Cliff Notes Bible

Don't worry, I'm still reading. I'm in Numbers, and just learned about Heave Offerings. I hope I never get tested on these things, because everytime I hear the words "heave offering" I don't think pleasant thoughts.

Anyway, I found this poem (at Meridian Magazine) and loved it. I also learned that if you read three chapters a day, you can finish all of the standard works in 18 months. So really it shouldn't take me 10 years to finish the OT.


The Bible in Fifty Words

God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.

- Unknown

Leviticus, or is it "Leave-it-and-cuss?"

So I may have to take a reprieve from the OT. My family and I have faithfully read from it every night, and so far there are have been some cool stories, and A WHOLE LOT of sacrificial instructions. Yesterday during the sacrament, one of my sons smooshed his bread and called it unleavened.

Last night the family gave up. They are going back to the B of M, the best book ever written. I'm tempted, too. Do you think I'll make it to the celestial kingdom if I don't read the OT? Does the reading get better? Should I just skip Leviticus and move on?

Anybody got any suggestions?

Exodus

Nephi’s familiarity with the Exodus story is paralleled by his apparent familiarity with the exodus cycle as a literary pattern. The final testimony of the exodus of the last days is the same as the testimony of the exodus from Egypt and the exodus from Jerusalem: “All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

-Liahona, February 1988

_________________________________

We've been reading about the Israelites and the exodus from Egypt. We've read of the plagues, of Moses needing to hold his hands up in the air for the Israelites to win their battles, of manna and of Moses delegating his responsibilities so that he won't wear out. There are many, many lessons that can be learned from these chapters, many details that are so neat to think about and ponder. But because I only have a few minutes to blog (as usual), I'll just write about the whole exodus and compare it to others exoduses in church history.

I find it interesting that the Nephites also had an exodus, although on a much smaller basis. When Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem, that was an exodus for the Book of Mormon people. The people were familiar with the Bible's account of leaving the land of Egypt, and saw the symbolism.

The Jaredites also had an exodus when they escaped from the people involved in the tower of Babel. They too came to a new land to worship freely.

And, of course, the pioneers left Nauvoo to follow Brigham Young in an attempt to find a land to worship freely. We've all heard the stories of sacrifice and hardship they went through, but also the blessings because they did so.

The theme of leaving one place to find another, guided by the hand of the Lord, is common throughout church history. I believe that many of us also go through our own individual exodus, to find our place in the world, our testimony, and our place to worship how we feel is right. I'm glad the Lord allows us the freedom to choose, but also guides and directs us if we choose to follow Him. I love Him and trust in Him with my whole heart.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Few men in the Old Testament are of greater importance to Latter-day Saints than is Joseph of Egypt. (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, July 1999).

I can't believe I haven't written about my favorite story of all time in the Bible. I love the story of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt by his brothers and was amazing despite many setbacks. When he was a slave, he worked hard to earn a better position, when he was wrongfully imprisoned, he helped others by interpreting their dreams, he worked hard for the Pharoah and became Egypt's #2 guy. And, oh ya, he forgave his brothers for fake killing him. And his brothers became humble, and they all lived happily ever after.

What a great story. And the musical is great, too.

Ten four good buddy.

God Made Them Brothers, and God Made Them Friends

"This is also a story about forgiveness and family reconciliation. “If I were to teach the principle of generosity in human relationships, how marvelous to share with people … the relationship of Jacob and Esau,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Just as Jacob and Esau needed time apart, so might we occasionally need time to calm our feelings and reflect on the importance of our family relationships. Yet time and separation alone will not bring resolution. If we are prayerful, the Lord will help us know when the time is right for reconciliation, and we can follow the example of these brothers. How sweet that moment of sincere reconciliation can be! Our Savior will help us. He is the great Mediator, and He is able to soften hearts and heal wounds. He knows how to bring people to a unity of heart and mind. His example of marvelous generosity to us through His Atonement can help inspire forgiveness in our souls." (From the lds.org website.)
________________________

We just read tonight about Jacob and Esau's reuniting. I had no idea this story existed. See how reading the scriptures can be?

Anyway, later in life, Jacob is commanded to go back to the land of his inheritance, and is scared because at one time Esau wanted to kill him. And when Jacob sent Esau a friendly note saying that he was returning, Esau sent a note saying that he was ready and waiting with 400 armed men. But when Jacob returned, he bowed 7 times to Esau as a show of respect, then Esau ran forward, hugged and kissed him, and wept.

What a happy ending! What a great book! A lot can be learned about this story, as demonstrated in the quote above. I'm glad the story of their relationship ended well. The Lord truly can soften hearts.

Leah and Rachael

"When heaven’s promises sometimes seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you." (Spencer J. Condie, Ensign Nov. 2007)

_______________________________

We just read about Jacob last night and how he had to work 14 years to marry Rachel, but instead got Leah. He worked another 14 years for Rachel. The Bible makes it sound like Rachel was the one who had it hard. After all, she wasn't able to bear children for a very long time, and couldn't marry the man she wanted for 28 years before that. I guess she did have it very hard. I always see the happy ending, how she was able to have Jacob's favorite son's who were righteous and good. But she couldn't see the happy ending from the beginning. Neither can we. I'm going to try to remember that there is a happy ending if only we endure righteously to the end.

On another note, though, I've always felt sorry for Leah. Here she had to marry a man she knew didn't love her, even though she bare him lots of sons, and she wasn't as pretty as Rachel. That would be a hard life, too. I wonder what Leah was like inside. If she was a bitter person who felt like a victim, or if she was okay with her lot in life.

Anyway, that's the latest story from the OT. (Sorry for the abrupt ending, but my lunch break is up...)

Still Plugging Away

I know I never update this blog. However, I am still continuing my goal to read the Old Testament.

Reading this book by myself was truly not easy. And not working. So now I read the Bible every night with my family. We started at the beginning, and now we're on Genesis chapter 20-something. We just finished the part where Isaac and Rebekeh had twin boys (Esau and Jacob?) and one was a red hairy hunter who sold his birthright for some pottage from Jacob. I know Jacob was righteous and all, but don't you think that's a little conniving? Why do you think he did that? Was Esau always a pain in the neck or something and Jacob had had enough? Or did Jacob know that it wouldn't mean a lot to Esau to have the birthright anyway?

I'd like to know your thoughts (if anybody read this...)

And, I'll still update when I can. I'm not quitting!!