through from Him through the Holy
Ghost. As we do this, we will be taught and led to communicate better with our
friends and family and help bring others to Jesus Christ.
Do we sometimes confound our
own communication, or lack thereof, because of indifference or complacency?
Video: Chapter 50: The Jaredites Leave Babel
Ether 2:16–17 Pretend
to build barges. Explain that they were like submarines.
Ether 2:19-20
There were a couple of problems though. Air would run out; and there was no
light.
How did the Lord answer the
brother of Jared’s prayers concerning their needs?
See Ether 2:19–25 A
hole was cut at the top and the bottom of the barge, with stoppers to plug the
holes. So when they needed more air, whichever side of the boat was on top at
that time, they could uplug and let in air. (I’m sure the Lord made sure the
barge top was above water when they needed air.)
3:1–6 They needed light in the
boat. The Lord explained that they couldn’t have fire or windows; and He asked
the brother of Jared what he thought the Lord should do.
Picture story activity (at
bottom of lesson, found in first link).
What do these stories teach
you about prayer?
When have you prayed for help and received help from Heavenly Father?
I
can receive revelation for my life.
Ether 2; 3:1–6; 4:7–15
Revelation
for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
“I plead with you to
increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the
spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice
of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly” (President Nelson).
What do you learn about
spiritual work In Ether 2; 3:1–6; 4:7–15. (See below. You could mark in one color the questions or
concerns the brother of Jared had and what he did about them, and in another
color you could mark how the Lord helped him and made His will known.)
Look to scriptures below for
questions to ponder.
What else do you learn from
the brother of Jared about personal revelation?
A Framework for Personal Revelation
Through
His chastening, the Lord invites me to repent and come unto Him.
Ether
2:14–15; 3:1–20
We all require chastening from the Lord at times, even prophets.
Ether 2:14–15 The
Lord chastened the brother of Jared for three hours. Do you think that this
brother didn’t pray for a few years, or do you think he became lax in his
communications? Are your prayers more earnest when your needs are greater? In
what ways can we pray with real intent even, and especially, when things are
going well?
The Lord forgave the brother
of Jared, but told him to sin no more. Are you yourself sinning by not praying
the way you ought to pray? Repentance is needed. Don’t continue on in casual
devotion.
Truly the brother of Jared
repented and again strengthened his relationship with the Lord and the efficacy
of prayer in his life.
Ether 3:1–20 Here we
read about the brother of Jared taking the sixteen stones before the Lord and
petitioning him to touch each so that they could shine in the vessels. Because
his faith was so great, he saw the finger of the Lord. Afterwards, the Lord
showed Himself to the brother of Jared, and He showed him all things, to the
end of the world.
The
Lord will prepare me to cross my “great deep.”
Ether
2:16–25
There are things we need to go through in this life to
strengthen our devotion to the Lord and to become stronger ourselves. They
usually are not things that we would choose; but, after passing through our own
“great deep”, we wouldn’t trade it away either.
We need to trust in God’s plan for us and accept His will by having the
determination to be faithful even in our struggles and sorrows.
Do you see similarities to your life in Ether 2:16–25? (See below)
How has the Lord prepared you for your challenges?
The Lord prepared Bob and me for the joy and pain that came
with the birth and death of our son Robby, through our preparation in gaining
gospel knowledge and understanding and our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
I was also prepared as I buried our bunny Benny, who had been killed by his
brother Patch. As I wrapped that rabbit for burial, I said that it felt like
holding an infant. I also said that this event was somehow linked to my past
and my future; and it definitely was.
I was also prepared with through my friendship with Wendy Smith and the
struggles they had with little Marie as she was treated for her cancer and was
failing, and passed away just before she turned four.
I know that God was merciful to give us our son Robby and many miracles have
happened because of his short life, and I know that many more miracles will
happen because of God’s love for us, because of Robby’s faith, and the impact
he will continue to have in our lives.
What is He asking you to do now to prepare for what He needs you to do in the future?
I need to learn and study more. I need to pray to see if that entails taking classes or continuing to study on my own. I also believe I need to proceed with faith to get a passport and prepare to go visit Eliza and her family.
Consistent and Resilient Trust
Apply what you learn. Gospel study should inspire us to change our lives. After reading Ether 4:11–12, you might list some of the influences in your life and consider whether they persuade you to do good. What changes do you feel inspired to make? I need to increase the productivity of my discretionary time.
For kids:
I
was created in the image of God.
Ether
3:6–16
We were created in the image of God, and our bodies are good and important to our growth and to the work of the Lord. We should find joy in having a physical body and do our best to keep it strong and healthy.
Ether 3:6–16 The
brother of Jared so the finger of the Lord. This was Jesus before He was born
into to mortality. Jared was afraid at first. He thought Jesus had flesh and
bones like we do. (Our Heavenly Father does, and Jesus did when He came to
earth as a baby and grew to manhood, just like we do.) At that time Jesus was
still a personage of Spirit. But he let Jared know that we are created in the
image of our Heavenly Father and look like Him and like Jesus did, with human
(and later with exalted) characteristics.
Ether 3:13, 15 Because
the Brother had faith enough to see the finger of the Lord, when He asked the
Lord to show Himself to him, the Lord did. Then He saw that Jesus had a head
with hair, a neck, arms and legs, chest and belly, back and bottom, just like
we do.
What things do you like to
do with your body? Do you like to run, jump, slide, swing, play soccer; hug,
shake hands, smile?
Body Prayer: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_RnmHCuWDr/
Witnesses
testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
Ether 5
As you read Moroni’s
prophecy in Ether 5, ponder
the Lord’s purpose in preparing many witnesses of the Book of Mormon. (See
below)
Who has inspired you to
believe that The Book of Mormon is
the Word of God? All the writers in it. Moroni’s invitations and exhortations
at the end of the boobk. Nephi, Alma, King Benjamin…all of them. Especially the
witness of the Holy Ghost.
Ether 5:4 The Law of Witnesses has
always been important in establishing truth. Not only was the truthfulness of
the book established by many more than two or three witnesses; but, it is also
established by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
“And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be
established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which
shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a
testimony against the world at the last day.”
For kids:
Three
witnesses testified of the Book of Mormon.
Ether
5
Talk about what witnesses are. Tell them that when people
bear their testimonies, they are being witnesses. When their parents ask them
what happened, and you recount the truth to them, you are bearing witness.
Heavenly Father uses the Law of Witnesses. How can we know that The Book of Mormon is true?
The record of the Jaredites,
taken from the twenty-four plates found by the people of Limhi in the days of
King Mosiah.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/1?lang=eng
Moroni abridges the writings
of Ether—Ether’s genealogy is set forth—The language of the Jaredites is not
confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice
land and make them a great nation.
Vs 3-4 The Jews used to have a full account of those things that
transpired from the days of Adam until the Tower of Babel.
Ether 1:33–43 contains three prayers of the brother of Jared and the Lord’s response to those prayers. What do you learn from those responses? What do you learn about the Lord?
Ist prayer
Vs 34 Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord that their families wouldn't lose their ability to communicate with eachother. This is a remarkable thing for parents to pray for. What things are you praying for for your own family, your extended family, and your friends?
Vs 35 The brother of Jared prayed mightily, he cried unto the Lord and the Lord had compassion upon Jared. Their famililies could still understand each other.
2nd prayer
Vs 36 Jared asked his brother to ask the Lord to give the same blessing for their friends, so that they could all understand each other.
Vs 37 When the brother of Jared again prayed to the Lord for their friends, the Lord had compassion, and their families were also blessed that they could all understand each other.
3rd prayer
Vs 38 Then Jared asked his brother to inquire of the Lord if He'd lead them all into a land of promise.
39-43 The brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord for the very blessing Jared was inspired to ask the Lord for. "The Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had compassion on him."
Because of the faith of Jared and his brother, the Lord answered their prayers and directed them towards a promised land.
Vs 43 “And thus I will do unto
thee because this long time ye have cried unto me.”
The Lord is reaching relentlessly for you? Are you reaching for Him
relentlessly as well?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/2?lang=eng
39-43 The brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord for the very blessing Jared was inspired to ask the Lord for. "The Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had compassion on him."
Because of the faith of Jared and his brother, the Lord answered their prayers and directed them towards a promised land.
Vs 8-10 The Lord set apart the Americas to be inhabited by righteous people, a people that serve Him. If they are not righteous, as some point they’ll be swept off.
Vs 11-12 Message for us, the Gentiles who now possess the land. Repent and serve Jesus Christ, or be swept off. It's happened before.
Vs 14-15 Do we ever stagnate. The Lord wanted them to have their promised land, and they were becoming comfortable where they were. Are you praying to know the Lord's will for you now, currently?
Where was Jared? It seems that we all need reminders that we need to pray. After the Lord reminded the brother of Jared, he did not forget again.
What impresses you about the way the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s questions in Ether 2:18–25? Do you see similarities to your life in Ether 2:16–25?
Vs 18-20 The Lord knows our needs and wants to provide us with direction. When the brother of Jared prayed over his concern for air in the boat, the Lord gave him a simple solution. He wanted them to reach the promised land in safety too.
Vs 22-23 The brother of Jared was also concerned that there was no light in the boats, and about taking their families across the ocean in darkenss. The Lord explained that they could not have windows or fire in the vessels. So He asked Jared, "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?"
Vs 24-25 Are you making some decisions and using he power within you to come up with solutions? Do you look to the Lord for answers to your prayers and for help in your work?
What
do you learn about spiritual work In Ether 2. Our
the Lord’s answers to us don’t come all at once, but line upon line, according
to our desire, preparation and faith in Him. When it comes to prayer, it is
never one and done, but ongoing.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/3?lang=eng
The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.
What do you learn about spiritual work In 3:1–6 How might you use Ether 3:1–5 to help someone who is learning how to pray?
Vs 2-4 The Brother of Jared most humbly petitions the Lord to make the stones shine forth in darkness. He acknowledges his weaknesses and the holiness and strength of the Lord and asks for His help and mercy.
Vs 5 The brother of Jared expresses his faith and trust, saying, O Lord, though canst do this. He took the time to prepare 16 small stones with firm belief that the Lord's touch would light them.
Vs 6-8 Because of the Brother of Jared's great faith and humility, he saw the Lord's finger as he reached forth to touch the rocks.
Vs 9-13 Because the brother of Jared had such great faith, the Lord showed Himself to Him and He let Him see inside the veil, in the presence of the Lord.
Vs 14 Because of Jared's faith and humility and willingness to belief all that Jesus says, he is brought within the veil and sees Jesus. He receives the Second Comforter, even seeing Jesus Christ, is redeemed from the fall, and is promised eternal life.
If all men have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and follow His doctrine, they too will become His sons and daughters and have eternal life.
Vs 15-16 We are all created in the image of God. Both our spiritual bodies and our physical bodies are created in His Image. If we had faith in Jesus like the brother of Jared did, we could see Him too.
Read vs 19-28 Moroni’s recap
Vs 23-38 The Lord showed many wonderful things to the Brother of Jared and commanded him to write them down. The testimony that he had seen the Lord was not to be made known until after His resurrection. Other things have not been given to us, because we aren't ready to receive them. (If we were, they could be given unto us as well.) Jared was to seal the seer stones with the plates.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/4?lang=eng
Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared—They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared—Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples—Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.
Vs
1-2 The people in the Americas were shown the writings of Jared after Christ's
resurrection and visit to them.
Vs 4-7 Moroni gave us an abridgment of the brother of Jared's record. We will not receive the greater record until we have faith like the brother of Jared, become clean before the Lord, and exercise faith so that they can be sanctified in the Lord.
What might prevent you from
receiving revelation from the Lord? (see Ether
4:8–10). How can you receive revelation from Him more often? (see Ether
4:7, 11–15). What do you learn about
spiritual work In 4:7–15.
V
8 If we contend against the word of the Lord, or deny His words, we curse
ourselves and He won't show us any greater things.
Vs 8-10 We are prevented from receiving revelations from the Lord if we don’t
believe the things He’s already spoken and done, and if we don’t listen to His
prophets and disciples.
Vs
11-12 Is we believe in Jesus and His words, He will visit us with the
manifestations of His Spirit, so that we can know the truth. Everything Jesus
says is true, because it persuades us to do good. Everthing that is good comes
from Him. If we believe in Him and in the Father, we will progress towards
eternal life.
Is
we believe in Jesus and His words, He will visit us with the manifestations of
His Spirit, so that we can know the truth. Everything Jesus says is true,
because it persuades us to do good. Everthing that is good comes from Him. If
we believe in Him and in the Father, we will progress towards eternal life.
Vs
13-14 ff Jesus invites us as Gentiles of the Latter-days to come unto Him,
along with Isreal and be believing. If we call upon the Father in Him name,
with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, we will know the Father has
remembered His covenant with the house of Israel.
We
are invited to repent, to come to Jesus, believe His gospel, be baptized in His
name, and be saved. If we remain faithful to His name, He will lift us up to
dwell in the kingdom He's prepared for us from the foundation of the world.
If we want to receive more, we need to be thankful for and acknowledge what we
are already given. We need to believe in Him, repent, praise Him, and keep His commandments.
We must follow His doctrine and keep His covenants.
What do you think it means to “rend [the] veil of unbelief” in your life” (Ether 4:15).
To rend our veil of unbelief, we need to let the light of our faith shine through our doubts and dispel them. We need to focus on the Savior with riveted attention to His gospel and His doctrine. We need to belief in Him, pray to the Father in His name, believe His words and the words of His prophets, and do His works.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/5?lang=eng
Three
witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of
the Book of Mormon.
As
you read Moroni’s prophecy in Ether 5, ponder
the Lord’s purpose in preparing many witnesses of the Book of Mormon. This
would be so that many would believe in Christ and come to salvation through
Him.
Vs
2-4 There were to be three witnesses besides Joseph Smith who would receive the
plates who would see the plates by the power of God. The law of witnesses is
important.
Vs 5 The path to Heavenly Father is faith in Jesus Christ and repentance, then baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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