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https://www.israelrevealed.com/the-holy-land-blossomed-for-him-dilworth-rust-a-personal-letter/#respond Wed, 24 May 2017 20:33:58 +0000 https://www.israelrevealed.com/?p=3303

Dilworth Rust Mormon Travel Israel
Dilworth Rust, Salt Lake Temple

March 25, 1987

Dear Mother,

. . . For our anniversary . . . we were. . . in Israel . . . a wonderful experience, one which I’m sure will always remain with us. The tour was made especially meaningful by our having as a guide, Daniel Rona, a Latter-day Saint Jew authorized to lead guided tours in the Holy Land. He took us to the places that mattered most to a Latter-day Saint: places which fit 1) archaeology, 2) the scriptural record, 3) tradition, and 4) impressions of the Spirit.

The highlights of the week . . . were of both a physical and spiritual nature: visits to the Shepherd’s Fields across from Bethlehem, to “Temple Square”-­ and especially the site where the Holy of Holies . . . will eventually be rebuilt, to the Garden Tomb, and to the Mount of Beatitudes. A sacred spirit was especially evident at the Garden Tomb and . . . the Mount of Beatitudes. All these places have a natural beauty . . . . more than that, though, I was touched with the knowledge that despite all the churches and other shrines constructed in Jerusalem and elsewhere, the places that mattered most were untouched.

A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre left me with a cold feeling; . . . By contrast, when Pat and I went back to the Garden Tomb on Wednesday–our last day in Jerusalem, and a free day for us–we loved sitting on a bench in the garden and meditating and singing. For a while, we were the only ones there. Then when we went by ourselves into the tomb, the sunlight filled up the chamber and there was a wonderful spirit pervading it. Pat and I wanted to stay there and feel the spirit (even though in a place such as that a normal impulse is to get back out into the open). Given the direction of the sun’s rays, I speculated that early on that first Easter morning, the rays might well have penetrated to the furthest recesses of the garden tomb. (It would have been appropriate: the light of the world shining fully upon the newly resurrected “Light of the World.”)

Garden Tomb Israel Mormon Travel
Garden Tomb Israel

Similarly, at the Mount of Beatitudes, (Daniel) took us to a place below the church built on the top of the mount. There at the side of the mountain, looking down upon the Sea of Galilee . . . at the top of an untouched meadow . . . I felt strongly that the Savior had been there and had taught there. . .

The experience (especially, thanks to help from our LDS Jewish guide) helped me better appreciate the need to care more about the nature and destiny of the Jews . . . I have a feeling that our role must be a continual learning role–to know where they are coming from. There is a need to build bridges. What the Jews had lost for more than two millennia were: 1) prophets and the spirit of prophecy; 2) the active Levitical order and their own high priest to function in the temple; 3) a temple; 4) a kingdom–a powerful nation (which they are now regaining); and 5) land (which has now been rectified–with people speaking 120 different languages returning to Israel).

“They have the forms without the spirit”

Perhaps the most impressive lesson I learned about the Jews (and here I am talking about the Orthodox Jews–about 85% of the Jews in Israel are irreligious) is, that they have the forms without the spirit, just as did the Pharisees in the time of Jesus. I finally understood what the Savior meant when he condemned the practice of Pharisees praying to be (seen) of men: the orthodox Jews at the Wailing Wall were moving their upper bodies up and down as they prayed, they also had their prayer books in their hands. It was evident at a long distance that they were praying . . .

The orthodox Jews enforce strict requirements on each other. On the road to Jericho there is a prominent sign that says Levites should not go further . . . because . . . of coming too close to a cemetery (and thus polluting themselves). The sign shows the long detour the Levites are obligated to take to avoid this possible contamination. With some help from Daniel Rona, we finally saw new dimensions in the Savior’s parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite went to the other side of the road because they thought the wounded Samaritan was dead–and they didn’t want to be polluted by coming close to him. Thus, they let their fastidious (and falsely understood) adherence to strict rules keep them from helping a fellow being. (As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, “the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”)

Daniel Rona also explained that the Urim and Thummim– which Joseph Smith said were of triangular shape—(could mean) “yes” and “no” (or “thumbs up” and “thumbs down”). Thus, they would have been represented by a triangle and an inverse triangle: ▲ ▼. When put together, they form the Star of David: . The significance of this is made clear when one considers the prophetic powers of the earlier David. As I meditated upon this new information, I thought of how the Star of David has lost its inner meaning to the present-day Jew: prophecy has gone from the Jews (but not permanently).

One other insight our guide shared has caused me subsequent deep thought. Brother Rona pointed out that the chief cornerstone which Christ represented was most logically the top of a pyramid. (Acts 4:11: “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.”) Then he pointed out the symbol of the pyramid on the dollar bill, and I quickly commented that the rejected chief cornerstone was also “the all-seeing eye” (i.e, the Lord). While this symbol undoubtedly was suggested by the Freemasons among our country’s founders, it contains some elements that could be attractive to Latter-day Saints. For example, as Hugh Nibley points out in his book, The Joseph Smith Papyri: An Egyptian Endowment, the pyramid anciently was thought of as a holy mountain–in other words, as a temple. In the symbol on the dollar bill, the power of the Lord can be seen as the apex of that temple.

King Zachariahs Tomb Israel
King Zachariah’s Tomb, Israel

So, what is the application to the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Jews? References in the Topical Guide to “Cornerstone” point to Jesus Christ (Jehovah) as “the Rock of his salvation” (Deut. 32:15). Zechariah 10:4 says, “Out of him came forth the corner [i.e., says our footnote, the cornerstone]”. What is fascinating to me (one of the things I discovered as I meditated about all this) is that the top of the tomb of king Zachariah . . . is a pyramid.

Now if we look again at the image of the dollar bill, we see that that lower part is like pyramids found in Central America. And what is now missing from them? There was a temple on top. In other words, the chief cornerstone not only completed the temple, but in effect it was the essence of the temple, containing its power, being the culmination, and containing the mountaintop element that is symbolic of temples (the meeting point between heaven and earth). We are reminded that Christ spoke of himself as a temple (John 2:19) (and indeed, “the house of the Lord” can have multiple meanings, one of which is the Savior himself–see also Rev. 21:22). So in Christ being rejected and taken into heaven (Moses 7:53: “I am Messiah . . . the Rock of Heaven”), the Jews lost the temple–and lost their connecting point between man and God.

“Jews will again have a temple in which the spirit of the Lord dwells”

The satisfying knowledge that a Latter-day Saint has, is that the head cornerstone will return, that the Jews will again have a temple in which the spirit of the Lord dwells, It is up to Joseph, though, to be an instrument in saving his brother Judah, just as Joseph of old–mistreated by his brothers and sent into Egypt–was a means of saving Judah and the rest of his family, In the repeating patterns of the Restoration, it would be appropriate for Joseph (especially the LDS church led by Ephraimites) to save Judah and then for Judah finally to recognize the identity of his brother. Eventually, in the Millennium, the law (i.e., doctrines and teachings) will go forth from (new) Zion . . . and the word of the Lord will go forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3). In both places, people will go to “the mountain of the Lord’s house” (Isa. 2:2, the temple).

Finally, though, Jerusalem will have a prophet again–speaking the word of the Lord. Then the Star of David will once more have real meaning (seership) and the essential forms found in Judaism (with the extraneous ones cast away) will be infused with spirit so as to become meaningful.

So, now you know some of the thoughts that have been stimulated by that wonderful trip to Israel. I know it is the Holy Land. I see it blossoming like a rose (an amazing thing to me), and I know that eventually the light that is Christ will bring great spiritual power back to that land.

You can see in the latest Ensigns the beautiful and interesting sights we saw in Israel. Wish you could have been there with us.

Dilworth Rust Signature
(Dilworth Rust)

P.S. You might pass this letter on to David and Eleanor. I wish they could have been with us, too.

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]]> https://www.israelrevealed.com/the-holy-land-blossomed-for-him-dilworth-rust-a-personal-letter/feed/ 0 Hunger And Thirst… For What? https://www.israelrevealed.com/hunger-and-thirst-for-what/ https://www.israelrevealed.com/hunger-and-thirst-for-what/#respond Fri, 05 May 2017 22:19:41 +0000 https://www.israelrevealed.com/?p=3252

Jordan River Baptism Israel
Baptism On The Jordan River, Israel

One thing many of us take for granted is time spent with family. Sometimes, we think that we can make up for lost time and put other priorities ahead of that quality time or experience, only to discover that time spent with family is a higher priority in life.

A spirit-filled travel experience in Israel is one of the more indelible ways to create lasting memories and experiences, as it develops an unbreakable bond. At the end of our life, we won’t be thinking about the new car we bought or that amazing dining room set we used a few times a year. Instead, we’ll treasure the memories of loved ones and the experiences we shared following the Savior’s footsteps.

The week, a fellow travel professional, Mark Murphy, CEO of TravelAlliance.com, shared many of the above thoughts . He told us that was diagnosed with cancer which disrupted his carefully scripted plans for 2017, and he had to focus on treatments starting in two weeks.

What Really Matters In Life?

Happy Family
Happy Family

The first thing he thought about, was: where can he and his family travel to in the next two weeks? He thought about travel first, not because of what he does professionally, but because of the power it has, to open a family’s eyes to the beauty all around.

Like Mark, I often think of the beauty of a loving family, the calming effects of a warm breeze and the simple pleasure of watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening in sacred surroundings. Add to that, the comforting feelings and the lasting strength that comes from “listening” to the “rocks shout” and “hearing” the “flowers praise” the Savior. Imagine what it is like as you and I walk the very paths, and sail on the very sea, he walked.

Steven and I are looking forward to the experiences we will have, and the enduring memories that will be the result. Like Mr. Murphy, the idea of “selling” travel is one that we don’t adhere to. We believe that you will “buy-in” to the Holy Land experience, because you want a personal connection to the biblical stories that touch you. Jesus was a great storyteller. We are able to share those stories and events because we were born and raised in Israel, our homeland, the Savior’s homeland.

It’s really that simple, add to the depth of your personal experiences, think how you have felt through someone else’s stories, and now you will, in person, with your family share the true feelings, where they originated.

Mark said, “I’ve traveled the world and built a successful company, but when it all comes down to it, I’m thinking about where I can connect with my family and bank more memories.”

As you “hunger and thirst” for happy, sacred memories, remember, we’ve already reserved your spot!

Remember your dream of walking in the footsteps of the Savior?

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]]> https://www.israelrevealed.com/hunger-and-thirst-for-what/feed/ 0 Passover Meal And Sabbath Ends With “Next Year In Jerusalem” https://www.israelrevealed.com/passover-meal-and-sabbath-ends-with-next-year-in-jerusalem/ https://www.israelrevealed.com/passover-meal-and-sabbath-ends-with-next-year-in-jerusalem/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2017 19:47:49 +0000 https://www.israelrevealed.com/?p=3205

Mormon Tours Capernaum Israel
Capernaum, Israel

In the phrase, “Next Year in Jerusalem,” Jerusalem indicates a future city–and a City-Temple, rebuilt as the Messiah arrives. Most Jews express this messianic longing at the end of the Passover seder meal, as well as at the end of each Sabbath, adding the words hoping that the Messiah should come “speedily in our day.”

The sadness of the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 is shown in the artistic renditions of the “Magen David” (Star of David) on synagogues that have noteworthy exceptions. There are two of these at Capernaum. One of them is straight up; the other (like most of these symbols everywhere else), are at a slight right slant. The menorah (seven-branched candelabra) is another example and the fact that the symbols are slanted denotes the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. The ones at Capernaum and a few others that are straight seem to indicate that they were carved while the temple was still standing. Incidentally, all synagogues face toward Jerusalem.

Synagogue At Capernaum

Mormon Travel Capernaum Israel
Mormon Travel To Capernaum

At Capernaum, there are two doorways in and out of the synagogue. After the temple was destroyed, all synagogue entrances (coming from Jerusalem) were closed and a back door was opened. The symbolism may mean that we are now coming from the Diaspora into the place of worship and must return to the Diaspora. Jews’ synagogue prayers used to end with the hopeful words, “Next year in Jerusalem.” Now that Jerusalem is restored, the prayers read, “Next year in Jerusalem – rebuilt.” The Capernaum synagogue has both a pre- and post-temple destruction entrances.

One can consider that the words, “next year” brings a sense of being at the beginning, or on the way, to Jerusalem, as in a heavenly quest for betterment, a messianic hope.

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]]> https://www.israelrevealed.com/passover-meal-and-sabbath-ends-with-next-year-in-jerusalem/feed/ 0 How Could Good Friday, Actually Be On Thursday? https://www.israelrevealed.com/how-could-good-friday-actually-be-on-thursday/ https://www.israelrevealed.com/how-could-good-friday-actually-be-on-thursday/#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2017 18:20:53 +0000 https://www.israelrevealed.com/?p=3191

LDS Jonah & The Whale
Jonah & The Whale

For the Jews, as well as for the Christians, the example of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish for three days and three nights is a symbol of atonement and that the Messiah would rise from the dead. Yet, the three nights and three days of Jesus’ interment and living again is still not recognized by the Jews as a sign of his Messiahship. One major reason for this may be that the account of his death and resurrection simply is not known, and if it is known it is not recognized. Or, it is being explained incorrectly.

Even Christians struggle with the symbolism due to a “mainstream” Christian tradition of Good Friday as the crucifixion day and Easter Sunday as the resurrection day. That, per the scriptural way of calculating twenty-four hour days, still is only two nights and two days. (night always precedes day, as in the creation).

“. . . For as 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 12:38-42)

Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the Sanhedrin, and Nicodemus, “. . . took . . . the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices . . . Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.” (John 19:40-42) The preparation day is always the night and the day before Passover. Passover is always treated as a Sabbath and called a high day. It occurs on the first full moon after the first day of spring. It is an extra annual Sabbath in addition to the regular weekly Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday).

Two Sabbaths In A Row?

That year, there were two Sabbaths in a Row. The scurrilous events of that day preceded the Passover which was due to begin at any moment. The Passover (high day) that week, preceded the regular Saturday Sabbath. “The Jews [Priests] therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was an high day)” (John 19:31)

In that sense, Jesus was crucified on what we call a Thursday. (This fits in the time reckoning of Palm Sunday being five days before the Passover). “Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany . . .” (John 12:1) “On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees . . .” (John 12:12-13) That was Palm Sunday (5-days before Passover, Sunday night/Monday was 4-days before Passover, Monday night/Tuesday was 3, Tuesday night/Wednesday was 2, Wednesday night/Thursday was 1day before Passover, the preparation day, Thursday night/Friday a high day Sabbath, Passover. So, in fulfillment of prophecy, He really was in the tomb three nights; Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday night, on the third day He arose: “. . . and be raised again the third day.” (Matthew 16:21; 17:23, Mark 9:31)

This is also the only “sign” Jesus gave the Pharisees. “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as 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 12:38-40) In speaking to the Pharisees, He specifically connected himself with Jonah, who was in a great fish . . . “. . . three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17)

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]]> https://www.israelrevealed.com/how-could-good-friday-actually-be-on-thursday/feed/ 6 Passover And Easter: When Did Wine And Bread Become Bread And Wine? https://www.israelrevealed.com/passover-and-easter-when-did-wine-and-bread-become-bread-and-wine/ https://www.israelrevealed.com/passover-and-easter-when-did-wine-and-bread-become-bread-and-wine/#comments Sun, 09 Apr 2017 23:29:42 +0000 https://www.israelrevealed.com/?p=3178

LDS Sabbath Passover Jesus Last Supper
Jesus & The Last Supper

Let us examine three symbolic reasons and meanings for the Sabbath and the ordinance done on that day, as well as what meanings Passover and Easter have in common. Remember, that in looking at the “Sabbath” and the “Sacrament,” they are ordinances. “. . . Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men . . .” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44, Pg.308)

The Sabbath is to be kept in remembrance of the creation.

“. . . Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you . . . It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:13-17)

The Sabbath is to be kept in remembrance of being delivered from bondage in Egypt.

“. . . And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:14-15)

The Sabbath is to be kept in remembrance of the atonement.

So important is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) that it is the only fast day which may be observed on the Sabbath and is never postponed until the next day. Moreover, the Torah describes the holiness of Yom Kippur by calling it the “Sabbath of Sabbaths.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

LDS Sacrament Passover Easter Wine & Bread
Sabbath Wine & Bread

To the Jews who commemorate the first two reasons for the Sabbath, a sip of wine is partaken, followed by bread. The prayers recited include a recollection of the past, with an eye to the future where an even greater deliverance is anticipated. In this sense, it is a chiasmus that focuses on the atonement in the center. The Savior’s atonement began with suffering and bleeding from every pore, (symbolized by wine) and then followed by giving his body, (symbolized by broken bread).

The Jewish prayers accompanying once each Sabbath and three times at the Passover meal anticipate a future redemption that would be greater than being redeemed from Egypt at the first Passover. The only time Jews will break, bless, and eat a piece of bread first, followed by pouring, blessing, and sipping wine last is when children at the traditional Passover meal (Seder) find the “hidden piece of bread” (afikommen). A Rabbi told me that when kosher wine (or grape juice) is not available, “living” water could be a substitute. Passover begins on the first full moon after the first day of spring (equinox). It is an extra Sabbath, a “High Day,” in addition to the regular weekly Sabbath.

To those who truly believe in the Messiah, the Sabbath day is commemorated by partaking of a morsel of bread followed by a sip of wine. The prayers are in remembrance of the greatest deliverance eternity ever experienced. The old form of the ordinance, wine and bread (anticipation) and then the new form of the ordinance, bread and wine (remembrance); these are the symbols of the Sabbath, a joyful thought of redemption!

When Was Bread And Wine First Used For The Sacrament?

For generations, Israel has been using wine and bread as part of Passover ordinance celebration, ever since the Passover was “instituted” through Moses on the eve of the Exodus. Along with bitter herbs and the Passover Lamb, these “substances” constitute the essence of the order of celebration on Passover eve by Israel through generations of time. Yet, the lamb, the wine, and the bread have been part of holy ordinances way before the generation of Moses leaving Egypt.

Adam was commanded to offer the firstlings of his flock without knowing why. Abraham partook of the wine and bread administered by the great high priest and King Melchizedek. So why do most of us continue to say “instituted”? Indeed, a better word would be revealed. This is what great prophets do; they reveal the mysteries of God to those who diligently seek after them.

LDS Jesus Sharing Bread On Passover
Jesus Sharing Bread On The Passover

On the eve of the atonement of Jesus, he himself declared: “take, eat, this is my body” as he “took bread, and blessed it, and break it, and gave to his disciples.” (Matthew 26:26). He himself declared: “this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed by many for the remission of sins” as he “took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them.” (Matthew 26:27-28) Jesus did not “institute” an ordinance that was unfamiliar to the disciples, he simply revealed himself to his disciples.

When Isaac the only begotten of Abraham was brought by his father to be offered as a sacrifice, Abraham revealed that “God would provide himself a lamb.” (Genesis 32:8) Adam was taught by heavenly messenger that his offering was “a similitude of the Only Begotten of the father.” (Moses 5:7)

Holy ordinances are eternal in nature and are revealed through and by the power of God, in the name of his Son. This has been, is, and will be, through the generations of time, the order by which things that are holy (sacrament) are administered by those who have the spirit of prophecy.

On this eve of Passover, I wish all a happy and orderly Passover, Shalom!
Love, Daniel & Steven Rona

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