FACES AND AN ARTICLE.

Cocoa

Pres and Sis Judd

my cousin and i

RMS from Ghnan Accra mission.

RMS from Ghana Accra mission

Aba Nigeria Temple

my younger brother(Elder Ekpenyong) and his companion(Elder Aduboateng)standing next to me

 

ZENOS’S ALLEGORY OF THE OLIVE TREES.

(Jacob 5)

There are many ways to examine Zenos allegory. By the identification of a few consistent symbols most verses can be rendered in a form that makes interpretation a simple matter. For example:

Tame olive tree = House of Israel

Lord of the Vineyard = Savior

Servant = prophets, missionaries

Root = Covenant people or blood of Israel

Wild olive tree = Gentiles

Decay (bad fruit, bitter fruit) = breaking covenants

Good fruit = keeping covenants

Grafting = Gospel opportunities

Vineyard = World

Plucking (burning) = judgement (justice)

Pruning (digging) = mercy, patience, long-suffering

Dunging = Nourishing

Branches = groups of people

Practice interpreting the following verses using the explanations above:

And he said unto the servant: Look hither and behold the last. Behold, this have I planted in a good spot of ground; and I have nourished it this long time, and only a part of the tree hath brought forth tame fruit, and the other part of the tree hath brought forth wild fruit; behold, I have nourished this tree like unto the others. (5:25)

And now, behold, notwithstanding all the care which we have taken of my vineyard, the trees thereof have become corrupted, that they bring forth no good fruit; and these I had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self. But, behold, they have become like unto the wild olive tree, and they are of no worth but to be hewn down and cast into the fire; and it grieveth me that I should lose them. (5:46)

Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof. (5:52)

It may even be possible, though perhaps not necessary, to assign specific verses to particular historical events. The long time that passes away in verse 15 is probably the inter-testamental period from 400 BC to the birth of the Savior. Verse 46 may be an allusion to the great apostasy. Verse 25 seems to refer to the Nephites and Lamanites in the land of promise.

However, in my studying of this chapter, I have finally determined to study it in the frame of mind in which Jacob wrote it. That it, I have focused on the willingness of the master to help us when we make mistakes. 

The Jews, in their stiff-neckedness and their hard-heartedness and their rejection of the Savior, made terrible mistakes. Jacob engraved this allegory on the plates (a herculean task!) in order to show us what the master of the vineyard did for them, and will do for us when we make mistakes. Try reading Jacob 5 with just this question in mind: What can I learn here about what the Savior will do for those he loves when they stray from the strait and narrow path?

The following list is my list – a collection of insights into the Love of the Savior – a list not quite like any other list from any other place in the scriptures.

• PRUNE – This word and the next two (dig, nourish) appear often together in this narrative. But the idea of pruning suggests a more drastic intervention that loosening the soil and applying fertilizer. Hebrews tells us that even the Savior learned . . . obedience by the things which he suffered. (Heb. 5:8) Job was pruned. Paul had his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7). These afflictions speak to me more of pruning than of digging or nourishing.

• DIG – Alma speaks of being harrowed up by his sins. That would be digging in its most dramatic form. But in a milder form, this word makes me think of the loosening of soil around a plant to increase its ability to receive nutrients. Thus, as God digs about us, he may be trying to loosen the hardness of the soil of our hearts and the stiffness of our necks, to make us more responsive to the whisperings of the Spirit and the words of the Prophets

 

• NOURISH – Some form of this word shows up 20 times in Jacob 5. Moroni 6:4 speaks of our need to be nourished by the good word of God . . . We may be nourished in our spiritual weakness by the scriptures or the prophets or the words of loving friends and leaders and family members.

• GRAFT – In its literal use in this allegory, the word graft refers to the transplanting of groups of people to increase the chance that they will respond to the opportunities and blessings of the gospel. But in a more general sense, the action of grafting refers to the efforts of the Lord to change the environment of groups, families, or individuals to increase the likelihood of their responding to the blessings and opportunities of the gospel.

• GRIEVE – The grief of the Savior over the prospect of losing the trees and fruit of his vineyard is a constant theme in this allegory of Zenos. In eight different places Zenos speaks of the grief of the master over the lack of good fruit in the vineyard. Reading these verses again has reminded me of the experience of Enoch in Moses 7:28And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains? I think the Savior grieves, not because our sins have caused him to suffer, but because they will cause us to suffer.

• PRESERVE – Eleven times the Lord speaks of trying to preserve the trees and the fruit of the vineyard. In the face of decay and in the absence of acceptable fruit, and at a time when less devoted husbandmen might have turned the vineyard into firewood and started over, the Savior tries to preserve his people in righteousness. The pruning, digging, nourishing, and grafting, along with many of his actions in the following paragraphs are examples of his efforts to preserve his people until the time of the harvest.

• LABOR – Over and over again the Savior goes down to labor in the vineyard. He is not like the householder, which planted a vineyard . . . and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country (Matt. 21:33). He himself labors in the vineyard. In fact, we are told that at the time of his final visit, when laborers are sent in the vineyard for the last time, “that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them” (emphasis added)

• WENT DOWN; WENT FORTH; WATCHED; BEHELD – A number of phrases in Jacob 5 remind us that the Master of the Vineyard is watching us closely. He is keenly aware of all we say, think, and do: BEHOLD and hearken, O ye elders of my church . . . whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose desires have come up before me. Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the heavens and the earth are in mine hands, and the riches of eternity are mine to give (D&C 67:1,2). His purpose, I suppose, is be ready to render assistance at the first sign of wandering.

• SELECT LOCATIONS – After the Lord had hid[den] the natural branches of the tame tree in various places in the vineyard (Jacob 5:14), his servant asked, How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit (5:21,22). The Lord selects the locations for his people that will maximize the potential for good fruit. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said of this matter, Our Eternal Father knows all of his spirit children, and in his infinite wisdom, he chooses the very time that each comes to earth to gain a mortal body and undergo a probationary experience. Everything the Lord does is for the benefit and blessing of his children. And each of those children is subjected to the very trials and experiences that Omniscient Wisdom knows he should have (Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, p.660).

We must not miss this important truth. We can produce much fruit regardless of where they Lord puts us. If we are willing, he will nourish us and bless us and make us fruitful.

• DUNG – This word, as mentioned above, might be included with nourishing and digging, but using it separately gives me the chance to include (again) this favorite quote about dunging: 

On my way to visit the James's the other evening, I saw a wheat field that appeared to be greener and taller than the others. Thinking about it for awhile, I concluded that occasionally some loving farmer drives over the field with his tractor and pumps manure all over it. I thought, My, its just like life. Here we are minding our own business, growing our little hearts out. Were really quite green somewhat productive and very sincere. When out of the blue, life deals us a dirty one, and were up to our eyebrows in manure. We, of course, conclude that life as we have known it has just ended and will never be the same again. But one day, when the smell and the shock are gone, we find ourselves greener and more productive than we have been. Unfortunately, no matter how often we go through these growing experiences, we are never able to appreciate the sound of the tractor of the smell of the manure. [Harold W. Wood] 

• NOTWITHSTANDING ALL THE CARE WHICH WE HAVE TAKEN (5:46) WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE MORE? (5:41,47,49); HAVE I SLACKENED MY HAND? (5:47); I HAVE STRETCHED FORTH MINE HAND (5:47; 6:4) – These four phrases speak of the continuous concern for the Savior for the welfare of his children in the vineyard. His only concern is the welfare of his people, and that his suffering and his teaching and his example should be meaningful in helping them to have a fullness of joy: He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world . . . (2 Nephi 26:24).

• SPARE IT A LITTLE LONGER – At a time when all the trees of the vineyard were corrupted and brought forth no good fruit (5:46) both the servant and the master agreed to spare the vineyard a little longer (5:50,51). It was ripe for burning. It deserved burning. This willingness to wait for judgement in hopes of repentance is in other scriptural locations called patience or longsuffering. It was this willingness that Ammon spoke of when he said, Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state? (Alma 26:17)

• REJOICE EXCEEDINGLY – This is the response of the Savior when he anticipates success in preserving both roots and branches of the tame tree (5:60). We are promised that our joy will be great if we bring souls, but we are reminded that he has great joy too: And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! (D&C 18:13)

 

• LABOR DILIGENTLY WITH OUR MIGHT At the beginning of the allegory, we saw the Master and his servants laboring, but as the end draws near, the nature of the labor seems to change (5:61,62,71). The language is similar to the instructions given in D&C 4: 2: Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. The salvation of a soul worth any righteous effort.

• RECOVER – In Jacob 6, Jacob gives a brief review of the significance of the allegory. In verse 2 he repeats a promise often given in the scriptures that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people. He will do the same for all of his children, if they are willing to be recovered. Thus he promises in Mosiah 26:30 to forgive as often and repentance occurs. In Luke 5:4-6, he gives instruction to Peter and others, in spite of a night without success, to let down the nets again. 

• REMEMBERETH – He remembers the House of Israel (6:4). For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. (1 Nephi 21:15)

• HE CLEAVETH UNTO YOU – We are invited by Jacob to have as much affection for the Lord as he has for us (6:5). He will not abandon us for some minor infraction of the rules. Pres. J Reuben Clark said, I believe that his juridical concept of his dealings with his children could be expressed in this way: I believe that in his justice and mercy he will give us the maximum reward for our acts, give us all that he can give, and in the reverse, I believe that he will impose upon us the minimum penalty which it is possible for him to impose. (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, October 1953, p.84)

• HIS ARM OF MERCY IS EXTENDED – This is a wonderful conclusion to our analysis of this allegory. The words and phrases above offer powerful evidence of his mercy. In the same way that he invited the woman taken in adultery (see John 8:1-11) to repent and return, he has invited us to find security in the everlasting arms of his mercy.

 JACOB EXHORTS HIS LISTENERS TO REPENT AND FOLLOW CHRIST (Jacob 6)

The purpose of the allegory, once again is to tell us how it is possible to make mistakes even huge mistakes – and still receive the blessings of the atonement. In chapter 6, Jacob makes this point eloquently:

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts. Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die? For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire? Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? (Jacob 6:5-8)

And finally, this note:

O be wise; what can I say more? (Jacob 6:12)

It seems fairly clear from the ending verses of Jacob 6 that Jacob thought he was finished with his work on the plates. 

Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen. (Jacob 6:13)

ZENOS’S ALLEGORY OF THE OLIVE TREES.

THE MIRACLE OF LAUGHTER

THE MIRACLE OF LAUGHTER.

First and foremost,to present a convincing argument,may I ask,’why do some individuals laughs more whereas some laughs less or don’t laugh at all ?’, irrespective of the answers, it doesn’t mean we go around laughing all the time because that would be considered insane, but we certainly could all laugh more than we do.

I have learned that the ability to laugh at everyday life challenges, family difficulties helps keep life in perspective. If we will learn to laugh and play more with our families, not only will we feel better but so will they. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” says proverbs 17:22. Studies show that humor and laughter help people live longer, happier lives. Humour reduces stress,fear,intimidation,embarrassment, and anger. When a person laughs,blood pressure decreases, heart rate and respiration increase,the body releases endorphins, and depression declines. After the laughter subsides and you relax again,that good feeling has a lasting effect, even until the next day. Not many medicines will do that.

I was amazed on the fact that, on average, children laugh 400 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times. Why the gap? Did we lose something? Have we forgotten the way we used to be? Why is it that children seems to cope with life’s oddities better than adults? Perhaps it’s because they do not fully understand. But I think it’s simpler than that – they laugh. As we grow older, we get far too serious. Watch children play. It’s an attitude, not an event. Perhaps the key lies in becoming more childlike.

Laughter and play are closely related. Play puts everyone on an equal footing, first by the nature of play itself, and second you can change the rules to fit the situation. Play brings families together. It is a subtle tool for interaction and talk. It builds confidence because you can modify the rules to bring about success or any outcome you desire. Through play we develop relationships naturally. Our real personalities emerge. We tend to like people we have fun with. Play allows us to use our minds and break out of familiar molds. It allows us to explore more.

I think laughter is more important than a family vacation because it’s always available and it’s free. Vacation are not.( share your views). Laughter  is like getting away without going away. Laughter improves communication and builds relationships because everyone laughs in the same language. Laughter makes us approachable. It removes barriers. When using humour, however, we must be careful not to offend,intimidate,or embarrass. We should laugh together rather than at someone. No one likes to be teased. No one likes to be the brunt of a joke. By learning to laugh at ourselves, we usually become safe from offending.

We should also be careful not to use humor in settings where it could be disruptive to the spirit or where it would make light of sacred things. The trick is finding humour in the event now.

THE FRIUT LIVES ON...

Raymond Asrei is an eighteen year old born and raised in Abomosu. He is a member who was baptized by Elders Dominic and Edwards some 9 months ago. He lives with his grandfather in a small room in his family compound. He embraced the gospel because of friends who were members that invited him to Seminary. He is a graduate of Junior High School, yet has had difficulty with monies to continue his education into the High School grades. He has works at odd jobs when the work was available and most recently he has been a laborer in the farms weeding the bush. Most of his age group friends have gone to school where they have qualified to attend and can afford, leaving him to be a young man with desires but challenges for furthering his education. He is faithful in his priesthood duties and has taken the duties of the weekly Sacrament very honorably.

We have spoken together on a number of occasions at church, at his home and in our home. He has light in his eyes as he shares experiences of his reading in the Book of Mormon. He once asked me if I could get him a Bible and triple combination for him and he promised to read from one end to the other if I would acquire that for him. Sister Dalton and I have given that precious holy rite including a scripture case and Raymond has kept his word of reading each day from their pages. He continues to attend Seminary and is a leader and example to those who come to those classes. It has amazed me that he has continued in his activity in the church for his only support comes from the members of this branch. No family support or friends support, only missionaries and a wonderful Seminary teacher that keeps teaching the good word of God. He is a delight and beacon to us all.

Recently he came to our home and sat with Sister Dalton and me and shared his desire to find good employment so he could continue his schooling and prepare for a mission for the Lord. He spoke of the meaning of the gospel in his life and the testimony that burns within his heart. We shared scriptures that he had highlighted about the blessings of Heaven opening to him if he would be faithful to his covenants. He spoke of his experience at the Temple and the sweet refining spirit he felt within those sacred walls. He also shared that his family had an uncle who lived and worked in Accra. They had spoken and he had asked that Raymond come to Accra and seek work for the furthering of his education. I hesitated and cautioned him of being lost in the big city and the new challenges he would face in that transition from village to large city. We spoke of the family he would share living space with and their values they would be living. We spoke of the blessings that would come to him if he would be active in a ward and stake of Zion. The blessings of large groups of youth he could befriend and honestly share experiences together, and the vital importance of being above the temptations he would encounter. We sat together and at one time no words were spoken and the Spirit then directed this fine young man to ask for a blessing of the Priesthood to accompany him in his future journey. What great faith and profound direction Raymond displayed with that simple request of a Priesthood Blessing. Humbly I laid my hands upon his head and pronounced a blessing Father in Heaven would have his son hear and feel in his heart.

Last week Raymond returned after 2 months for a visit with his grandfather who is feeble with old age. Raymond came again into our home and sat with Sister Dalton and me and rehearsed his activities he has been involved with. He has found a good paying job selling minutes for cellphones. He has searched out his ward and attends most Sundays. He has completed the reading of the Old Testament and most of the Book of Mormon. He has met with the Bishop of his ward and was called as a Ward Missionary and regularly splits with the missionaries and bears testimony to those investigators. He once again beamed with light in his eyes and filled with the spirit, recounted experiences of faith he has felt. It was a true answer to his blessing the Lord pronounced upon his head the last time we visited. I marveled at his appreciation of the power of prayer and the answers he has received, the activities he involves himself for good, the Church friends that have folded him into their circle, and the duties and faith he continues to display with exactness. He is preparing to once again begin his education this next school year and still burns with a desire to serve a mission in the future. Oh, how Sister Dalton and I were lifted as we felt his spirit in our home. It truly is a blessing to us all the fullness of the gospel in our lives and the security of Fathers arms about you if we are faithful to his commandments. His faith strengthened our faith and confirmed that Father in Heaven listens and answers the prayers of his children.

(As a side note to Elders Dominic and Edwards who have both returned home as honorable missionaries, you have changed generations and have touched the lives of many through your faithful service as representatives of the Lord in our small village in Ghana Africa. Angels have recorded your deeds and sons and daughters of Father continue to live your teachings. Thank you for your example and dedication. May we all never forget we are a small part of the Missionary Grand Tradition in our actions and our words even after our fulltime mission service.)