Seventy Times Seven

The story of Samuel's calling, as recorded in 1 Samuel 3, is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, rich with spiritual significance and profound implications for the unfolding of Israel's history. This account not only introduces us to the young prophet Samuel but also provides insights into the nature of God's communication with humanity, the role of prophetic ministry, and the transformative power of divine encounters.

The backdrop of the story is set in the sacred context of the Tabernacle, a place where the presence of God dwells and where rituals of worship and sacrifice are performed. At this juncture, the priest Eli, who had been serving in the Tabernacle, is now advanced in age, and his eyes are growing dim. It is within this setting that Samuel, a young boy, resides and serves under Eli's guidance.

The narrative begins with a recurring theme in the Bible: the silence of God. In those days, "the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions" (1 Samuel 3:1). This spiritual drought sets the stage for the extraordinary events that follow. Samuel, lying down in the Tabernacle, hears a voice calling his name in the night. Assuming it to be Eli, he rushes to the priest's side only to be told that Eli had not called him. This pattern repeats three times, each time with Samuel responding to the voice that calls him.

The significance of this moment lies not only in the manner of communication but also in its content. The voice that Samuel hears is the voice of God. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that God is personally and directly speaking to Samuel. This highlights the intimacy of the divine-human interaction, a theme that reverberates throughout the Bible, demonstrating that God desires to communicate with humanity in a personal and relational manner.

Samuel's confusion and Eli's realization that it is the Lord calling out to Samuel underscore the rarity of such divine encounters during that time. Eli's guidance to Samuel to respond to God's call with the words "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9) becomes a profound model for how humanity should approach the divine presence—with humility, attentiveness, and a willingness to receive.

The impact of this encounter on Samuel is profound and transformative. From this moment onward, Samuel's life is marked by his role as a prophet, a spokesperson for God. His prophetic ministry, which includes conveying messages, warnings, and guidance from God to the people of Israel, becomes a central thread in Israel's history. Samuel's calling exemplifies the principle that God often chooses the unexpected, the young and seemingly insignificant, to carry out His divine purposes.

Beyond its immediate narrative, Samuel's calling serves as a prototype for understanding the broader nature of prophetic ministry in both biblical and contemporary contexts. Prophets are not mere fortune-tellers, but they are individuals who stand in the gap between the divine and the human, mediating God's messages, confronting moral and spiritual issues, and advocating for justice and righteousness. Samuel's story underscores the call to listen, respond, and relay God's word faithfully to a world in need of divine direction.

The crossing of the Jordan River, as narrated in chapters 3 and 4 of the Book of Joshua in the Bible, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. This event not only marks the physical transition of the Israelites into the long-awaited Promised Land but also holds profound spiritual significance, illustrating themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention.

The story begins with the death of Moses, the revered leader who had guided the Israelites through their wanderings in the wilderness. Now under the leadership of Joshua, the people find themselves on the banks of the Jordan River, facing the final obstacle before claiming the land that had been promised to them by God. The significance of the Jordan River lay not only in its geographical challenge but also in the spiritual parallel it drew to the Red Sea crossing during the Exodus. Just as the Red Sea crossing marked the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the crossing of the Jordan marked their entry into the land flowing with milk and honey.

In chapter 3, Joshua receives divine instructions. He tells the people to consecrate themselves, for God is about to perform wonders in their midst. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, is to lead the way. As the priests carrying the Ark step into the Jordan, the waters are miraculously parted, reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea. This dramatic event serves to strengthen the faith of the Israelites, reminding them of God's faithfulness and power to fulfill His promises. The crossing of the Jordan River becomes an embodiment of trust and a reminder that God is the one who clears paths in the most challenging of circumstances.

Chapter 4 focuses on the memorial built to commemorate this miraculous crossing. Twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, are taken from the riverbed and set up as a memorial at their campsite in Gilgal. The purpose of this memorial is twofold: firstly, to serve as a reminder for future generations of God's faithfulness in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land, and secondly, to prompt questions and curiosity from younger generations, leading to the retelling of the story and the perpetuation of faith.

This narrative also underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. Joshua's leadership in following God's instructions, the priests' obedience in stepping into the river, and the people's observance of the consecration process all emphasize the value of obedience. It's a lesson that echoes throughout the Bible: obeying God's commands leads to blessings, and trusting His guidance results in miraculous outcomes.

The Crossing of the Jordan River is a story rich with symbolism and spiritual lessons. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, His ability to make the impossible possible, and His desire to lead His people to their promised destiny. The faith exhibited by Joshua and the Israelites in the face of adversity, combined with God's miraculous intervention, establishes a paradigm for believers across generations: to step forward in faith, trusting that God will pave the way even when the path seems uncertain or challenging.

The story of the rebellion of Korah, as recounted in Numbers 16, stands as a cautionary tale that explores themes of authority, humility, and the consequences of challenging divine order. This narrative unfolds within the larger context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where their obedience to God's appointed leaders is put to the test.

Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, challenges the authority of Moses and Aaron, questioning their exclusive role as leaders and priests. They gather a group of 250 prominent men and confront Moses, asserting that "all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them" (Numbers 16:3). Their rebellion stems from a desire for more equal distribution of authority within the community.

Moses responds with humility, falling on his face before God and asking for divine guidance. God then orchestrates a dramatic test, instructing Moses to have Korah and his followers offer incense before Him. In response, the earth opens up and swallows Korah and his supporters, while fire consumes the 250 men who offered incense. This cataclysmic event serves as a clear demonstration of God's chosen leadership and His intolerance for rebellion against His established order.

The story of the rebellion of Korah highlights several important lessons. First, it underscores the concept of God-appointed authority. Moses and Aaron were chosen by God to lead the Israelites, and their authority was not to be undermined. The rebellion teaches that challenging legitimate authority can have severe consequences, as God's divine plan for leadership is to be respected and upheld.

Second, the narrative emphasizes the importance of humility. Moses' reaction to the rebellion demonstrates a humble willingness to seek divine guidance and not rely solely on his own judgment. In contrast, Korah's group exhibits a prideful desire for more power, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a reminder that humility before God and His appointed leaders is a key attribute in maintaining harmonious relationships within a community.

Furthermore, the rebellion of Korah illustrates the necessity of faith in God's guidance. The rebels questioned whether God was truly leading through Moses and Aaron, forgetting the miracles and providence they had witnessed during their journey. Their lack of faith in God's chosen leaders ultimately led to their downfall.

By Fernando Fajardo

The story of the Crossing of the Red Sea, as recounted in the Book of Exodus, holds a central place within the biblical narrative. This iconic event not only showcases the divine intervention and providence of God but also serves as a powerful symbol of liberation, faith, and the unwavering determination of a people seeking freedom from oppression. The narrative, found in Exodus 14, transcends its historical context to convey profound spiritual truths that continue to resonate across cultures and generations.

The tale unfolds against the backdrop of the Israelites' plight as they find themselves trapped between the relentless pursuit of the Egyptian army and the seemingly insurmountable barrier of the Red Sea. Having just been liberated from the oppressive yoke of Egyptian slavery, the Israelites' journey to freedom takes an unforeseen turn as they encounter this seemingly impassable obstacle. Their cries of desperation and fear resonate deeply, mirroring the challenges faced by all who have stood at the crossroads of uncertainty and adversity.

Enter Moses, the reluctant yet chosen leader of the Israelites, who becomes the vessel through which divine intervention manifests. Upon the instruction of God, Moses raises his staff, and a strong east wind begins to blow, causing the waters of the Red Sea to part miraculously. The imagery of the parted waters becomes a powerful symbol of transition, of crossing from one state of being to another. It signifies not only a physical crossing but a spiritual transformation, a passage from bondage to liberty, from despair to hope.

The Crossing of the Red Sea is a testament to the unwavering faith of Moses and the Israelites. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, their trust in the guidance and protection of a higher power allows them to step into the unknown with courage. This faith, rooted in the belief that liberation is possible even in the direst of circumstances, becomes a beacon of inspiration for individuals and communities throughout history who have dared to challenge oppression and injustice.

Furthermore, the story highlights the role of divine providence in human affairs. The precise timing of the parting of the Red Sea, just as the Israelites reach the shore with the Egyptian army in close pursuit, underscores the meticulous orchestration of events by a higher power. This narrative serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is a guiding hand at work, shaping destinies and paving the way for deliverance.

The Crossing of the Red Sea also carries universal themes of liberation and deliverance. It resonates beyond religious boundaries, touching the human spirit's innate yearning for freedom. The story's enduring appeal lies in its portrayal of the human journey—of facing obstacles, summoning the strength to overcome them, and experiencing transformation on the other side.

Moreover, the Crossing of the Red Sea serves as a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Israelites' identity as a chosen people. This narrative cements their unique relationship with God, one marked by guidance, protection, and covenant. The physical act of crossing the sea becomes a metaphorical initiation, a rite of passage that signifies the birth of a nation, united by a shared history and a shared destiny. The Israelites' exultant song of praise and gratitude following their safe passage reflects their acknowledgment of divine intervention and their commitment to a life of purpose and service.

Introduction:

The story of Jacob and Esau found in Genesis 25:19-34 and Genesis 27-33, is a timeless narrative that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, deception, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. Through the lives of these two brothers, we learn profound lessons about the consequences of our actions, the transformational nature of repentance, and the importance of reconciliation in healing fractured relationships. This post explores the key themes and lessons embedded within this compelling biblical tale.

The Dynamics of Sibling Rivalry:

The story of Jacob and Esau begins with their tumultuous relationship even before birth. While in their mother Rebekah's womb, the twins struggled, foreshadowing the conflict that would later define their lives. Esau, the elder brother, is described as a skillful hunter and the favorite of their father, Isaac. On the other hand, Jacob is portrayed as a quiet and cunning person who receives preferential treatment from his mother.

This sibling rivalry is a poignant reminder of how family dynamics can impact individual behavior and decisions. Favoritism can breed jealousy and resentment, leading to hurtful actions with long-lasting consequences. The story encourages us to reflect on the significance of treating each family member with love, fairness, and respect.

Deception and its Consequences:

One of the most significant events in the narrative is Jacob's deception of his blind and elderly father, Isaac, to secure Esau's blessing. Disguising himself as his brother, Jacob receives the blessing meant for Esau, perpetrating a grave act of dishonesty and betrayal. This act sets off a chain reaction of events that result in Esau's intense anger and the brothers' estrangement.

The story illustrates the destructive nature of deception and the profound impact it can have on relationships. It reminds us of the importance of honesty and transparency in our interactions with others. Deception may provide temporary gains, but ultimately it erodes trust and leads to broken bonds.

The Journey of Redemption and Transformation:

After Jacob secures the blessing, he flees to escape Esau's wrath. During his time away, he experiences a transformation as he encounters God in a series of significant events. One notable moment is his encounter with the angel, where he wrestles all night. This wrestling symbolizes Jacob's internal struggle and his willingness to confront his past actions.

This journey of redemption portrays the possibility of change and personal growth through self-reflection and facing the consequences of one's actions. It highlights the transformative power of sincere repentance and the willingness to make amends.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. This is the key to happiness. It is the quest for perfection...The invitation to repent is an expression of God’s infinite love and mercy. It is not an invitation to be perfect. It is an invitation to come back to God." - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Power of Forgiveness:

After many years of separation, Jacob prepares to reunite with Esau. Fearful of his brother's reaction, Jacob prays earnestly for protection. However, when the brothers finally meet, Esau surprises Jacob by embracing him with genuine affection and forgiveness. Despite the hurt and betrayal he suffered, Esau chooses to let go of the past and welcomes his brother back with open arms.

The act of forgiveness demonstrated by Esau is a powerful testament to the healing potential of reconciliation. It teaches us that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a display of strength and maturity. By letting go of resentment and choosing to forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of anger and open the door to restored relationships.

"As we forgive others, we can find forgiveness. The Lord has given us a way to live that will bring joy and happiness. The more we incorporate that pattern in our lives, the happier we will be." - President James E. Faust

Conclusion:

The story of Jacob and Esau offers a treasure trove of valuable life lessons. It delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, the consequences of deceit, the potential for redemption, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Through their struggles, we learn the importance of treating each family member with love and respect, the destructive nature of deception, and the hope that lies in redemption and reconciliation.

The biblical account of Cain and Abel, found in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 4), holds profound lessons that resonate with human nature and moral principles. This ancient narrative of fratricide and divine justice imparts timeless wisdom and ethical insights. Through the contrasting lives of these two brothers, we learn important lessons about jealousy, sin, responsibility, and the significance of genuine worship.

Picture below: Cain and Abel, by Robert T. Barrett

One of the primary lessons from Cain and Abel's story is the destructive nature of jealousy and envy. When Abel's offering is accepted by God while Cain's is not, Cain becomes consumed with jealousy. Instead of reflecting on his own actions and striving to improve, he allows his negative emotions to control him. Jealousy, if left unchecked, can lead to disastrous consequences, as it did in this biblical account. The tale serves as a poignant reminder for individuals to cultivate gratitude and contentment, celebrating the successes of others instead of being resentful.

Furthermore, the story of Cain and Abel highlights the devastating impact of sin on one's soul. God warns Cain that sin is crouching at his door, desiring to overpower him, but Cain fails to master it (Genesis 4:7). His inability to confront and overcome his sinful impulses ultimately results in the murder of his brother. This grim episode underscores the importance of self-awareness and self-control. It urges individuals to recognize their weaknesses, address them honestly, and seek forgiveness and redemption.

Responsibility is another significant lesson to be gleaned from this narrative. When God confronts Cain about Abel's whereabouts, Cain infamously responds, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). Through this question, Cain attempts to evade responsibility for his brother's fate. However, the story emphasizes that we bear a responsibility not only for our actions but also for the well-being of others. It underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and actively looking out for one another, fostering a sense of interconnectedness within the human family.

The account of Cain and Abel also addresses the significance of genuine worship and sincere offerings to God. Abel's offering is accepted because it comes from a heart full of faith and devotion, while Cain's offering is rejected due to his insincere and envious motives. This highlights the importance of intention and purity of heart when engaging in acts of worship or service. It teaches us that external actions alone are not enough; they must be accompanied by inner sincerity and faith.

Divine justice and consequences are prominent themes in this account. After Cain commits fratricide, God confronts him and issues a punishment: a life of wandering as a fugitive. This illustrates that actions have consequences, and justice will prevail. No wrongdoing goes unnoticed or unpunished in the eyes of the Divine. The narrative serves as a reminder to respect the laws of morality and ethics, knowing that our actions will have repercussions, both in this life and the hereafter.

At the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, we are told how they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) and Peter preached his first sermon to thousands of people who had come from many different places to celebrate the day of Pentecost. Such was the blessing and anointing of the Spirit upon him, that on that day 3000 people were touched by God's grace and salvation.

The church in Jerusalem was growing daily in number and holiness. But Luke shows us the reality of a church that was not all righteousness and goodness as we may sometimes think of the early church, it was a church full of sinners but who had repented and been saved by the atonement of Christ. The verses before Acts 5, which is the passage that interests us, tell us that the multitude of believers was of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32). There were no needy because many believers sold their possessions or houses voluntarily, this is important to keep in mind, no one forced anyone to do so, and they brought it to the apostles to distribute it to the neediest.

Among these generous Christians was Joseph, or as he is better known by his nickname "Barnabas". He sold a piece of land he owned and brought the money to the apostles so that they could distribute it to the neediest. In that same church in Jerusalem, there was a married couple of believers named Ananias and Sapphira. And this is where the story begins.

Right after Barnabas' donation to the needy, Acts chapter 5 begins with a "But...", which implies that you are going to see a contrast between what Barnabas did and what Ananias and Sapphira did. Nowhere else in the Bible do we hear about Ananias and Sapphira, we know nothing about their family, or if they had children, or what they did, or how many possessions they had. What the Scripture does show us is that they two agreed to sell a possession. Up to this point, there is no problem, the problem comes later: the donation of Ananias and Sapphira, in appearance, followed the behavior of other believers, but "And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet." (Acts 5:2)

The problem was not that Ananias and Sapphira kept part of the money from the sale of the possession because they could do it, no one forced them to give it all. Their problem was that they lied to the apostles and said that they were bringing all the money they had taken from the sale of the possession,. They wanted to give the image of being as generous as Barnabas, and that the brethren in the church in Jerusalem would praise them and think that they had sacrificed by giving everything. They wanted to impress others, to make them think that they were very spiritual and generous, when what they were doing was deceiving and lying, first to the Holy Spirit and then to the believers: "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?" (Acts 5:3)

The apostle Peter learned of the deception, by revelation from God, and confronted Ananias with his sin. "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." (Acts 5:4)

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him." (Acts 5:5-6)

It was a divine punishment, here we cannot see that he had a heart attack and died, we can clearly see the hand of God acting directly. Ananias died because of deception, because of a lie.

But there is a second part, three hours later, the biblical account tells us, it happened, that Sapphira entered where Peter was, but without knowing what happened to her husband. Peter gave her the opportunity to repent and asked her: "... Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out." (Acts 5:8-11)

Sapphira, having agreed with her husband about the money, lied to Peter without her voice trembling. She did not even suspect what this lie was going to bring her, if she had repented for a moment, she would have realized that this sinful attitude does not please God, if she had told Peter the whole truth, the end of this story would have been very different.

Jesus begins by saying: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” (Matthew 25:1-2) 

Jesus does not say that half of the disciples who inherit the Kingdom of Heaven are foolish and the other half are wise. Rather, what he means is that, when it comes to the Kingdom, each disciple has a choice between being alert or distracted. However, Jesus has no doubt that each of his servants can remain faithful and receive the blessings of his Father.

In the comparison, the ten virgins go out to greet the bridegroom and join the wedding party. When the bridegroom arrived, the girls would have to light the way with their lamps to honor him as he led the bride to the house prepared for her. But does that actually happen?

Jesus explains: “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ”(Matthew 25: 3-5). The bridegroom arrives later than they expected. It seems that the delay is long, and the girls fall asleep.

In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus recounts what happens when the bridegroom finally arrives: “ And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. '”(Matthew 25: 6). Will the girls be prepared and vigilant?

Jesus continues: “Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. '”(Matthew 25: 7-9).

“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”(Matthew 25: 10-12). What a sad ending! And all for not having been ready or vigilant.

The apostles realize that the bridegroom is Jesus, since he has been compared to a bridegroom before (Luke 5:34, 35). What about the wise virgins? Speaking of the “little flock” that would receive the Kingdom, Jesus said these words: “Be ready and with your clothes on, and have your lamps burning” (Luke 12:32, 35). So now the apostles can understand that virgins represent faithful disciples like themselves. What lesson does Jesus want to teach them with this comparison?

Jesus leaves no room for doubt. He concludes by saying, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. " (Matthew 25:13).

Therefore, Jesus advises his faithful followers to "always be vigilant" during his presence. He will come, and we have to be ready and vigilant like the five wise virgins, so that we do not lose sight of His precious hope and the blessings we may receive. We must be prepared, we must take breath, because Christ has promised us that he will come and that promise is not delayed.

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” - Matthew 21:28-32 

Our life is full of opportunities to say "yes" to God, and also, to say "no".

We are free, and we can choose either one or the other. But when we choose to say “yes,” God expects us to stay true to Him, and to be consistent with our decision.

It is useless to say “yes” with our lips if our way of acting does not confirm our words.

In this case it is more meritorious, after having said "no", to repent of what was said, and act as if we had said "yes", as Jesus teaches in the parable.

Many times we believe that we are good people, and that we "deserve salvation", because in our life there is one or another pious practice, which we carry out with the desire to "please God", but in the rest of the time, we do not remember for nothing of Him, and we live according to our wishes and whims.

On the other hand, there are people who, despite being branded by others - and also by us - as "sinners", estranged from God due to some circumstance in their life, who recognize their smallness, and with humble hearts beg for his mercy and compassion. with true repentance, and a deep desire for conversion.

Faithfulness and consistency are two essential qualities of the disciples of Jesus.

Faithfulness enables us to persevere in time and despite it, in our original decision to make his message of love and salvation come true in our lives. Consistency leads us to fully match our decisions and our actions.

Both require a great effort on our part, but with the grace of God, who is always ready to help us, both are possible.

We live in difficult times for faith; times in which to remain faithful and be consistent, can bring us displeasure, in many cases serious, and with people who are important to us; It can even happen - why not? - that at some point and due to some circumstance, our life is threatened; but God expects from us generosity and dedication to his cause; that's why we can't give up.

The episode of Zacchaeus is narrated to us only by Luke, and placed after the healing of the blind man from Jericho (Luke 18: 35-43) as a complement. The blind man is healed so that he can see Jesus, and Zacchaeus climbs a fig tree so that he too can see Jesus.

Tax collectors were looked down upon as sinners by the Jews of that time. The way in which taxes were collected then lent itself to much corruption and abuse, practices condemned by the Law of Moses. Sharing a table with a sinner was considered a "contamination" in sin, a complicity with him that was incapable of prayer and worship. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector in the Jericho region, and for this he was the target of scorn.

Jesus, who reads hearts, takes the initiative and invites all his people to Zacchaeus' house, which should not be small at all. The attempt is this to see the teacher has been more than rewarded. And the presence of Jesus and his words change her heart. The conversion of Zacchaeus is important because it shows us how faith in Jesus entails a change in attitude and lifestyle.

Zacchaeus agrees to give half of his assets to the poor and, in addition, if he has never extorted taxes, he will pay back four times more.

The expression of Jesus: today salvation has come to this house, contains a double meaning. On the one hand, Jesus, who is the salvation of God, has lodged in Zacchaeus' house, and has even stayed in his heart. On the other hand, salvation, understood as conversion to God, has transformed Zacchaeus' life.

To know more please read Luke 19: 1-10: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/19?lang=eng

In John 6 we find the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This is the only miracle of Jesus that all four gospels reported. Furthermore, no other miracle of the Lord Jesus Christ was performed in the presence of so many witnesses, nor did it have so many beneficiaries at the same time. The disciples could only do calculations with their own possibilities, forgetting that the power of Jesus always surpasses all human calculation. So they kept looking to see what they had, and finally all they could find was "five barley loaves and two small fish" that a boy had. This was a ridiculous amount, and as they themselves stated, "What are they among so many?" 

However, although they probably weren't very aware of it, they did two things that always make it easier for the Lord to start working: On the one hand, they admitted that they didn't have a solution to the problem, so they left the door open for the Lord to work. And on the other hand, they put what little they had into the Lord's hands.

For more information please read John Chapter 6: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/6?lang=eng

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes - statements that begin with the word blessed. This word declares a state of blessing that already exists. Each beatitude declares that a group of people who are generally regarded as afflicted are actually blessed. The blessed do not have to do anything to obtain this blessing, Jesus simply declares that they have already been blessed. Therefore, the beatitudes are first of all declarations of God's grace, they are not conditions of salvation or plans of action to gain entrance into the kingdom of God.

Those who belong to the groups of the blessed experience the grace of God, as the kingdom of heaven has drawn near. Notice the second beatitude, "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5: 4). Generally, people don't think mourning is a blessing. It is something painful. However, with the coming of the kingdom of heaven, mourning becomes a blessing, because those who mourn "will be comforted." The implication is that God himself will be the one to comfort them. The affliction of mourninig becomes the blessing of a deep relationship with God. That actually is a great blessing! 

Although the main purpose of the beatitudes is to declare the blessings given by the kingdom of God, I see them as a picture of the character of that kingdom. When we enter the kingdom of God, we want to be more like those who are called blessed — to be more humble, more merciful, more hungry for justice, more likely to make peace, and so on. This gives a moral imperative character to the Beatitudes. Later, when Jesus says, "Make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19), the beatitudes describe the character that these disciples should have.

The beatitudes describe the character of the kingdom of God, but they are not conditions of salvation. Jesus does not say, for example, "only the pure in heart can enter the kingdom of heaven." This is good news because the beatitudes can be difficult to fulfill. Since Jesus says, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28), who could actually be "pure in heart" (Mt 5: 8)? If it weren't for the grace of God, no one would be blessed. The beatitudes are not a judgment against all who do not meet the standards, they are a blessing for anyone who decides to join the kingdom of God while it "is near."

I am grateful for Jesus Christ and his teachings, reading the Sermon on the Mount always brings me a feeling of courage and hope that difficult things can have a happy ending because of Christ.

For more information please read Matthew 5-7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/5?lang=eng

Christ's ministry on earth is full of miracles and stories that strengthen our testimony of the great love that He has for all of us.

In the first chapter of Mark we are presented with a miraculous event: “ And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” (Mark 1:40)  But what was even more painful is that leprosy made people ceremonially impure. At some point, this man would have been examined by a priest and diagnosed as a leper. Since then he was forced to live on the margins of God's people and excluded from the religious life of Israel (Lev 13: 45-46). Coupled with this was the terrible doubt that was raised in the leper as to whether perhaps God Himself rejected him.

The leper's daring approach to the Lord, against the Law and despite the sure opposition and disgust of the people, indicates that he had heard or seen enough of the power of the Savior to awaken in him a living faith.  On the other hand, it is also important to note the attitude of Jesus. Contrary to what any rabbi of his time would have done, Jesus did not move away from him, but allowed this approach, and even, when the time came, he also approached the leper to the point of touching him to heal him.

“And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.” (Mark 1:41-42)  Let us note that the man was kneeling before Jesus, therefore, when he says that he extended his hand, we must also suppose that he leaned towards him. Here we have a great contrast between Christ and the rabbis. They generally treated lepers with contempt, even throwing stones at them to get away from them. But Christ never rejected them. In this case, the Lord allowed the leper to come near, and He Himself touched Him.

There were very few known cases of lepers who had been healed: Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5), Mary, sister of Moses (Num 12: 9-15). But the fearful disease, a true death in life in those times, had to yield to the Prince of Life. There are no limits to the power or love of the Savior. If men are lost it is never because they are too bad or dirty to be saved, but because they do not want to go to Christ who can save them. 

I testify that the love that Jesus Christ has for us is as strong as it was in the days of his earthly ministry. Through repentance and the Atonement of Christ we can have a new start in our lives no matter how big or small the mistakes we have made, just enough to have faith and the desire to change.