Skip to main content

Jacob Chapter 5

This is a long one. Perhaps one of the longest chapters in all of the scriptures. But if we get bogged down in the length of the chapter, if we lose ourselves in the story, if we give ourselves to the concerns of the moment, we may miss the delight that is in these verses, like jewels set in a crown.

One such jewel I would like to mention today comes towards the end of the chapter. The Lord has visited the vineyard several times, each time with varying results. Finally, all seems lost and the Lord seems ready to just tear down the whole thing and start over. The servant is able to suggest that the Lord could save His vineyard if He would take certain steps. These steps the Lord is willing to do, knowing that His vineyard is precious, the roots of the tree are strong, and that if careful effort is applied it may yet bring fruit that is good and desirable.

The difference between this visit and previous visits to the vineyard is that on this occasion the Lord worked with them. Verses 70-72 relate:

70And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent hisaservant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other bservants; and they werecfew.

71And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and alaborin the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the blast time that I shall cnourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.

72And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.

The rest of the chapter describes the effect of this work - that they were effective at producing the fruit that was most desirable.

I have often heard it said that two people can do anything, as long as one of them is the Lord. I believe that. I also believe that there's a lot of work to be done. And I want to be a part of it.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...