|
|
HIDDEN
LDS/JEWISH INSIGHTS #35
Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Supplement by Daniel Rona
Weekly E-mail Reminder
<< REPENT AND RETURN UNTO
THE LORD >>
Helaman 13–16
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(1.) THE MESSIAH IS COMING!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The
lessons learned preceding the first coming of the Lord are timely because the
second coming of the Lord is imminent. Once again, looking for parallels to
today is very valuable. There is a sect of Orthodox Jews that posts banners all
over Israel and in some sections of New York which read, "Prepare For The
Imminent Arrival of The Messiah!" The previous campaign read, "We Want
The Messiah, Now!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(2.) A "GENTILE"
PROPHET?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, Samuel the Lamanite
was an anomaly among the Nephites as well as the Lamanites even though he was
one of them, a descendant from the tribes of Israel. Today, the living prophet
is a descendant from the tribes of Israel, an anomaly among the non-Jews as well
as the Jews. A modern prophet from the "Gentiles" could cause a
reaction among some of the Jews. People look at him with the same unbelief as
the Nephites who looked on Samuel the Lamanite. In both instances, the air is
crisp with anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(3.) JERUSALEM AND ZARAHEMLA:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Can Zarahemla be compared to Jerusalem? How many similar experiences have they
or will they experience? In the last days, Israel will experience a holocaust in
which a third of the population will perish, and two thirds of Jerusalem’s
population will also die.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(4.) SYMBOLISM OF THREE DAYS
AND NIGHTS:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The sign of three days and nights has been used numerous times
throughout scriptural history. Most have something to do with being saved. A few
examples : ". . . a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days . .
. but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." (Exodus
10:22) ". . . hide yourselves there three days . . . and afterward may ye
go your way." (Joshua 2:16) ". . . Jonas was three days and three
nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40) ". . . he spake
concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given . . ."
(1 Nephi 19:10) ". . . I was three days and three nights in the most bitter
pain and anguish of soul . . . I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my
soul." (Alma 38:8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(5.) HAS THE MESSIAH ALREADY
COME?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. David Pflueser, Professor of Comparative Religions at Hebrew
University in Jerusalem was asked if he believed that Jesus is the Messiah. He
said with a smile, "When he comes, I will ask him, Sir, is this your first
or second visit to Israel?"
|
|
